On Monday, July 20, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo officially announced that New York City would be entering Phase IV of reopening. This announcement has been long-awaited, and our city is well on its way to hustling and bustling again.

However, that doesn’t mean there still isn’t work ahead of us. At HYDR8, we focus on helping businesses, warehouses, medical facilities, and schools prepare to keep people hydrated without touching buttons on our water coolers. Our uniquely designed and easy-to-install water foot pedal is continuing to make water access easy and worry-free. If you’re looking for ways to do your part to stop the spread of this virus, here’s what you need to know about our new reopening phase.

Is NYC Still Impacted by COVID-19?

Yes. Just because we’re entering a new phase of reopening does not mean you should let your guard down. COVID-19 is still a real threat to our safety, and it’s going to take everyone’s cooperation to make sure we keep our city healthy.

According to Monday’s press release from the governor’s office, phase four is a hallmark for the state. Every region in New York is now in stage four of reopening. While this may be the final phase, there are still precautions that need to be taken. On Sunday, July 19, 2020, New York conducted nearly 80,000 COVID-19 tests, with 776 of those returning positive. There were also ten COVID-related deaths on Sunday. These numbers may seem low, but that’s because we’ve all done our part to keep each other healthy and safe.

What Reopens in Phase IV?

In this final phase, Governor Cuomo announced that the entire state would reopen “without any additional indoor activity, such as malls and cultural institutes.” Stage four also allows for schools to open as long as they meet state guidelines. Low-risk outdoor activities will also be permitted at 33% capacity, and outdoor professional sports will take place without fans.

Additionally, all four zoos in NYC – the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo – will open their gates to guests starting Friday, July 24, except for indoor exhibits. One-third of the crowd will be allowed into the zoos, and social distancing reminders will be placed all around as a reminder to keep your distance. Entering phase four also means that TV productions can resume around the city.

Furthermore, Cuomo praises the entire state for making it into phase four without have to re-close or shutdown. If you’re wondering what you can do during this phase and what might still be on pause, our local news stations keep everyone up to date.

How to Keep Yourself Safe

As you head back to work or venture out of your downtown apartment, remember to stay safe. It’s still highly recommended that you social distance as much as possible and wear a mask if social distancing is not possible where you’re going. You should also continue to wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol to kill any potential germs lingering on your hands. Remember to avoid large crowds and stay hydrated to help your body flush out any toxins and waste.

If you’re heading to the office, avoid the elevators and use the stairs as much as possible. This may not be feasible for some, so have your hand sanitizer handy and wear your mask will riding to your floor.

Hands-Free, Germ-Free

Help stop the spread of germs in the workplace and keep your office bottleless water cooler sanitary between each use. The HDYR8 water foot pedal makes your water cooler hands-free, germ-free, and worry-free. To learn more, visit us online, or contact us at (718) 313-0113 for installation on your bottleless water cooler.

Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/kheTI8pIywU