To the editor:

Memorial Day is an important American tradition meant to celebrate and honor our veterans, and it has become a staple pastime for many New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors and often travel for the long weekend. 

This Memorial Day, we have to do so creatively and safely as we continue in our efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and keep the number of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths down.

We are on the other side of the mountain — we cannot go backward now.

The governor announced on Wednesday that the state will be allowing Memorial Day ceremonies of 10 people or less, along with vehicle parades to honor our brave and selfless veterans. It is up to local governments if they wish to hold these ceremonies.

And with the warmer weather finally upon us and people anxious to get outside, the governor announced that state beaches and lakes will be open starting Friday for the Memorial Day weekend. Again, it is up to local governments if they would like to open their municipal beaches and lakes as well.

Strict social distancing guidelines will be enforced, with no more than 50% capacity allowed, and areas of social gatherings, like picnic areas and playgrounds, will be closed. This is all being done in coordination with our neighboring states Connecticut and New Jersey.

Regions across New York state, including all seven regions of upstate New York, have met the seven metrics to start reopening under Phase 1 — which includes construction, manufacturing, retail (curbside, drop-off and in-store pickup), and agriculture, forestry and fishing.

As we get further into spring and closer to summer, we know this is the time people want to be outside. As a frequent visitor to the Adirondacks, I know people want to go to areas of the state where they can enjoy the outdoors — like the many lakes, parks and mountains in the Adirondacks and the Catskills.

People can visit the state’s many parks and walk, hike and cycle trails to enjoy all that New York has to offer. But we strongly encourage social distancing and wearing a mask to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others.

I urge New Yorkers not to forget the importance of safety as we enjoy the holiday and nice weather. We’ve sacrificed so much to get to this point of a sustained downward trend — we cannot erase our progress.

The coronavirus is still prevalent in our communities. It will not take a vacation. We have to be smart and learn from our actions. Please exercise good judgment, respect others and be safe.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul