The city estimates it has saved some 80,000 jobs with the program.
Mayor de Blasio announced on Monday that the program would return on June 1, 2021 to further help restaurants in New York City, and perhaps sooner should conditions allow.
The Open Restaurant Program allows restaurants to promote open space, enhance social distancing during the pandemic, and earn money and keep people employed.
RELATED: Outdoor restaurants get creative
The city offers two options for temporary expanded outdoor dining:
- Open Restaurants - Individual food establishments may apply and self-certify to use the sidewalk or curb lane adjacent to their business.
- Open Streets: Restaurants - Community based organizations, BIDs or groups of three (3) or more restaurants on a single block may join together to apply online for weekend-only outdoor dining on streets closed to traffic. More information and locations can be found on the Open Streets: Restaurants program page.
The program started during Phase 2. The city says its approach prioritizes geographic equity and allows us to reach the areas most impacted by COVID-19.
RELATED: Gov. Cuomo discusses decision to delay indoor dining in NYC
Raw Video: Gov. Cuomo on postponing indoor dining in NYC
WATCH EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 4)
Eyewitness to a Pandemic: Episode 4 - The Apex
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
abc7NY Phase Tracker:
COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
UPDATES
New York City
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut
REOPENING INFORMATION
What's Open, What's Closed
Reopening New York State
Reopening New Jersey
Reopening Connecticut
How to prevent 'Mask-Ne' aka Mask Acne
Coronavirus pandemic causing new skin issue: 'Mask-Ne' aka Mask Acne
Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address