When does Phase 4 begin? It could begin as early as July 20 if everything goes to plan. New York State has been monitoring whether New York City meets seven health-related benchmarks. Basically, hospitalization and infection data must not show that more people are being infected with the virus than hospitals can handle. If those markers remain in check, as they are right now, and international experts determine its best to move forward, then NYC will continue though the reopening plan. The New York Forward Plan establishes a minimum of two-week intervals between a region's transition from one phase to the next. As a result, since Phase 3 began on July 6, it's likely we'll begin Phase 4 on July 20. What will reopen? Higher education: Community and junior colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, medical schools and technical schools. Each school will determine how it will resume classes, so make sure to check in with your respective college. Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment: Outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agri-tourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions. (The New York Botanical Garden has already announced that it plans to open under Phase 4, for example.) Low-risk indoor arts and entertainment: Museums, historical sites, aquariums. Each of these will announce their respective opening dates under Phase 4.
The New-York Historical Society, for example, is opening August 14 with an outdoor exhibit. Media production: All activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site. This means we will have new shows and films to watch in the future!
Professional sports competitions with no fans: Stadiums or arenas with professional sports events, except for collegiate sports, horse racing or auto racing. (The US Open is already planned to start on August 31 with no fans allowed.) Museums can open but why aren't they reopening immediately? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, for example, is eyeing an August 29 reopening instead of opening right away on July 20. It'll use that time to prepare its staff and buildings for visitors.
When it reopens, at first, the days and hours it'll be open will be reduced "given the need to provide an environment that respects social distance requirements," and the museum won't have tours, talks, concerts or other events through the end of 2020.
bye- and remember that patience is a virtue.
