HF Mayor urges support as businesses reopen
With Mid-Hudson COVID-10 infection rates dropping and deaths at their lowest points since the pandemic struck in March, many area businesses were able to reopen this week as the region hit Phase 3 of ‘New York Forward’.
In the Highlands community, several changes were immediately noticeable as the new phase took effect Tuesday. Small businesses such as nail salons and tattoo shops reopened; playgrounds reopened or were preparing to reopen; restaurants were able to open their doors to indoor diners (at 50 percent capacity), and the number of people allowed to gather was increased from 10 to 25. In early July, youth sports can resume.
The Highland Falls Library began offering ‘drive up’ service this week.
All of this comes at a time when local officials worry about two things: the continued health of the community residents and the success of local businesses.
“This has been tough,” Mayor Joe D’Onofrio said. “I hope that residents will continue to support our businesses. If we don’t do it, no one else is going to. It’s up to us to save our shops.”
Both he and Supervisor Bob Livsey also noted that it is important for residents using those shops to follow the rules set in place — the wearing of masks, social distancing, and staying home when sick.
Precautions are being taken at all of the municipal buildings in the town and village to help insure the safety of employees and the public, they added.
As of this past Monday, there were 166 cases of Coronavirus recorded in the town, with one death, the mayor said.
