Where can I still go? What NY’s coronavirus ‘stay at home’ order means

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo Holds Daily News Conference Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during his daily news conference amid the coronavirus outbreak on March 20, 2020 in New York City. Cuomo ordered nonessential businesses to keep 100% of their workforce at home in an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)Getty Images

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The latest and most dramatic set of restrictions on individuals and businesses goes into effect at 8 p.m. today in New York to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Most businesses have to send 100 percent of their workers home. Those that stay open must ensure customers maintain six feet from each other.

Gatherings are banned, including house gatherings. Vulnerable people need to stay indoors. No more close-contact and group sports. But restaurants can still offer takeout meals.

These are some of the so-called “PAUSE” requirements that aim to slow the spread of the coronavirus, in addition to Matilda’s Law, which tries to protect elderly and immuno-compromised people from being infected.

“These provisions will be enforced. These are not helpful hints. This is not if you really want to be a great citizen. These are legal provisions. They will be enforced,” Cuomo said Friday.

Cuomo earlier today praised people for going outside to take a walk or run. But he also warned that not all exercise was safe. Consider basketball. “There’s no concept of social distancing while playing basketball,” he said. “It doesn’t exist. You can’t stay 6 feet away from a person while playing basketball. You can, but then you’re a lousy basketball player and you’re going to lose.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon echoed Cuomo’s comments later in the day. He said he’d heard people were continuing to play hoops at parks and to congregate at corner stores. He urged people to stop or authorities might have to send law enforcement out to break up crowds. McMahon also asked parents not to let their kids play with other kids.

Businesses can face fines up to $2,000 and a mandatory closure if they are found to be violating the closures, according to Cuomo’s executive order.

Police departments across the state can also enforce the requirements placed on individuals, though it was not immediately clear what the penalties could be. In Syracuse, the police department will enforce the order as needed.

“The Syracuse Police Department urges people to follow the restrictions that the governor has set in place. Any enforcement of these restrictions will be handled on a case-by-case basis,” said police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Malinowski.

The list of requirements includes:

  • All non-essential businesses statewide must close or face up to $2,000 in fines and a mandatory closure.
  • Gatherings of individuals of any size are canceled or postponed, including “parties, celebrations or other social events.”
  • Any concentration of people outdoors must be limited to workers providing essential services, and workers should stay six feet apart.
  • Individuals in public must maintain six feet of distance between each other.
  • Businesses must also require customers to maintain six feet apart from each other.
  • Individuals going outdoors should limit their recreation to non-contact sports or activity and avoid coming into close contact with others
  • Individuals should limit use of public transportation and keep their distance
  • Sick people should only leave home to receive medical care and only after a telemedicine visit that deems an outdoor trip medically necessary
  • Young people should practice social distancing and avoid contact with the elderly, people with underlying health conditions and/or those who are vulnerable to contracting the disease
  • All should use proper sanitizing practices, such as isopropyl alcohol wipes.

Restrictions are stricter on the elderly and people vulnerable to the disease. Under Matilda’s Law, named after Cuomo’s mother, vulnerable people are asked to:

  • Remain indoors.
  • Go outside only for solitary exercise.
  • Pre-screen all visitors and aides.
  • Avoid households with multiple people.
  • Wear a mask when with other people, as should visitors.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Stay away from public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

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