Albany, N.Y. - Governor Cuomo has surprised local leaders across the state by announcing that Phase 2 will not be happening for anyone.
Cuomo said in an interview with an Albany radio station that data from Phase 1 will be analyzed by international experts before anyone gets the green light.
Local leaders and businesses were blindsided by Cuomo's comments and have been expressing frustration with the Governor over the last-minute change.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said that he was taken by surprise by the Governor's comments on experts. McMahon claimed that no one knew COVID-19 data in CNY better than area health officials. He did express some optimism when speaking to our Dave Allen this morning that the Governor will do the right thing and clean up his comments.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente was less optimistic in an impromptu press conference. He says he learned of the delay on a call with state officials that the region does not have the approval to move forward with Phase 2 of reopening. He also shared that there was no timeline given when the next phase of the reopening could occur.
Picente says that in the meantime he is asking the County Sheriff and Board Chairman not to continue enforcing restrictions on businesses planning on reopening today as part of Phase 2. It is a sentiment that is similar to one offered by Madison County Chairman John Becker. He said that he will still allow Phase 2 businesses in the county to reopen, so long as they've submitted a safety plan to the county.
Local officials say that there was a phone call last night with members of the Governor's administration. They say there was little guidance shared then, but are looking for more information to be shared during the Governor's Coronavirus Taskforce Briefing later this morning.