On Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed that the Mid-Hudson Region would enter Phase 2 of the four-phased reopening process on Tuesday.

The Mid-Hudson region consists of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties. Phase 2 allows businesses such as retailers, car dealerships, hair salons and barber shops to reopen, with safety precautions in place. Restaurants can also reopen for outdoor dining with social distancing and offices can allow 50 percent of its workforce to return to the office.

Cuomo noted that for four straight days only about one percent of New Yorkers getting tested for COVID-19 tested positive out of over 261,000 tests. He said that the numbers prove the state can continue the reopening process, but added it will be stalled if the numbers go back up.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears less menacing on the local front. As of Monday, there were only 50 people hospitalized in Orange County due to COVID-19. This is down significantly from April 15, when 236 people were hospitalized. The state of Ulster County also looks brighter, as the number of active cases continues to decrease.

Nevertheless, COVID-19 has left its mark on Orange and Ulster Counties. As of Monday, there had been 10,609 total confirmed COVID-19 cases throughout Orange County as well as 467 deaths. During that time frame there had been 1,767 total confirmed cases and 81 fatalities in Ulster County. The Town of Montgomery had 599 total confirmed cases while Crawford had 90. Shawangunk suffered from 112 positive cases, which have claimed the lives of four people. 38 Gardiner residents had tested positive for COVID-19, however no one died.

“We just need to make sure everyone continues to be vigilant,” said Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher. “To practice social distancing when possible, to be responsible. People are still getting sick from COVID-19 every day. People are still dying of COVID-19 every day.”

Though many businesses are opening once again, they will look different. Barber shops and hair salons can have no more than 50 percent of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy. Waiting rooms must be closed and lines should be avoided, to the extent possible.

Employees must wear a face covering and a face shield that completely covers the nose and mouth at all times. Customers are only permitted entry if they are wearing an acceptable face covering, provided that they are over the age of two and can medically tolerate one. Employees must use gloves when providing service to a customer, or workers must sanitize or wash their hands before and after contact. If gloves are used, they must be replaced after each appointment.

Barber shops and hair salons are forced to clean and disinfect their areas after every shift, daily or more frequently as needed. Hand sanitizer is placed throughout the location for use by employees and customers. Signage is placed outside reminding customers to adhere to proper hygiene, social distancing rules, appropriate use of personal protective equipment and cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

Employees who provide service directly to customers are required to be tested for COVID-19 through a diagnostic test every 14 days, so long as the region remains in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening.

Victor Marrero, co-owner of VIP Barbershop in Walden took all the precautions for the reopening of his business. He has set up proper signage, telling customers they must wear a mask prior to entering his business. A bench has been set up outside the shop, where customers must sit six feet apart from each other. He is excited to get things up and running again.

“Barbershops are a place for meaningful gatherings,” he said. “Of course you’re getting your haircut, but it’s more for the conversation, the atmosphere, the ambience. It’s a place where they can vent, get stuff off their chest.”

The New York State Liquor Authority confirmed on June 3 that any business with a valid liquor license can reopen in regions that have entered Phase 2 for outdoor service.

Any consumption of food and/or beverage must happen in outdoor, open-air areas, without a fixed roof. Consumption must happen while seated at a table, bar or counter. All tables must be six feet apart and any seat at a bar or counter must be six feet apart.

Staff must wear face masks at all times. Customers must wear face masks any time they are not seated.

Like barber shops and hair salons, no more than 50 percent of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy are allowed for office-based work during Phase 2. A distance of at least six feet must be maintained amongst all individuals at all times. Any time workers or visitors must come within six feet of another person, face coverings must be worn. Non-essential common areas such as gyms, pools and game rooms must remain closed.

Workers and visitors must wear face coverings in common areas including elevators, lobbies and when traveling around the office. Employees are also mandated to limit the sharing of objects, such as tools, laptops, notebooks and writing utensils.

The office location, shared surfaces and other areas such as equipment should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Employees are also subject to mandatory health screening assessments.

While Phase 2 did not affect town halls opening, the Town of Shawangunk announced Monday that town hall would remain open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The only door available is the entrance next to the firehouse. Visitors must wear a mask while in town hall. They must also sign the sign-in sheet and list the department they are coming to see. Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher hopes to follow in the Town of Shawangunk’s footsteps.

“We are preparing for town hall to be open to the general public for Phase 4,” he said.