Summer is back on.
Arcades and amusement parks can open with restrictions this spring, and summer camps will get reopening guidance soon under changes announced today by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.
“It’s just great news,” said Gina Mintzer, the president of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and CVB.
The restrictions: arcades (officially, “indoor family entertainment centers”) can open March 26 at 25% capacity.
Outdoor amusement parks such as the Great Escape and Lake George Expedition Park can open at 33% capacity beginning Friday, April 9.
“Additionally, day and overnight summer camps in New York State can begin to plan for reopening,” the announcement says. More guidance there is coming.
The standard restrictions on face coverings, social distancing and temperature checks will be required, the announcement says, and all businesses must submit reopening and health plans to the local health department.
"We have been working with Great Escape management throughout the pandemic in preparation for the day that they would get the go-ahead to re-start, and we are confident they will have plans in place for a safe experience for guests and staff members alike," Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty said in a statement. He chairs the Tourism/Occupancy Tax Coordination Committee on the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
The Chamber’s Mintzer said most member businesses in the area already have health and COVID plans, ones that they created and used last summer.
The state monitored activity strictly, and county officials and the chamber itself kept businesses in check. It was not always smooth. However, as they followed their plans and CDC-recommended best practices, the business community eventually developed the “safety pledge” which will continue this year.
“We had a tremendous collaborative spirit,” among Lake George Village businesses, she said.
She said many businesse probably are wishing they could open now. In a normal year, this would be the time of the winter carnival, which generally draws thousands of visitors.
“[Arcades] would have been open all this week,” Mintzer said, since area schools are on winter break. “I’m sure a lot of parents right now wish they were open today.”
Other restrictions include:
- Contact information must be collected from each party to inform contact tracing, if needed.
- High-touch areas, attractions, and rides must be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day.
- Attractions must close if they cannot ensure distancing and be frequently cleaned/disinfected.
- Sufficient staff must be deployed to enforce compliance with rules, including capacity, distancing and face coverings.
- Tickets should be sold in advance, and entry/exit and waiting times should be staggered to avoid congestion.
- Indoor areas must meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards.
- Retail, food services and recreational activities must abide by all State-issued guidance.
Editor's note: In the initial posting on this article, we incorrectly listed Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty's title. It has been corrected.