An email update from the Governor:
I write to update you on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is gripping our state and our nation.
As you may know, in order to slow this pandemic, I put New York on PAUSE. That means non-essential businesses are closed and gatherings of any size for any reason are canceled. All New Yorkers are directed to practice social distancing — by staying home and keeping six feet of space from others when in public.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, liquor stores and other essential businesses will remain open. For a full list of essential businesses that will remain open, click here. For more information on New York’s COVID-19 protocols, visit the Department of Health’s Coronavirus website.
I did not make these decisions lightly. They are necessary to reduce the spread of this virus and save lives.
We know that many New Yorkers are suffering financially as a result of this pandemic — which is why I issued a 90-day moratorium on evictions and on mortgage payments. The deadline to file taxes has been postponed. We will continue to take action to help New Yorkers who are facing economic hardship.
Today I went to the Javits Center in New York — where we are gathering medical supplies and beginning construction with FEMA on a 1,000-bed temporary hospital. We are working closely with the federal government to expand hospital capacity by thousands of beds.
Right now we are facing a generation-defining challenge. But America is America because of our ability to overcome adversity and challenges. I believe that to the bottom of my soul. We will overcome this and we will get through this and we will come out even stronger.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Columbia County Current 