BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Phase four of New York's reopening plan is expected in the coming days, though there are still plenty of questions ahead of the anticipated stage.
A report out of Albany says that malls, gyms, and movie theaters will not be allowed to reopen when a region hits 'Phase 4.'
Phase four will have its own series of phases within it. Hochul said the "first phase" of phase four will address cultural institutions. There was no information given about when other elements of the phase will reopen. Hochul said that additional guidance on other industries that are not in phase four will come out when the state sees fit.
"It will come as soon as we're able to," Hochul said. "No longer will there be a two-week requirement that we wait. That is a development based on the fact that our rate of infection is less than one percent. On the other hand, we're watching what's happening in other states."
Hochul said she understands the stress that some businesses may have because of the regulations.
"The nature of certain businesses lend themselves to more risk," she said. "We are in a better place today because New York State carefully balanced the risk versus reward in slowly opening up manufacturing and construction...When you get down to the businesses where there's regular human contact and contact where other people are using the equipment, there's a lot more risk involved."