State remains on 'pause' until April 29

FINGER LAKES--During a press conference Monday, April 6, Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended the "New York on PAUSE" executive order until April 29, in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There are over 138,000 cases in New York state, largely surrounding cities, however widespread community efforts to reduce the transmission of the virus are in place.
The pause effort by the state impacts all areas of commerce with nonessential employees either off or working from home, and many "essential" industries taking drastic steps to encourage social distancing. Schools are also closed until at least April 29.
"As I said from day one, I am not going to choose between public health and economic activity, and to that end, I am extending all NYS on Pause functions for an additional two weeks," Cuomo said. "People are dying and our health care workers are exposing themselves to tremendous risk every day. If we can't convince you to show discipline for yourself in terms of social distancing, show discipline for other people."
While New York has led the nation in COVID-19 cases, Yates and Schuyler Counties have been among the lowest of confirmed cases.
As of press time, Yates has two confirmed cases, one recovered, 80 negative tests and five currently in isolation or quarantine. Schuyler includes five positive, four recovered, 132 tested negative and 17 in isolation or quarantine.
The governor also announced the state is increasing the maximum fine for violations of the state's social distancing protocol from $500 to $1,000 to help address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols. Localities have the authority to enforce the order.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where distancing is difficult to maintain.