14 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • OCTOBER 2020
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
OPEN NY ATTRACTIONS
BY RYAN D’AMICO
Laser Bounce Family Fun Center owner
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plan
has delayed the reopening of a key
economic driver for New York – the
attractions industry – for far too long
and to the detriment of the state’s citizens
and businesses.
Under the governor’s plan, one of the
most restrictive in the United States,
places of recreation, including family
entertainment centers, amusement
parks, waterparks and other attractions,
must remain closed.
The continued closing of the attractions
industry is inconsistent with current
U.S. Centers for Disease Control public
health recommendations and may reflect
a fundamental misunderstanding
of the attractions industry and its ability
to operate safely – now – within the
scope of CDC recommendations.
Safety is the attractions industry’s
number-one priority. We appreciate
Cuomo’s thoughtful approach to reopening
New York, but now it is time
to allow our industry to reopen to our
guests, so they can once again enjoy
safe, memorable experiences at their
favorite local attractions.
Our industry has come together to develop
new protocols and procedures for
safe operation in the wake of the COVID-19
pandemic. IAAPA, The Global Association
for the Attractions Industry, has developed
its in-depth COVID-19 Reopening
Guidance that has successfully been used
in countless state reopening plans.
Operators of attractions, particularly
indoor attractions and gated attractions,
have total control over the number
of guests that are admitted on any
given day. Attractions facilities around
the country have received approval for
reopening plans that include significant
daily attendance caps both to ensure
compliance with social distancing
recommendations and to prevent the
kind of uncontrolled crowds that have
been experienced at other locations.
The governor need only look to attractions
in New Hampshire, Connecticut,
Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania
and New Jersey – all of which
have recently reopened – for evidence
that these attendance caps work.
The attractions industry in New York
has been forgotten. We employ thousands
of people in our communities
and contribute to our communities.
Our employees are ready to work. Our
guests are ready to return. And we are
ready to work with the state to present
our plans on how we do all of this, safely.
Cuomo’s reluctance to similarly move
New York toward the safe reopening of
the attractions industry is denying New
York jobs, revenue, and – perhaps equally
importantly given the stress of recent
months – an escape. Gov. Cuomo should
reconsider his stance and engage with
attractions leaders before it is too late.
“Cuomo should reconsider his stance.”
MARTIN A. GLEASON FUNERAL HOME LLC.
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