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New York City Cautiously Reopens

Margaret Besheer

   NEW YORK - New York City began a gradual restart of its economy Monday,
   three months after shutting down all but the most essential businesses
   in order to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

   "This is a powerful day," Mayor Bill de Blasio said at an outdoor news
   conference at the Brooklyn Navy Yard marking the launch of Phase One of
   the city's restart. "Day 100 of the coronavirus crisis and it is the
   day we start to liberate ourselves from this disease."

   He said he expects between 200,000 and 400,000 workers will start
   returning to their workplaces in the construction, manufacturing,
   wholesale supply and non-essential retail sectors. Shoppers will still
   have to pick up their purchasescurbside, on-site shopping is not slated
   to return until the second phase of the four-stage reopening in
   approximately two weeks. Local hospitals have also been given the go
   ahead to resume elective surgeries.

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