New Infections: Based on guidelines from the CDC,
regions must have at least 14 days of decline in total net hospitalizations and
deaths on a 3-day rolling average. In regions with few COVID cases, the region
cannot exceed 15 net new total hospitalizations or 5 new deaths on a 3-day
rolling average. In order to monitor the potential spread of infection in a
region, a region must have fewer than two new COVID patients admitted per
100,000 residents per day.
Health Care Capacity: Every region must have the
health care capacity to handle a potential surge in cases. Regions must have at
least 30 percent total hospital and ICU beds available. This is coupled with
the new requirement that hospitals have at least 90 days of personal protective
equipment stockpiled.
Diagnostic Testing Capacity: Each region must have
the capacity to conduct 30 diagnostic tests for every 1,000 residents per
month. The state is rapidly expanding capacity statewide to help all regions
meet this threshold.
Contact Tracing Capacity: Regions must have a
baseline of 30 contact tracers for every 100,000 residents, and additional
tracers based on the projected number of cases in the region. The state is
currently building an army of contact tracers with Mayor Bloomberg to meet the
needs of each region statewide.
Governor Cuomo also outlined which industries and businesses
can open in each phase of the state's re-opening plan. Businesses considered
"more essential" with inherent low risks of infection in the
workplace and to customers will be prioritized, followed by other businesses
considered "less essential" or those that present a higher risk of
infection spread. Regions must not open attractions or businesses that would
draw a large number of visitors from outside the local area.
The Governor also outlined new safety precautions that each
business must put in place upon re-opening to help lower the risk of spreading
the virus. Businesses will be required to:
-Adjust workplace hours and shift design as necessary to
reduce density in the workplace;
-Enact social distancing protocols;
-Restrict non-essential travel for employees;
-Require all employees and customers to wear masks if in
frequent contact with others;
-Implement strict cleaning and sanitation standards;
-Enact a continuous health screening process for individuals
to enter the workplace;
-Continue tracing, tracking and reporting of cases; and
-Develop liability processes.
