NEW YORK: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will lift most of their coronavirus capacity restrictions on businesses, including retail stores, food services and gyms, beginning on May 19, the governors of the three states said on Monday .
Amusement parks, salons and offices are among the other types of businesses which will soon no longer be subject to state-imposed capacity restrictions, although all businesses can still set their own restrictions. Certain protocols such as maintaining 6 feet of space between people will remain in place, Cuomo said, in line with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Exceptions can be made at venues where people will have shown proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, he said.The May 19 reopening in New York pre-empts a plan that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio outlined just days ago to reopen his city fully on Jul 1.
On Monday, New York City dwellers were allowed to have a drink sitting at an indoor bar for the first time in months, under loosened state guidelines.