“The new State Liquor Authority guidelines released yesterday that put further restrictions on bars and restaurants point to exactly why a more regional approach for a COVID-19 response is needed. Responsible businesses across the North Country are being punished for businesses in other regions of New York that are not following social distancing guidelines. We need to listen to the data; the number of infections in the North Country remains low. The North Country has the lowest infection rate in the State and has the highest number of hospital beds available. It is unfair to place these restrictions statewide when regions like the North Country are proving that businesses can reopen responsibly, and I will continue to advocate for a regional approach that recognizes our district’s needs.”