'Let's Play Ball': Baseball, Outdoor Performances Back In NY

NEW YORK — With coronavirus positivity rates continuing to drop statewide, on Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new openings for New York ahead — including the return of Mets and Yankees games.

As of Thursday, New York's positivity rate stood at 2.8 percent, with 57 deaths reported statewide. With positivity down and vaccinations up, Cuomo said it's time to "look to the future. Let's get back to living and getting the economy running."

As of April 1, sports venues with 1,500-plus indoor, or 2,500 outdoor capacity can reopen, with indoor capacity capped at 10 percent and outdoor capacity raised to 20 percent, Cuomo said. Those in attendance will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of immunization.

That means 8,384 fans will be allowed at CitiField and 10,850 at Yankee Stadium, Cuomo said.

Also as of April 1, outdoor performing arts venues with 2,500-plus capacity can open at 20 percent capacity.

Being back outside at a ballgame, Cuomo said, is "so good or the psyche. . .Hope springs eternal." The long, dark winter of the pandemic is receding, and "spring is upon us," he said.

In addition, beginning on March 29, statewide travel for sports and recreational travel will once again be allowed.

Joined by members of the Mets and Yankees, Cuomo said it's time for New York to build back bigger and stronger. "Let's play ball," he said.

On Wednesday, Cuomo also announced that indoor fitness classes can resume at 33 percent capacity statewide, with health screening and contact information required at sign-in. Classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection between sessions.

And, beginning on April 5, the 11 p.m. curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted — but the 11 p.m. curfew for food and beverage establishments and the midnight curfew for catered events will remain in effect, Cuomo said.