Governor Andrew Cuomo Questioned About Phase 4 Reopening, Bowling Alley Owners Express Concern

New York State is currently in Phase 4 of reopening amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, state officials and local bowling alley owners are asking Governor Andrew Cuomo to give the green light for reopening the recreational sporting facilities, even though they were previously determined to be nonessential businesses.

Initially, bowling alleys had been included in the Phase 4 plans, but openings were subsequently delayed indefinitely, according to WKTV. As a result, owners say that they're struggling and want to be allowed to once again open their facilities as safety measures have been put into place, including limited capacity, mask requirements, and plexiglass partitions.

"We have a sanitation station set up. When somebody bowls they all go to their lane in their bowl when they're done they leave everything on their lane. I'll have a dedicated employee I will go over and clean everything, every touchable surface, including bowling balls, shoes, and they will return them," said King Pin Lanes owner Craig Vogel.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, of District 119, agrees that New York bowling alleys should be able to open.

"The plans have been done to ensure that safety and they deserve the opportunity to put those plans forward. All bowling alleys are 3,000 plus square feet so they have the opportunity to ensure social distancing and safety for everyone that is within," she stated.

However, Governor Cuomo has continued to voice his concern about taking the particular step amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Thursday, the democratic politician addressed similar matters at a press conference. While his comments were more tailored towards the reopening of gyms, he did state that now is not the appropriate time to partake in "dangerous activities," as reported by Times Telegram.

"I don’t think that is the time to do,” Cuomo said, according to a transcript provided by his office. "We’re precariously perched. And again, I applaud New Yorkers because they’re the ones who have found us this perch in the sea of spread but it’s only a function of our intelligence and our discipline.”