NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Open At 75 Percent Capacity Soon

LONG ISLAND, NY — With the coronavirus positivity rate continuing its steady decline, restaurants will be able to open at 75 percent capacity across New York State beginning March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday.

That directive includes all New York restaurants except those in New York City, which will remain at 35 percent capacity. Other restaurants in New York have been operating at 50 percent capacity.

"Our fight in the war against COVID-19 continues, but we are encouraged by the decrease in infection and hospitalization rates and the rise in vaccinations," Cuomo said.

New Yorkers must continue to wash their hands, social distance, and wear masks, he said.

On Sunday, the state's positivity rate stood at 2.98 percent, with 59 deaths reported.