REGION - As the state's multi-phase reopening plan continues the Mid-Hudson Region entered Phase 3 on Tuesday.

Under Phase 3 guidelines, restaurants can open indoor seating at 50 percent capacity with tables distanced six feet apart. It also allows for gatherings of up to 25 people.

Personal care services such as tattoo and piercing facilities, massage therapy, spas and nail salons can all re-open at 50 percent capacity (hair salons were already permitted to open under Phase 2).

Some restaurants in the region have been doing takeout since the start of the pandemic, and are now adding outdoor seating and beginning indoor seating.

“We kept pretty steady and started curbside delivery and take out,” said Caterina Lance Vandermark, owner of Colosseo Family Restaurant and Pizzeria in Monticello. “Since we were not able to open up our dining room we took that time to renovate the restaurant. Now our tables are ready—six feet apart, constantly wiping, cleaning and sanitizing—we are all ready to go. We miss our customers and the conversations we had.”

With the region's entrance into Phase 3, Sullivan County government offices will reopen to walk-ins by appointment only.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, county facilities have mostly been closed to the public, with phone calls, online transactions and drop boxes taking the place of in-person visits. Proper facial coverings and social distancing will be required at all facilities.

“This will be a step toward a full reopening, but it will not be business as usual, and the public is encouraged to continue using the above-mentioned alternative methods,” said County Manager Josh Potosek. “We will be limiting both the staff on hand and public access so as to maintain safe, COVID-free operations.”

The beginning of a new phase comes amid news that New York State is one of three states that are on track to contain COVID-19 according to a study by Covid Act Now.

“We went from one of the highest infection rates to one of the lowest, and we did it by making decisions based on the science, the data and the facts - not on politics,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "New York is finally coming back, and I can't stress enough how important it is that we don't blow this incredible progress now. To all New Yorkers - wear a mask, get tested, socially distance, wash your hands and be smart."

Cuomo issued an executive order yesterday saying that anyone traveling from states with a high number of cases must quarantine for 14 days when arriving in New York State.

The states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. New Jersey and Connecticut issued similar travel advisories.

Active cases of coronavirus in the county have been steadily declining the past few weeks. As of press time, there were 14 active cases and 1,416 total confirmed cases.

Based on the two-week projection, Sullivan County could enter Phase 4 on Tuesday, July 7. That phase, the final one, allows for the reopening of arts and entertainment, recreation and education.

It was announced on Tuesday that Phase 4 would not include casinos, shopping malls, gyms and movie theaters.