After 83 days on lockdown, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that Long Island could be just days away from being able to implement phase 1 of reopening.

"We're hopeful that the number of deaths continues to decline and then they would be opening this week," Cuomo said in his Friday briefing.

The news is extremely welcome to people like Mitch Pally, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute. He says about 90% of construction jobs were ordered closed as a result of the pandemic.

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"It can put thousands of people back to work in Nassau and Suffolk with the flip of a switch," says Pally. "Get people back to work ... because every time a house is sold, the town makes money, the county makes money on building permits."

Other industries on the phase 1 list include a small portion of agriculture that was deemed nonessential, like the equine indsutry, forestry, fishing and hunting. Retailers will be able to open for curbside or in-store drop-off and pickup. Manufacturers will get back to work and wholesale trade will begin again.

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Lisa Spica, owner of Dance and Things in Smithtown for a decade, says the shutdown has taken a toll financially and emotionally.

"Financially it's been horrible. You know we still have our bills to pay and we still have the rent. That hasn't stopped," she says. "I was fearful it was going to be later in June so I'm happy."

Cuomo lifted a ban on all gatherings Friday night, issuing an executive order that allows gatherings of under 10 people if they're practicing social distancing.