Cuomo announces new state bar, restaurant, gym regulations
On March 16, New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced several statewide regulations that are meant to standardize COVID-19 responses for the region.
Among the changes include no gatherings of 50 or more people. Casinos, restaurants, gyms and theaters across the state will be closed until further notice starting at 8 p.m. tonight. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to sell products through takeout or at separate locations.
In addition, all local governments are required to reduce their workforce by 50%. All local police departments and emergency medical services will be supplied masks, and New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland must have childcare, educational services and meal programs in place by midnight and must be approved by the state.
The governor also announced that the state has had significantly increased numbers of tests, with 7,000 tests per day anticipated by the end of the week. He acknowledged appreciation for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their increased mobility on this issue.
Drive-through testing, a testing method Cuomo said is far safer than emergency room testing, will be available in Long Island, Staten Island and Rockland County.
