Places of Worship Can Reopen In Phase 2 at 25% Capacity

As reported by Dutchess Business Notification Network today, A new Executive Order has been signed that allows places of worship to reopen in Phase 2, which starts today (Tuesday, June 9th) at a 25% capacity basis, with social distancing precautions in place.

Guidance on how to clean and disinfect houses of worship can be found HERE. The Executive Order can be found HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber to Dutchess Business Notification Network, you are missing out! It’s a must-read during a pandemic. When local legislation changes every single day.

County Executive Marcus Molinaro had petitioned for this legislative change, stating in a press release: “Our churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of faith need to be available for neighbors, leaders and community to come together. The personal interaction that occurs in faith communities can prove invaluable. We fought for this. It is an important step and powerful message at the right moment in New York. It’s an important time to humble ourselves, pray for peace and work for healing.”

In an email sent to Governor Cuomo asking for the change, County Executive Molinaro signed it with this:

“Open the doors to our houses of faith - if only with limited capacity - to help us heal.”

Stay safe. Be well.
We are all in this together.

Marc Molinaro, Dutchess
Steve Neuhaus, Orange
Pat Ryan, Ulster
Ed Day, Rockland
Mary Ellen O’Dell, Putnam

Rob Rolison, Poughkeepsie
Steve Noble, Kingston
Lee Kyriacou, Beacon
Torrance Harvey, Newburgh
Kelly Decker, Port Jervis