Many bars in New York City have already been shuttered since Tuesday, when Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered all restaurants and night life to close except for takeout and delivery.
On Friday, Cuomo issued an executive order mandating all non-essential workforce to stay home and all non-essential businesses to close. Essential businesses include hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and news media.
Liquor stores were not specified in Cuomo's announcement, but New York's State Liquor Association quickly clarified: "Liquor stores have been deemed an essential business and may remain open," the governing body posted on its website. "You do not need to reduce your workforce."
However, barbershops, hairdressers, tattoo parlors and nail salons must close as of 8 p.m. on Saturday "as these services cannot be provided while maintaining social distance," according to a news release on the New York state governor's website.Cuomo also published a statement and video encouraging New Yorkers to stay in touch despite the lockdown and separation rules.“Those three-word sentences can make all the difference: I miss you, you know, I love you, I’m thinking about you, I wish I was there with you, I’m sorry you’re going through this, I’m sorry we’re going through this," Cuomo said.
Along with the video he tweeted, "I know many New Yorkers are anxious and worried. But we're all in this together. Let's support each other.”Three-word sentences can make all the difference: 'I miss you.' 'I love you.'I know many New Yorkers are anxious and worried. But we're all in this together. Let's support each other. pic.twitter.com/8KUqaEoqWC
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 20, 2020