Governor Andrew Cuomo discussed the gradual startup of New York businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown during a briefing in Johnson City.

Cuomo provided a coronvirus update Tuesday at the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy building on Corliss Avenue.

While looking forward to the reopening of the state by region, the governor expressed concern that businesses will use the pandemic as an excuse to boost profits by laying off workers and not rehiring many of them.

Cuomo suggested corporations are ready to embark on what he called a "scam" in order to boost stock prices at the expense of workers.

The Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley regions are being permitted to enter the initial phase of reopening select businesses on Friday.

The governor said it will be up to local officials to enforce rules on businesses that resume operations too soon.

Cuomo said local officials must closely monitor COVID-19 cases to ensure there are no significant increases as the regional reopenings move forward.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

 

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