reopening

We're joined by New York State Senator Edward Rath III. Rath is a Republican representing the 61st District; this is his first term in Albany. We sit down with the senator to discuss a number of issues, including the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, allegations against Governor Cuomo, reopening the state, economic development, and more.

Our guest:

• Edward Rath III, New York State Senator (R), 61st District

Dozens of small business owners held a news conference this week to call on New York State to allow for further reopening. The owners represented gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and more. They argue that New York State has handled the pandemic well, but has not been consistent with reopening plans.

Is it time to open the gyms? Is there a case for comedy clubs or movie theaters? Our guests weigh in:

• Charles Moreland, co-owner of the Rochester Parkour
• Mark Ippolito, co-founder of Comedy at the Carlson
  

This fall, Greece Central School District will operate under a hybrid model. Under the plan, most students will be in schools two days a week and then do remote learning for three days, but students also have the option to learn at home 100 percent of the time.

Superintendent Kathleen Graupman says the model was selected after the district heard from thousands of parents and students. She joins us this hour to discuss Greece's plan. Our guest:

• Kathleen Graupman, superintendent of Greece Central School District, and head of the Monroe County Association of Superintendents

Rochester Institute of Technology has an extensive safety plan ready for the start of the fall semester on Aug. 19.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he’ll decide next week on whether schools can partially or fully reopen in September.

Meanwhile, many school districts have been busy figuring out safe ways to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some have already made some preliminary decisions.

Cuomo said he’s waited until early August to make a final decision because he wants the latest data available on the rate of transmission of the virus. Cuomo, speaking in mid-July, said the reopening will be guided by science.

The problem with our new reality is, we can’t see it from where we are now.

The new reality, of course, is COVID-19. The numbers -- more than 600,000 dead worldwide, more than 140,000 dead in the United states -- tell us the virus is not a conspiracy theory. Science tells us it’s not going to simply disappear.