May 29, 2020
From Steuben County:
The Southern Tier Region, which includes Steuben County, has met all the required metrics established by the Governor’s office to begin Phase Two of reopening. Phase Two businesses include:
• Office-Based Work
• Hair Salons & Barber Shops
• Real Estate Services
• Commercial Building Management
• Essential and Phase II Retail – In-Store Sales
• Vehicle Sales, Leases, and Rentals
• Retail Rental, Repair, and Cleaning
“Steuben County supports and stands behind our local businesses, and I believe those that fall under Phase II should be permitted to open starting today,” said Legislative Chairman Scott VanEtten. “Our governments, businesses, and residents have worked hard to comply with the directives of New York State and have met all benchmarks for the next phase of reopening. The time is now.”
“We are thankful that Steuben County and the Southern Tier Region have met all the metrics to be able to head into Phase Two,” said County Manager Jack Wheeler. “However, I am extremely frustrated and disappointed with the Governor’s Office in the delays in providing critical guidance to the businesses that are set to reopen. It is absolutely unacceptable that the Governor unilaterally changed the processes on a whim yesterday afternoon. This must be rectified immediately, and planning for Phase Three needs to be handled in a more proactive and thoughtful manner.”
Guidance for Phase II businesses can be found at https://forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries . Businesses must review the guidance, their industry’s business safety template, and affirm via an online form that they have implemented the measures outlined.
