Expanded Capacity At NY Stadiums, Offices, Casinos, Gyms

LONG ISLAND, NY — With New York's coronavirus rate continuing to decline, pandemic restrictions are continuing to ease as Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced expanded capacity for certain venues starting next month.

Starting May 19, capacity for outdoor stadiums will increase from 20 percent to 33 percent. Starting May 15, capacity at offices will increase from 50 percent to 75 percent; casinos will go from 25 percent to 50 percent; and gyms and fitness centers outside New York City will go from 33 percent to 50 percent.

"The arrows are all pointed in the right direction," Cuomo said during a news conference in Syracuse.

He said the New York State Fair will happen Aug. 20 through Sept. 6. The fair will have 50 percent capacity, with four sections for food and beverages, amusements and rides, concerts, and agricultural exhibits.

The statewide COVID-19 positivity rate on Monday was 2.39 percent and there were 41 new deaths, the governor said. A total of 3,100 were hospitalized with the virus, the lowest since Nov. 26, he said. And, he added, there are 729 patients in intensive care, the lowest since Nov. 30, and 454 were intubated, the lowest number since Dec. 4.

Long Island's positivity rate was 2.2 percent, Cuomo said.