ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a plan to reopen the state on a regionally-coordinated basis beginning May 19.
Cuomo said New York has worked with New Jersey and Connecticut on the regionally-coordinated reopening and beginning May 19 most capacity restrictions will end across the tri-state region. This includes:
- Retail
- Food services
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Amusement and family entertainment
- Hair salons
- Barber shops
- Offices
- Museums
- Theaters
Cuomo says the 6-foot social distancing rule remains in place across the state in line with the CDC's guidance. Although most capacity restrictions will end, capacity will be limited to the space available that will still allow for 6-foot social distancing. If the CDC's guidance changes, the state will update the guidance. The governor says if all individuals present proof of full vaccination or a recent a negative COVID-19 test, gatherings may occur in excess of the 6-foot rule.
"This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship," a release says.
Last week it was announced the bar and restaurant curfew would be lifted May 17 for outdoor dining and May 31 for indoor dining. Food is also no longer a requirement with an alcohol purchase in the state.
For catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result the curfew will be lifted May 17, the curfew for all catered events will be lifted May 31.
Indoor catered events can increase the gathering limit to 250, with proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test result it can be increased to 500 on May 19.
The outdoor social gathering limit increases to 500 on May 10, the indoor social gathering limit increases to 250 on May 19. The outdoor residential gathering limit has been removed and the indoor residential gathering limit increases to 50 on May 19.
Outdoor large stadiums can increase capacity to 33% on May 19. NY, NJ, CT are working on a joint protocol for stadiums moving forward.
Large-scale indoor event venues can operate at 30% capacity, an increase from the current 10 percent capacity, beginning May 19.
