NYC is officially entering the last phase of reopening on Monday, July 20.
We entered phase 3 on Monday, July 6, which wasn’t quite as coveted when indoor dining was removed. Instead, it only welcomed back personal care services like nail salons, spas, massage parlors and more.
Phase 4 is much more encompassing, and promises the possible return of many NYC institutions and activities. Here’s everything you need to know about what it includes, and the rules that need to be followed:
Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment
This includes many NYC mainstays: botanical gardens, zoos, nature parks, historic sites, outdoor museums, and more! Here are some of the rules it entails (you see see them in full detail on NY Forward):
- Limit workforce and visitors to 33% of maximum capacity
- Ensure a distance of at least six feet is maintained among individuals, except for members of the same household or party
- Employees must wear face coverings at all times they interact with the patron, and all visitors and employees must wear them anytime they are within six feet of others
- Close high-risk interactive exhibits
See also: The Stunning New York Botanical Garden Is Finally Reopening On July 28
Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment – No Longer Part of Phase 4 for NYC
Phase 4 initially include indoor museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions, but Governor Cuomo announced on Friday that would not happen for NYC. It seems like the New York Aquarium is still on its way to reopening, though.
See also: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Has Announced An August Reopening
Media Production
Is TV making a comeback? Maybe! (No more remote SNL, I guess!) This entails “all activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site.” Here are some of the rules, the rest can be read here:
- Limited to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy for a particular area of employees, cast & crew
- Face coverings must be worn at all times. Performers may temporarily remove their face covering during performances/rehearsals, or when it interferes with a core activity, such as hair, makeup, or wardrobe. Performers must don face coverings following these activities
Higher Education
Though most colleges won’t be opening until the fall (NYU announced they would be back in May!), campuses can officially open at the end of July.
- Face coverings must be worn any time individuals comes within six feet of someone who is not a roommate
- Identify where students who could be exposed to or infected with COVID-19 would reside and how needs like food and treatment would be met safely
- Reference previous guidelines for regulations surrounding dining, libraries, gyms, etc.
- Consider a mix of remote and in-person classes
- Recommended that at least six feet is maintained between individual across the campus and during classes
Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans
- Ensure that all team staff, athletes, and venue personnel maintain six ft. of distance from other individuals or groups of people, to the extent possible, and not withstanding proximity or contact that may occur during competition or other core activities.
- No live audience, fans, or spectators are allowed to attend or permitted to enter any professional sports venue, even if an outdoor venue
- Prohibit fans from gathering outside of the sports venue
See also: The 2020 U.S. Open Will Officially Be Back In Queens This Summer—Without Fans
Indoor Dining?
Indoor dining was part of Phase 3 for the rest of New York, but for NYC is was “delayed indefinitely” by the Mayor and Governor. Cuomo also announced on Friday that it would not return for Phase 4 in NYC.
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