Cuomo Says Malls Can Reopen In Phase 4 Regions If They Have Enhanced Air Filtration Systems In Place
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There have been 11 additional deaths in New York due to coronavirus, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo called "relatively good news" compared to where the state was at the height of the pandemic.
The governor also hailed Long Island's entering Phase 4 reopening today.
"The bad news is everything around us, frankly," Cuomo said. "Thirty six states are seeing an increase in the COVID infection rate. That is the bad news."
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Cuomo said that is not a matter of increased testing - increased hospitalizations show the reality of the problem, he said.
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The governor said all county fairs have been canceled.
Cuomo said the state continues to research air filtration systems to see if they can filter out COVID-19 from the air in indoor situations like malls. He said that malls in Phase 4 regions can reopen on July 10 provided they have enhanced HVAC filtration systems in place.
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The Palisades Center in Rockland County said they would reopen on Friday. Pyramid Management Group said the "announcement was great news for Pyramid's tenants, their employees, our own employees, and all of the people living in the communities where our properties are located. With proper precautions in place and health and safety a top priority, we look forward to restoring our centers to their dominant positions as the economic drivers of their respective regions."
"We are pleased that the governor has finally set a date for malls to be allowed to reopen. Continuing to subject the hundreds of small businesses that operate within the Palisades Center and elsewhere around New York State to unfair and unnecessary regulation would have had devastating economic consequences. These spaces are reopening with significant additional precautions in place to protect the health and safety of employees and customers," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "I remind everyone that as we reenter these businesses, we must all continue to practice the good habits of social distancing, wearing face coverings and thoroughly washing our hands. These habits helped us get COVID-19 under control locally and in order for our shops, restaurants and businesses to remain open we need to maintain the progress we've made."
