Cuomo: No State Fair; Casinos and Theaters Remain Closed; Studying School Reopening

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the New York State Department of Health, in consultation with the Reimagine Education Advisory Council and others, is finalizing guidance on the possible reopening of schools in September. New York State previously directed all school districts to develop reopening plans. A decision on whether to reopen schools in September has not been made yet.

Cuomo also announced that casinos and movie theaters will currently remain closed as the state government continues to review the science and facts on their safe reopening.

The governor also announced that the New York State Fair will be cancelled this summer out of an abundance of caution.

Governor Cuomo announced that the 2020 Great New York State Fair would be canceled to ensure the health and safety of New Yorkers and all fairgoers. This is the second time in the Fair’s long history that it has been necessary to cancel the State Fair: the first was during World War II, and today in 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In both cases, the cause was just and proper: to protect people. We are proud to put on the Great New York State Fair and provide a showcase for the best of New York agriculture, but our number one concern is always the health and safety of our fair-goers, vendors and staff. We dearly wish we could hold the Fair this year and know that one day soon we will come out of the darkness. When we do, the things we enjoy and the people we love will be there. This is a difficult chapter in our history, but it is only one chapter and the next chapter will be our best ever. We will see you next August. Until then, stay safe and be strong.

The governor also announced that New York State will make industry recommendations on the use of air filtration technology to potentially eliminate the spread of COVID-19 through air conditioning systems. As evidence emerges that COVID-19 spread is linked more to airborne transmission than to surface area transmission, New York State is studying filters, their compatibility with existing air systems, the expense of modifications to air conditioning systems and other factors.

Cuomo has also called on President Trump to acknowledge to the American people that COVID-19 exists, is increasing and a serious problem, and that each American is part of the solution. The governor also reiterated his call for President Trump to wear a mask.