Cuomo: Malls, gyms, theaters won't reopen at start of phase 4

Long Island is expected to enter phase four in two weeks.

News 12 Staff

Jun 24, 2020, 10:39 AM

Updated 1,493 days ago

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Long Islanders looking forward to going back to the gym in time for summer will have to wait a little longer after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that fitness centers and other high-risk businesses aren't opening quite yet.
Cuomo says that phase four businesses will be divided into subgroups, with some opening earlier than others.
In the beginning of phase four, shopping malls, gyms and movie theaters won't be allowed to reopen. The wait for those places to reopen is not clear.
 
All of those industries were expected to reopen at the beginning of phase four, which is scheduled to start two weeks from Wednesday on Long Island.
Michael Hobbs, the owner of Fitness 19 in Malverne, says he's frustrated and confused after suddenly learning that gyms will no longer be included when the final phase of reopening gets underway.
Going forward, the governor says health officials will study the impacts of gyms, theaters and shopping malls to decide when the can reopen.
Dean Theodorous, the owner of Merrick Cinemas, says the bills keep piling up as the seats have been empty for months.
The state will allow colleges and universities, media production, and low-risk arts and entertainment, including outdoor venues like zoos and indoor facilities like museums to reopen with social distancing restrictions.
In phase four, indoor religious gatherings will be allowed at 33% occupancy, which is an increase from 25%.



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