Reopen NYC: New York City inches closer to return of indoor dining
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- New York City is highly anticipating the return of indoor dining as the reopening date inches closer.
On September 30, indoor dining will be able to resume at 25% capacity.
The decision was made early in September by Governor Andrew Cuomo, who said the reopening was made possible thanks to the compliance by New Yorkers.
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Cuomo said that indoor dining will require temperature checks, one party of each group must leave contact information for contact tracers, no bar service, masks must be worn unless seated at a table to eat, tables must be six feet apart, and restaurants must close by midnight.
New Yorkers are being asked to call or text a task force anonymously if they see an establishment breaking the rules and having more than 25% occupancy.
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People can call 833-208-4160 to make a report or text VIOLATION to 855-904-5036.
Every restaurant is required to post the 25% occupancy and also the text number to the task force.
"We are continuing New York City's economic recovery by bringing back indoor dining. Working with the state and public health officials, we've achieved a plan that puts health and safety first by including strict capacity limits, a close monitoring of citywide positive testing rates and a coordinated inspection regimen," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "Science will guide our decision-making as we continue to monitor progress and health care indicators over the next three weeks to ensure a safe reopening. This may not look like the indoor dining that we all know and love, but it is progress for restaurant workers and all New Yorkers."
If New York City hits 2% in COVID-19 positivity rates, the city will immediately reassess.
On Tuesday, the governor said he's aware of the "economic pain" being inflicted on city restaurant owners and workers.
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