Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Hudson Valley Gears Up for Reopening



The criteria has been met and some business sectors can start back up

Hudson Valley, COVID-19, reopen, safety

Governor Cuomo announced this week that the Hudson Valley has met the criteria to begin reopening, and Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan and Westchester counties will be back to business. 

Comments by some of the county executives, as reported in the MidHudson News coverage of the announcement, caution that wearing masks and staying safe are their top priority. 

“We are ready to go,” said Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus. “We want everyone to stay vigilant and wear masks.” Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said the reopening is “a new chapter.” He said public health teams “will be watching all of the data closely to protect our community health.” Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan said it is “now even more important that we all do our part to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and wash our hands.” 

The loosening of restrictions in New York will be considered on a regional basis, based on the following criteria: 
  • The infection rate is sufficiently low;
  • The health care system has the capacity to absorb a potential resurgence in new cases;
  • Diagnostic testing capacity is sufficiently high to detect and isolate new cases; and
  • Robust contact-tracing capacity is in place to help prevent the spread of the virus. 

However, the governor goes on to say, “Once a phased re-opening begins, it is essential that the rate of transmission be carefully monitored and remain under control. Each region must appoint an oversight institution as its ‘control room’ to monitor the regional infection rate during the phased reopening.”

Phase one, according to the Governor, allows construction projects to move forward, and stores to reopen with curbside pickup. Businesses in manufacturing, wholesale trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting can resume business as well. 

However, they will not be business as usual. “Transmission of COVID-19 will remain a threat to employees and customers for some time,” says the Governor, “and business owners will need to adapt to this ‘new normal.’ Each business and industry must have a plan to protect employees and consumers, make the physical workspace safer and implement processes that lower risk of infection in the business.” State and local officials will continue to monitor the four criteria to make sure that infection rates are not increasing before moving to the next phase.


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Choose to move

    5 ways to help manage osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects over 32.5 million U.S. adults. OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness and can lead to limited function. read more »
  • Make these 10 doctor-recommended health resolutions in the new year

    Tips to help you get started

    The New Year is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your health and wellness. Not sure where to start? Doctors say you can make the biggest impact with small, incremental tweaks to your routine. read more »
  • The Bear Mountain Ice Rink is opening for the season

    Join them on November 4th for the first skate

    The Palisades Interstate Park Commission is pleased to announce the opening of the Bear Mountain Ice Rink for the 2023/24 season. Join us on November 4th for the first skate at the rink that was voted Best of the Hudson Valley three years running! read more »
  • Kingston Eats Veggies Campaign builds interest in local produce

    Kingston’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) is piloting “Kingston Eats Veggies,” a vegetable of the month campaign. read more »
  • ASHA announces new developmental milestones for children ages birth to 5

    Checklists will help parents track their child's development

    The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announces today the free, online availability of new checklists that detail communication (speech, language, and hearing) milestones for children ages birth to 5 years as well as feeding and swallowing milestones for children ages birth to 3 years. These milestones provide parents and caregivers with a roadmap of what to expect during their child's early years of life—and can alert them to the early signs of a potential developmental delay or disorder. read more »
  • How to make higher-quality choices at the grocery store

    Arm yourself with a plan and info

    Grocery shopping can be stressful when there are so many options, especially if you’re making a conscious effort to make high-quality food choices while you shop. Arming yourself with a plan and plenty of information can help you make smarter choices and feel good about the meals you prepare for your family. read more »
  • Self-care for sick days

    Navigate cough, cold and flu season like a pro

    Cooler weather inevitably means cough, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. Now is the time to take precautions and set yourself up with healthy habits. read more »
  • Simplify holiday hosting from start to finish

    It's all in the planning

    Hosting a major holiday event is no small effort. It requires close attention to detail from planning, cooking and cleaning to entertaining guests on the big day. Fortunately, just like any good recipe, approaching your hosting duties one step at a time can allow you to create a magnificent final product. read more »
  • Elevate your tailgate with easy-to-make recipes

    Concoct a winning game plan

    Concoct a winning game plan, gather the parking lot games and call the biggest fans you know – it’s tailgating season. This year, before you root on your favorite team, make sure your pregame party matches the intensity of the fourth quarter with recipes that really fire up the crowd. read more »
  • Holiday gift ideas to promote healthy, happy feet

    Give them some love this season

    Want to show your loved ones you truly care? Treat their feet this holiday season. read more »