“While I am encouraged that many regions, including the North Country have been able to reopen with restrictions, this phased reopening left a large gap between previous guidance and what is projected to be covered under Phase IV.

“It seems counterproductive to indicate that large box retail stores can open for business, or 150 individuals can attend an outdoor graduation, but businesses who have long standing practices of disinfecting such as fitness centers, malls, or even bowling alleys, cannot open their doors. Further, these businesses aren’t really reflective of the concepts of events included in Phase IV.

“I have continually advocated that the North Country region will take longer to recover economically than other regions, and our residents have worked hard to stop the spread and meet the necessary metrics to safely reopen. I am calling on the Executive to evaluate further businesses that can safely reopen, not only to help our economy to recover, but to meet consumer demand and unrest.”