Governor Announces Easing Of Most Pandemic Restrictions On Businesses Beginning Later This Month

The state will lift most business capacity restrictions next month, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday.

In a joint release with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Mr. Cuomo announced the easing of restrictions on businesses, as well as other gatherings and venues, in the region, given progress made in fighting the pandemic through the vaccination rollout and recent reductions in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“The tide is turning against COVID-19 in New York, and thanks to our increasing vaccination rates, as well as our successful, data-based regional approach, we’re able to take more steps to reopen our economy, help businesses and workers, and keep moving towards returning to normal,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers and our partners in government, we are now able to increase capacity limits for businesses, event venues and residences to reflect what we’re seeing in the COVID data.

At the same time, he warned that residents must continue to be vigilant in fighting the virus.

“Maintaining this progress is critical and in order to keep moving in a positive direction,” he said, “New Yorkers must continue to take all the proper precautions. If we let up now, we could slide backwards and that is something nobody wants. So, let’s be safe and for anyone who has yet to be vaccinated, please do so as soon as you can. With the addition of walk-in appointments, we’ve made it as easy as every to get your shot, so there are truly no excuses.”

As part of the plan to ease restrictions, business in the region will no longer have to adhere to a percentage of maximum occupancy. Instead, effective May 19, businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.

The 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, according to the release, and it will also apply in houses of worship.

Additionally, in New York, beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, according to the release, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. Any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals provide proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Also, congregate commercial and social events — such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions — can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of 4 present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated, the release said.

Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30 percent capacity, which is an increase from the current 10 percent capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33 percent. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.