Over the Memorial Day weekend Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for the seven counties that constitute New York’s Mid-Hudson region to begin Phase One of the re-opening process on Tuesday, May 26th. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said in a statement, “Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Region, will officially begin Phase One reopening on Tuesday, May 26th. With the region having successfully met all of the health metrics to reopen and the balance of volunteer contact tracers conducting their online training this weekend, Governor Cuomo has given us the green light for Restarting Dutchess on Tuesday.” Executive Molinaro continued, “We now begin a new chapter. The work we all do going forward will determine our course forward. Businesses will be slowly reopening with strict health and safety plans in place that must be followed. Public health teams will be watching all of the data closely to protect our community health. Individuals must maintain their vigilance in protecting themselves and their families – wear face coverings when going out, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands. Continuing to make smart choices will protect our community.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Town of North East Supervisor Chris Kennan when he said, “For a community which has been lumped in with more densely populated parts of this county, and of other Counties, this is welcome news. For businesses which have remained shuttered for over two months, this is such welcome news. For all of you who have been helping others, making masks, making and serving and delivering food, working as first responders on the front lines of health care, or serving our community and country in so many other ways, thank you. For all those who have patiently remained house-bound, or mostly house-bound, and who have been diligently wearing masks in public and observing strict social distancing, this is welcome news. But…it does not mean that we should stop being vigilant about our own health, the health of those we love and the health of our friends and neighbors.  It is not a reason to stop wearing masks in public. And we need to continue to practice social distancing, as it is these practices that have helped our North East community have the lowest recorded rate of COVID-19 infection in all of Dutchess County.”

Phase One includes delivery, curbside, and in-store pickup service only for the following businesses:

  •       Clothing Stores
  •       Direct Selling Establishments
  •       Electronics and Appliance Stores
  •       Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
  •       Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores
  •       Florists
  •       General Merchandise Stores
  •       Health and Personal Care Stores
  •       Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores
  •       Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
  •       Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores
  •       Used Merchandise Stores
  •       Shoe Stores
  •       Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument and Book Stores
  •       Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers