After more than a year at various stages of the blockade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York expects to “fully open up” by July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday.
“Our plan is to fully open New York on July 1,” de Blasio said in an interview with MSNBC. “We are ready to open stores, to open businesses, offices, theaters, in full.”
However, de Blasi did not specify whether people would have to make additional requirements for COVID-19, such as confirmation of vaccination, to access the city’s cultural events – whether there would be any capacity restrictions. Indoor camouflage rules are likely to remain in place in the near future.
The mayor’s announcement follows news from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, released Wednesday, that the state will lift the current curfew for outdoor lunch on May 17 and for indoor lunch on May 31.
May 3 in New York will also resume accommodation in bars.
The capacity of spectators at large venues for outdoor events from May 19 will increase to 33 percent.
Broadway theaters are not expected to open until September, although smaller theaters may open during the summer, according to NBC New York.
All rules of social distancing, medical examination and masks remain in force, except for open spaces where social distance can be maintained. This week, the CDC also updated its instructions for fully vaccinated people, they can take off their masks on the street.