SERINO TO STATE: REVERSE CHANGES TO PHASE 4 RULES

 HYDE PARK, NY – Senator Sue Serino today released the following statement slamming reports that the state has backtracked on Phase 4 reopening rules:

“New Yorkers have gone above and beyond to do their part to protect public health. Now, once again, in the dark of night, the state is re-writing the rules and making arbitrary decisions about who can open next and who cannot. It’s absolutely not right and I stand in support of the countless Hudson Valley employers and employees who are on the brink of financial ruin in calling on the state to allow these businesses to reopen as planned. 

To allow Hollywood heavyweights to restart production, but deny that right to small, mom and pop businesses like movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers, or businesses operating on already slim margins like local shopping malls, defies logic and proves that the state’s priorities are completely backwards. 

When asked to step up and stay home, New Yorkers kept their promise. Now, it’s far past time for the state to keep its own promise by allowing these businesses to open as scheduled.”

According to guidance originally issued by the state, Phase 4 reopening would include malls, gyms and movie theaters. However, late last night, local officials quietly received guidance noting that these businesses would not be opening as originally planned.  Instead, they were told media production, including motion picture, TV and streaming service production, as well as ‘low-risk’ indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment could resume operations. 

While the state has indicated these other businesses can open ‘soon,’ no date, plan or guidelines have been released that would indicate when that would be.

Senator Serino will be releasing a petition later this morning urging the state to allow these businesses to open as originally scheduled. Concerned residents can visit serino.nysenate.gov to sign the petition and make their voices heard.

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