WNY “Phase Two” Businesses Should Start Preparing Now

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul spoke about the state’s response to the pandemic in Western New York in her briefing carried last evening on WIVB-TV.

While summer school can’t happen in the classroom, it can happen remotely, Hochul said responding to the Governor's previous announcement.

She also commented on social distancing in reference to religious gatherings.

Hochul is encouraging Phase Two businesses to start preparing to reopen now. She says they may only get a few days notice before the next phase begins.

What areas are impacted by the four phases of reopening?

Phase One: Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York are allowed to reopen 

• Construction
• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
• Retail - (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale Trade

Phase Two: Not Open

• Professional Services
• Retail
• Administrative Support
• Real Estate / Rental & Leasing

Phase Three: Not Open

• Restaurants / Food Services

Phase Four: Not Open

• Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
• Education

For help determining whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, use the reopen lookup tool. You can also link to the NYS guidelines here.

Hopefully we are on the right track, and still practice safeguards to keep from slipping back, resulting in increased hospitalizations.