Long Island is not ready to reopen fully yet, but it is getting close. On Friday, some businesses such as gardening and landscaping will go back to work. Outdoor activities like tennis and drive-in movies will also resume.
As other parts of the state prepare take bigger steps toward opening back up, Long Islanders are getting a look at what is in store for them in the coming weeks and months ahead. On Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo laid out guidelines businesses must follow when they open once again.
Many businesses will function differently than they did before the pandemic. Some might have to adjust their hours, others their entire workspace to comply with guidelines put in to place to make sure there isn’t a resurgence.
Employees will have to maintain social distance, and if they come in to contact with others, a mask will be required.
Health screenings will also have to be introduced, although it isn’t clear if that means regular temperature taking or testing. Employees will have to put tracing procedures in place, should an employee test positive so they can determine contact with other employees, identify any other cases and report them to health officials.
Strict cleaning and sanitizing procedures will also be critical for businesses.
Gov. Cuomo explained, “If it does not go well and you see that infection rate moving because the hospitals tell you they see an increase or because you’re testing data shows an increase. You have to be ready to pull the plug or slow down the increase in activity.”
Long Island has a team assembled who will assist in reopening plans. It includes executives from both counties.
Long Island retailers prepare to reopen with big changes to how business is conducted
LIVE BLOG – Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond
TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths
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TIMELINE: Key COVID-19 events since late February
TIMELINE: Key COVID-19 events since late February
A timeline of key events since late February that showed the rapid spread and resounding impact of COVID-19 in the tri-state area and beyond.
A timeline of key events since late February that showed the rapid spread and resounding impact of COVID-19 in the tri-state area and beyond.
Coronavirus Pandemic: Resources
Coronavirus Pandemic: Resources
Survivor Stories
Survivor Stories
Senior Stories
Senior Stories
News 12 Sports is asking spring senior athletes to share what they’ll miss about the teams, friends and not having one last hurrah.
News 12 Sports is asking spring senior athletes to share what they’ll miss about the teams, friends and not having one last hurrah.
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes
There are many who work hard to keep things running, keep us informed and keep us safe. Nominate your Hometown Heroes.
There are many who work hard to keep things running, keep us informed and keep us safe. Nominate your Hometown Heroes.
Some low risk businesses to reopen with restrictions Friday on Long Island
Some low risk businesses to reopen with restrictions Friday on Long Island
Tuesday, May 12 2020 7:18 AM EDT2020-05-12 11:18:19 GMT
Small businesses on Long Island who didn’t get any money from the federal government’s first round of stimulus aid are hoping to get a piece of the latest aid package.
Small businesses on Long Island who didn’t get any money from the federal government’s first round of stimulus aid are hoping to get a piece of the latest aid package.
Employees will have to maintain social distance, and if they come in to contact with others, a mask will be required.
Employees will have to maintain social distance, and if they come in to contact with others, a mask will be required.
Town of North Hempstead launches summer drive-in movie series
Town of North Hempstead launches summer drive-in movie series
Tuesday, May 12 2020 7:34 AM EDT2020-05-12 11:34:17 GMT
Films will be projected onto large outdoor screens for residents to enjoy a night out while also following social distancing protocols.
Films will be projected onto large outdoor screens for residents to enjoy a night out while also following social distancing protocols.
Dr. Fauci reportedly to testify about the dangers if states reopen too soon
Dr. Fauci reportedly to testify about the dangers if states reopen too soon
Tuesday, May 12 2020 7:09 AM EDT2020-05-12 11:09:09 GMT
The leaders of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are set to testify remotely at the Senate coronavirus hearing.
The leaders of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are set to testify remotely at the Senate coronavirus hearing.
Equinox gyms reveal reopening plan with scheduled workouts, temperature checks
Equinox gyms reveal reopening plan with scheduled workouts, temperature checks
Tuesday, May 12 2020 7:08 AM EDT2020-05-12 11:08:10 GMT
Fitness Club officials said they had established a task force, including infectious disease experts, to develop the reopening strategy.
Fitness Club officials said they had established a task force, including infectious disease experts, to develop the reopening strategy.
Disney World now accepting reservations beginning in July
Disney World now accepting reservations beginning in July
Tuesday, May 12 2020 7:45 AM EDT2020-05-12 11:45:43 GMT
Disney World has been closed since mid-March and there’s no official word yet on a reopening date.
Disney World has been closed since mid-March, and there’s no official word yet on a reopening date.
Your Breath of Fresh Air Photos
Your Breath of Fresh Air Photos
In these trying times, we can all use a breath of fresh air every once in a while. News 12 wants to see your scenic photos while you get your breath of fresh air.
In these trying times, we can all use a breath of fresh air every once in a while. News 12 wants to see your scenic photos while you get your breath of fresh air.
Your Long Island Mother’s Day Photos
Your Long Island Mother’s Day Photos
It’s time to celebrate your mothers! Send a photo of your mother and tell us how much you love her!
It’s time to celebrate your mothers! Send a photo of your mother and tell us how much you love her!
National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos
National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos
It’s time to celebrate your teachers! Send us a photo of your favorite teacher.
It’s time to celebrate your teachers! Send us a photo of your favorite teacher.
Paws & Pals: Dogs up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue on May 8
Paws & Pals: Dogs up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue on May 8
Friday, May 8 2020 8:46 AM EDT2020-05-08 12:46:59 GMT
In this week’s Paws & Pals, News 12 Long Island featured four dogs up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue. The shelter is on 646 Route 112 in Patchogue.
In this week’s Paws & Pals, News 12 Long Island featured four dogs up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue. The shelter is on 646 Route 112 in Patchogue.
In this week’s Paws & Pals, News 12 Long Island featured four dogs up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue. The shelter is on 646 Route 112 in Patchogue.
In this week’s Paws & Pals, News 12 Long Island featured four dogs up for adoption at Almost Home Animal Rescue. The shelter is on 646 Route 112 in Patchogue.
Your Long Island fishing photos
Your Long Island fishing photos
Did you catch the big one? Prove it…no fish stories here! Send us a photo!
Did you catch the big one? Prove it…no fish stories here! Send us a photo!
Health Matters: The rapid spread of coronavirus
Health Matters: The rapid spread of coronavirus
Cases of coronavirus are spreading throughout Long Island and New York. Dr. John Zaso discusses COVID-19, ways to protect yourself and what to do if you need to quarantine.
Cases of coronavirus are spreading throughout Long Island and New York. Dr. John Zaso discusses COVID-19, ways to protect yourself and what to do if you need to quarantine.
Health Matters: Protecting against coronavirus
Health Matters: Protecting against coronavirus
With another case confirmed in New York, Dr. John Zaso discusses the symptoms of coronavirus and how people can protect themselves.
With another case confirmed in New York, Dr. John Zaso discusses the symptoms of coronavirus and how people can protect themselves.
Health Matters: Coronavirus vaccine
Health Matters: Coronavirus vaccine
Health Matters: Coronavirus and the flu
Health Matters: Coronavirus and the flu
News 12 sits down with Dr. John Zaso to discuss coronavirus and ways to stay healthy during the flu season.
News 12 sits down with Dr. John Zaso to discuss coronavirus and ways to stay healthy during the flu season.
Health Matters: Cervical cancer study
Health Matters: Cervical cancer study
A new study suggests cervical cancer could be eliminated in the U.S. with a mix of vaccine and regular screening. News 12 sits down with Dr. John Zaso to discuss the study.
A new study suggests cervical cancer could be eliminated in the U.S. with a mix of vaccine and regular screening. News 12 sits down with Dr. John Zaso to discuss the study.
