RyeCity REVIEW THE
June 11, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 21 | www.ryecityreview.com
COVID restrictions lifted at 70% vaccine rate
A new beginning Since opening in 2016, the Westchester Children’s Museum grew from a plan on the drawing board to become a beloved, vital educational institution serving the children of Westchester and the surrounding region. Now, as it sets to reopen this month, the museum will begin a a search for a new executive director. For more, see page 6.
County Health Department issues hot weather reminder Following a hot and humid weekend where temperatures cracked the 90-degree mark in Westchester County, and with temperatures expected to reach the mid-to-upper 80s for this week, the county Health Department is issuing a hot weather reminder. Temperatures have not been high long enough to warrant a heat advisory, but the constant heat and humidity can still take a toll. Residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, avoid the mid-day sun and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. “Make sure to pace yourself—don’t overdo it in the heat,” Latimer said. “If you have to spend a lot of time outdoors,
take breaks in an air-conditioned place and drink lots of water. And during a heat wave, remember to always check in on your elderly or ailing neighbors.” County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said people who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions. “Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise,” Amler said. “High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke. Be sure to drink lots of water and take it easy.”
Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive. Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so motorists should always look before they lock their vehicles. “To avoid tragedy, it’s also vital to never leave infants,
children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.” Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. Seniors, young children, people who are overweight or who have high blood pressure, people who work outside or in other hot environments are most at risk. Frequent breaks and drinking lots of water can help prevent heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin. WEATHER continued on page 8
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on June 7 that most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted once 70% of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series. The state’s New York Forward industry specific guidelines—including capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening and contact information for tracing—will become optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings. Largescale event venues, pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and healthcare settings must continue to follow the state’s guidelines until more New Yorkers are vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals will still be responsible for maintaining proper social distancing of six feet and wearing a mask as per federal Centers for Disease Control, CDC, guidance. Consistent with the state’s implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks will still be required for unvaccinated individuals. Largescale event venues, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and health care settings will be exempt from the restriction lift. In those settings, New York State’s existing COVID-19 health protocols will remain in effect. “The lifting of our COVID restrictions is a sign of how hard New Yorkers have worked to contain the spread of the virus and protect their communities,” Cuomo said. “With numbers trending at record lows, it is clear that the vaccine is effective and that it is an invaluable tool against the virus. While we have come so far it is still imperative that those who
have not received the vaccine do so, so that they may enjoy the state’s reimagined reopening to the fullest extent possible.” After 70% of adult New Yorkers are vaccinated, businesses may choose to continue to adhere to the state’s guidance or implement other health precautions for their employees and patrons. Businesses are also authorized to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and patrons within their establishments. Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act). The state Department of Health continues to strongly recommend masks and six feet of social distancing in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown As a reminder, until the New York Forward industry guidance is lifted at the 70% vaccination rate, the following are current summary health guidelines that apply across most commercial and social settings. Capacity - Capacity is only limited by the space available for individuals or parties of individuals to maintain the required social distancing based on vaccination status. For fully vaccinated individuals/parties, no social distancing is required. Businesses may require proof of full vaccination status through paper form, digital application or the state’s Excelsior Pass. Alternatively, businesses may rely upon self-reporting of vaccination status. Distancing - Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to be socially distanced and unvaccinated/unknown individuals need to maintain six feet of social distance. In lieu of six feet of social distance, appropriate physical barriers may be used so long as COVID continued on page 8