New York and New Jersey are beginning to unveil a blueprint for reopening their states and restarting their economies. Both New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy have said they'll reopen in phases, while cautioning that people will have to adjust to a "new normal" in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that has infected hundreds of thousands of residents of the region.

The former Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Health Department's Division of Disease Control, Dr. Isaac Weisfuse, discussed the preliminary plans with WNYC's Jami Floyd. He said state's instituting their own individual plans could complicate coordination in the region.

"I think certainly in the downstate New York area, Connecticut and New Jersey, there has to be a common strategy by all governors," said Weisfuse.

For the full conversation, click "Listen."