ALBANY, N.Y. – Hospitals and group homes can once again allow visitors -- as long as they follow the state health and safety guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement during his daily press conference Tuesday, saying the decision would be left to each individual facility.
“We’re going to allow hospitals to start accepting visitors at their discretion, pursuant to state guidelines, that have limited visits, PPE, temperature checks etc.,” said Cuomo. “This was always a balance of public health versus the personal relationships of people who were in hospitals, who desperately want to see loved ones, and loved ones who want to see people in hospitals.”
Starting Friday, June 19, group homes certified by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities may allow visitors, but must notify the state beforehand. Visitors will be required to wear face masks and may undergo temperature checks.
Cuomo also revealed that the U.S. Open tennis tournament will be held starting in late August.
The @usopen will be held in Queens, NY, without fans from August 31 to September 13.
The USTA will take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space, and dedicated housing & transportation.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 16, 2020
The U.S. Tennis Association had decided to go forward with its marquee event in New York City without spectators, pending an OK from the state.
Like many sports leagues, the professional tennis tours have been suspended since March because of COVID-19.
The U.S. Open is scheduled to run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13. It normally is each season’s fourth and final Grand Slam tournament but would be the second of 2020.
