Much has been made about the effort of the state of New York to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel coronavirus has killed more people in that state than any other part of the country.
Phase 1 of the Moving Forward plan devised by Governor Andrew Cuomo went into effect statewide last week. Curbside pick-up is available at retail stores. Construction and manufacturing jobs can also resume.
Restaurants will open when Phase 2 starts. But those restaurants will only be available for outdoor dining. Curbside pickup services would still be available.
Phase 2 could begin throughout the state as early as June 11, although it will probably start in July. Seven upstate regions of the state are already in Phase 2 and could be heading to Phase 3 later in the month. Phase 3 would allow restaurants to offer indoor dining. It may take longer for the New York City, Long Island, and Mid-Hudson areas to reach that part.
The reopening of these properties will depend on how well the state can handle the virus. The goal is to keep infections down while ensuring hospitals can handle any new patients who need treatment.
Restaurants in Phase 1 are hoping to open soon, as they have been struggling financially due to recent closures. These establishments will have to use a few rules for operation:
All tables must be spaced at least six feet apart from each other.
The dining spaces must not interfere with street traffic.
All restaurant employees must wear proper masks.
All employees who are not seated must also wear masks.
What Else Opens?
Outdoor dining is one of the things that would open during Phase 2 of New York’s reopening in the New York City area. Among the other things that will reopen during this point include these things that are already open in some upstate regions:
Real estate management businesses
In-store shopping for retail businesses
Office-based jobs
Hair salons and barbershops; these places would still offer limited services
Motor vehicle sales and rental service providers
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