NY Restrictions On Gatherings, Arts, Entertainment To Be Relaxed

With the coronavirus positivity rate continuing its decline in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said some restrictions on gatherings and entertainment would be relaxed in the coming weeks.

As of Wednesday, New York's positivity rate stood at 3.53 percent, with 75 deaths in the past 24 hours.

"Everybody wants all restrictions gone," Cuomo said. "But you also have to be smart about the reopening. In my opinion, some states are going too far too fast and that is a danger because COVID is still a risk. You relax those restrictions too far, you will see the beast rise up again."

Beginning on April 2, event, arts, and entertainment venues will be able to reopen at 33 percent capacity, with up to 100 people inside and up to 200 outside. If guests provide a negative Covid test before entering, the capacity at the venue can be increased to up to 150 indoors and up to 500 outdoors, Cuomo said.

Face coverings and social distancing will still be mandated, Cuomo said.

No more quarantine for domestic travelers

In addition, domestic travelers to New York State who have been vaccinated no longer have to quarantine or test out within 90 days of their full vaccination, he said.

Residential gatherings

As of March 22, residential gatherings of up to 25 can now be held outdoors, with indoor gatherings capped at 10, Cuomo said. Non-residential social gatherings of up to 100 people can take place indoors and events with up to 200 people can be held outdoors.

Cuomo also mentioned the Empire Pass Program: A new app is being developed with IBM that will allow people to show negative coronavirus test results before entrance to events that require testing.

That app has been tested both at Barclays and Madison Square Garden, and those tests have been successful, state officials said; once the state receives approvals, the app will be available for download.

Cuomo also issued a public apology after sexual harassment accusations but said he will not resign.