New York – On Wednesday, September 30th, restaurants in New York City can reopen for indoor dining starting at 25 percent, Gov. Cuomo announced over the weekend. All restaurants that choose to reopen must adhere to strict safety protocols, including increased ventilation and air filtration standards, temperature checks and face coverings when not seated, among other safety protocols, a press statement of the governor said.
“I want to thank New Yorkers for their hard work to increase compliance, and we can now take the next step in reopening our restaurants. We’ve been speaking with stakeholders, and we are now announcing that we can safely reopen indoor dining in New York City with limited capacity at the end of this month, as long as they adhere to strict health and safety protocols,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is good news and the right step forward, especially for restaurant owners and staff who have been struggling through this time. But it is up to all of us to ensure compliance and the health and safety of those around us.”
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association said, “Today’s announcement comes at a pivotal time for the restaurant industry in New York City, and we would like to thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing this and providing hope to the thousands of restaurants based here in the culinary capital of the world. Allowing restaurants to open indoors at a limited capacity will provide these eateries with an economic lifeline as they all try and keep their doors open through this pandemic. We will happily work with relevant governmental agencies and hospitality partners to help ensure that all restaurants in New York City understand the rules.”
The guidelines are as follows:
*25 percent occupancy limit
*Temperature checks will be required at the door for all customers
*One member of each party will be required to provide contact information for tracing if needed
*No bar service – bars will only be used as service bars, a source of making drinks and serving them tableside
*Masks must be worn at all times when not seated at a table
*Tables must be six feet apart
*Restaurants close at midnight
*Strict adherence to all State-issued guidance
*Restaurants should operate with enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards
*Limit air recirculation and allow for outside air ventilation
*Outdoor dining will continue in the interim # (Press release from the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo)
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