The Governor has held a daily briefing the last three days and has made several announcements we wanted to share. 

  1. The Governor announced details on New York's Vaccine Administration Program (VAP). This announcement included details on how New York will prioritize administration of the vaccine and information on vaccine delivery.  The plan notes that it is tentative for now because there is not specific guidance from the federal government that may necessitate changes to this program.  Here is a link to the Governor's press release, which has details on the VAP.
  2. Starting this Friday, October 23, movie theaters outside of New York City can begin to open at 25% capacity with requirements for masks and social distancing.  The concessions can be open for advance orders.  Specific guidance for movie theaters can be found on the New York Forward website here.
  3. Starting Friday, November 6, ski resorts can open.  Masks will be required when not eating or drinking, and lifts will be restricted to members of the same party.  There will also be cleaning and disinfecting requirements for rented equipment and the resort's restaurants must adhere to state-issued guidance. The lodges will be limited to 50% capacity and during peak ski times, or if trails are closed because of conditions, the capacity on the mountain must be reduced by 25%.
  4. There will be a moratorium on commercial tenant evictions through January 1, 2021.  This lines up with the residential tenant moratorium on evictions that was already announced.
  5. The travel advisory list has been updated, and it now includes 40 states.  It is important to note that New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania are NOT on the current travel quarantine list though their infection numbers meet the metrics to be added.  The Governor noted that he will be working with these states to see how we can help with their spike in infections.  He also said that they would look at reducing travel between the states to only essential travel.  Realistically, the Governor noted, that there was no practical way to institute a quarantine order for the border states since travel among these states is so frequent and happens at so many different entry points.  The Governor stated that he will provide more information tomorrow when he outlines his new micro-cluster strategy for containing the virus.  We will be sure to pass along any relevant information.  For the latest on the travel advisory, you can always check here.

As a reminder, the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in New York is next Tuesday, October 27, and early voting will begin in New York this Saturday, October 24.

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