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McMahon Says Miscommunication Responsible For Last Minute Uncertainty Around Phase Two

Onondaga County Executive's Office
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Youtube

Following late night confusion, Central New York is able to start Phase Two of reopening. Reports began Thursday evening that Governor Andrew Cuomo would not be allowing any part of the state to begin Phase Two until a data review by international experts, causing frustration among local leaders and residents.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said Thursday night’s events were a result of miscommunication. He said regional leaders didn’t know data needed to be externally reviewed. 

“We’ll be pushing that earlier going into Phase Three in our control room process. But that was the missing link,” said McMahon. “That’s like me having a conversation with Dr. Gupta and Dr. Thomas, an epidemiologist from Upstate. I don’t broadcast that as part of my process, but that’s part of a process I have.”

All guidance for Phase Two is now on the State’s website. McMahon reiterated that the process needs to be better ahead of Phase Three, and said a “one size fits all” approach to the reopening is getting harder. He said that working together through the phased restart is only the beginning.

“So we have to really look at working together on policy that’s going to drive an economic recovery at the same time preparing for a potential second wave of this thing in the late fall,” said McMahon. “There’s a lot of work to do, and we have to do it together.”

Syracuse’s unemployment rate rose to 16.3% in April compared to 3.8% at this time last year.

Katie Zilcosky is WAER’s All Things Considered host and features reporter. She also co-hosts WAER’s public affairs show Syracuse Speaks. As a reporter, she focuses on technology, economy, and identity.