NY State Lifting Most COVID Capacity Restrictions On May 19

Thanks to overall New York State COVID-19 confirmed cases going down and more and more residents getting the vaccine, Governor Andrew Cuomo has made the announcement that In just over 2 weeks, New York State will lift most capacity restrictions imposed because of COVID-19. Those restrictions include current capacity limits at stores, restaurants, theaters, hair salons and amusement parks.

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This doesn't mean that businesses can go back to the way it was before the pandemic. Instead of capacity restrictions at businesses, they will now only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.

There is an exception to the social distancing rule - at larger event gatherings, the 6-foot distancing rule can be bypassed if everyone in attendance is required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full vaccination. Joining New York State in this decision are the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut who are also lifting their capacity restrictions.

There's another thing to look forward to that's beginning on May 19 here in the state:
Indoor residential gatherings can increase to 50 attendees (from 10). As for outdoor gatherings, the residential gathering limit of 25 people will no longer exist and instead there will be a limit of 500 people, taking into account that there's enough space for people to socially distance.

Sooner on our calendar, May 10 will also provide New Yorkers who are looking forward to weddings and different types of celebratory parties something to look forward to: As of May 10, outdoor social gatherings can increase 500 people. Right now it's set at 200.

To find out more about restrictions being lifted, visit www.governor.ny.gov.