New York City is
on the brink of what Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling a “major reopening.”
The bar and
restaurant industry will be eligible to have 75% capacity by Friday.
The curfew for
outdoor dining will be lifted, which means bars and restaurants will be able to
stay open as late as they want on May 17.
The MTA will
resume around-the-clock subway operations on the same day.
Mayor Bill de
Blasio previously announced the city would fully reopen in July.
On May 19, most
capacity restrictions will be lifted.
There will be no limitations
on how many people can be at the gym, office, retail and food services.
Face coverings
will still be required at businesses and guests must continue to keep a 6-foot
distance if businesses don’t require proof of negative coronavirus tests or vaccinations.
Commuters say they
are excited for the reopening, but still think it’s important to keep social
distancing in place.
Others say they
are excited to be able to be with more than just a few family members and
friends so they can socialize better.
There will still
be limitations on larger indoor and outdoor venues.
Capacity for those
events will increase to 33% for those events, but residents will still need to
provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to go to a game or see a
concert.