Coronavirus Update, June 10, 2020
New York state has released guidelines for phase three of the Southern Tier’s reopening, which should begin this Friday.
The Southern tier is among select regions that are able to consider moving on to the next phase this week. State officials say the decision of whether or not to move forward will take place about two weeks after the second phase, and will be based on expert analysis of data, The Ithaca Voice reports.
Phase three will allow some bars and restaurants to open indoor seating at 50% capacity. It will also allow certain personal care businesses like barbershops, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors to open, under strict guidelines.
Tompkins County Director of Public Health Frank Kruppa has urged citizens of the county to continue to follow safety protocols as the state conducts its phased reopening.
In more coronavirus news, In Tompkins County the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 stands at 165, with no new positive cases. According to the Tompkins county health department, 150 of the positive cases have recovered, and over 12,000 people have been tested in total. There are no confirmed cases of the virus in Schuyler County as of Wednesday. According to health department officials all people infected with the virus have recovered.
There are over 600 new cases of COVID-19 in New York State as of Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to over 380,000, according to the state department of health.
Friends of the Tompkins County Library book sale has started up again after being halted due to COVID-19, the Ithaca Voice reports.
Donations will now be conducted on social distancing guidelines, with a restricted number of customers and pick up/drop off in the parking lot. Employees who sort the books for the sale will now sort specific sections in certain aisles in order to maintain social distance.
The book sale accepts donations Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm in the parking lot at 509 Esty Street. The first garage door of the warehouse on Esty Street will accept donations if there is bad weather.
Contributing writing by WRFI News Intern Phoebe Harms