The COVID-19 pandemic may be on the wane in the Tri-State area, but local officials are closely monitoring data to ensure a safe economic reopening.
More novel coronavirus infections and deaths are being confirmed each day. Concerns about the spread of the virus have lead to widespread event cancellations and postponements.
In this space, we keep track of information from the city, state and federal government as well as news on events in the city that have been affected by the pandemic.
As our states gradually reopen, the specter of a second wave remains top of mind.
Here is what we know, as of June 18, 2020:
COVID-19 Numbers
Globally
- More than 8.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases
- More than 448,000 deaths
United States of America
- More than 2.1 million cases nationwide.
- More than 117,000 deaths.
- Labor Department says 2.5 million jobs were added in May, is at 13.3 percent.
- President Trump has severed ties with the World Health Organization over its handling of the pandemic.
- Federal and state tax deadlines moved from April 15 to July 15.
- Essential workers who have been exposed to virus can return to work if they're asymptomatic.
- Student loan payments waived for six months.
- U.S./Canadian borders closed to non-essential travel until June 21.
Northeast Region
- Governors of NY, NJ, CT, PA, MA, RI and DE coordination regionally in reopening process.
- States announce joint initiative to slow the spread of the coronavirus:
New York
- 385,142 cases statewide, including 207,821 in NYC.
- More than 30,000 likely COVID-19 deaths statewide; about 22,171 likely deaths in NYC.
- NYC will enter Phase 2 of reopening Monday, June 22.
- Long Island enters Phase 2 of reopening.
- Five upstate regions enter Phase 5.
- New Yorkers urged to wear masks or face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained in public.
- State beaches have opened with restrictions.
- NYC restaurants, bars may only offer takeout, delivery.
New Jersey
- 167,703 cases statewide; 12,769 deaths.
- NJ enters second phase of reopening.
- State beaches and parks are open but with capacity restrictions.
- Non-essential retail, child care and outdoor dining.
- Stay-at-home order has been lifted.
- Youth day camps to reopen July 6.
- Dentists and optometrist offices reopened.
- Gov. Murphy announces 90-day mortgage relief, no evictions.
- In-person sales, outdoor dining, expected to resume June 15.
- All public schools closed until further notice.
Connecticut
- 45,429 cases statewide; 4,219 deaths.
- Phase 2 of reopening is underway.
- Indoor dining, movie theaters, hotels and gyms are open.
- Beaches, retail stores and malls have reopened, but with capacity restrictions.
- Restaurants can offer outdoor dining.
- Barber shops and salons have reopened.
- Schools closed.
NYC SCHOOLS
- NYC public schools closed through the end of this academic year.
- Schools and colleges must have reopening plans in place by September.
- New York Public Library closed.
SPORTS
- US Open will be held in Queens with no spectators August 31 - September 13.
- NY, NJ sports teams can begin practicing again.
- MLB owners approve plan to begin season in July, pending player approval.
- NBA, NHL suspended play until further notice.
CULTURE
- Broadway shows to remain closed.
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History closed until further notice.
- TriBeCa Film Festival postponed.
- Live Nation and AEG Live suspend all arena concerts until further notice.
Photo: Getty Images