Ithaca, NY (WENY) -- Tompkins County leaders took questions from residents about transitioning into Phase 3 and looking ahead. Leaders broke down what services and industries are affected by Phase 3 of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plan. Most importantly for Tompkins County, restaurants, as part of Phase 3 can now open up for dining inside but must remain at half capacity.

They also emphasized to county residents to stay vigilant and continue to follow safety procedures.

County leaders held their weekly Q&A session around 3:30, Friday afternoon. Many of the questions submitted focused on the county moving forward and how the county has faired in regards to the state metrics. This comes as the county's number of active COVID-19 cases is holding steady at 20.

“As we begin to reopen there's more opportunity, as you described in your opening to go out and do the things we love to do and we just want folks to be mindful,” said County Public Health Director Frank Kruppa.

Among businesses included in Phase 3 are restaurants and personal care services (like massage therapy and tattoo studios). Some restaurants on Aurora Street have already opened and are offering outdoor dining. Some restaurants and Ithaca city leaders are looking to close the street allowing restaurants to create more dining space by using more of the sidewalk.

“They do have to go through an approval process and that would have to go in partnership with the local municipality and the state liquor authority,” said County Administrator Jason Molino.

Molino said that adding additional space is one way to maintain safety between customers and keep with the six-foot social distancing requirement. He adds places can still refuse service for someone not wearing a mask. That executive order signed by Cuomo will also ensure employee and customer safety.

“It is the business's responsibility to enforce that and they can and they have been given the authority to,” said Molino.

“A lot of our departments are requiring people to schedule appointments to come on in so that we can maintain that social distancing,” said Jay Franklin, the county Assessment Director when speaking about county services.

Several questions during the live stream also focused on the future phase and surrounding recreational activities and when they might open, like pools, summer camps, and playgrounds.

“I do expect that we will start to see our playgrounds opening up in the coming days,” said Kruppa.

Looking ahead Molino and others are optimistic. Molino added that he hopes Phase 4 will be the last.

Molino says, “Right now as far as we know there are no new industries that are prolonged beyond Phase 4.”

Officials do want to remind people to follow the four safety guidelines. They include distance, face-covering, hand hygiene, and symptoms. To watch the full session go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT9BZ6CJjXg.