Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York City law firms could be cleared to return to in-office work as early as June 22.  

At a press conference in Albany on Wednesday, the Democrat reported that New York City is on track to enter phase two of the state's reopening scheme June 22. That move would allow companies to bring back office-based jobs, real estate services and in-store retail shopping in the city.

Regions throughout the state are in various stages in the reopening plan, which dictates what businesses are allowed to bring back their operations. 

State officials have loosened business restrictions for areas of upstate New York on a quicker timeline compared to downstate counties, which were hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.

An average percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in New York City has remained low overall even as state officials allowed construction, agriculture and manufacturing operations to come back, Cuomo reported. 

"The same metrics we use in New York City are the same metrics we've used in every region across the state. And they have all shown to be accurate and effective," he said.

"We don't change the rules for New York City," he added.

For companies that primarily use offices for work, the state has released mandatory practices and recommended best practices for COVID-19.