Major Economic Reopening Planned For New York State

LONG ISLAND, NY — A major economic reopening has been planned for New York State businesses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

As of May 19, most capacity restrictions will end across the tri-state area in businesses including retail stores, restaurants, museums, gyms and fitness centers, amusement parks, barbers and hair salons, and Broadway theaters.

However, the 6-foot distancing rule mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will remain in place still in place — except in cases where people can show that they have been fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 PCR test, Cuomo said.

"There are benefits to being vaccinated," Cuomo said.

Restaurants can also still erect barriers in their establishments to allow for expanded capacity.

In addition, New York's outdoor food and beverage curfew will be lifted as of May 17; and for indoor areas, that curfew will be lifted on May 31, Cuomo said. The outdoor large stadium capacity will go to 33 percent in New York State on May 19. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are working on a joint protocol for stadiums moving forward to allow for expanded capacity, Cuomo said.

In addition, the 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where those attending have proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test will be lifted May 17; the curfew for all catered events will be lifted May 31, he said.

Also, catered events can begin again at homes beginning on Monday above the state's residential gathering limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as long as the events are staffed by a professional, licensed caterer, permitted by the respective locality or municipality, and strictly adhere to health and safety guidance, including social and event gathering limits, masks, and social distancing.

Seating at bars will also be allowed beginning Monday in New York City, consistent with the food services guidance in effect statewide.

Also on Monday, the guidance for dancing at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states, replacing fixed dance zones for each table with social distancing and masks, Cuomo said.

"This is a major reopening of economic and social activity," Cuomo said.

Coordination has commenced with the MTA to allow for the resumption of 24-hour service, he said, as employees will need to get back to work; those services will resume 24-hours a day on May 17.

"Today is a milestone for New York State, a significant moment of transition," Cuomo said.

On Monday, the state's positivity rate stood at 1.9 percent, with 37 deaths.

While New York, according to the CDC, has the highest number of adults fully vaccinated in the nation, that vaccination rate has slowed — and there needs to be an emphasis on encouraging young people to be vaccinated, Cuomo said.

When asked about a possible mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers, Cuomo said that measure would require a law, and would be "highly controversial."