Construction at the Islanders' new arena at Belmont Park has paused following Gov. Andrew Cuomo's directive to stop all non-essential construction in New York.

The arena is due to open in 2021, but it is unclear whether the stoppage in construction will push that date back.

Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello responded to the stoppage in a statement, saying, "We support Governor Cuomo's efforts to eliminate the COVID-19 virus. He has been the driving force behind the construction of Belmont Park Arena. The progress that has been made since the groundbreaking is truly incredible and is a credit to all of the construction workers that have been there every day. Those workers are all a part of our community and we want them safe and healthy."