Major Reopening Of NY To Start May 19, Cuomo Says

NEW YORK CITY — A major reopening from the coronavirus will begin May 19 for New York and its closest neighbors, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

Cuomo announced Monday that most capacity restrictions for retail, food services, gyms, offices, barber shops and more will lift in a coordinated effort between New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

He also announced that 24/7 subway service in New York City will begin again May 17.

"Today is a milestone for New York State and a significant moment of transition," Cuomo said.

In New York City giving a COVID update and making an announcement. Watch live: https://t.co/y2mtbDaQVJ
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 3, 2021

The announcement represents a major step toward a wide reopening in New York and the city after more than a year of coronavirus restrictions. It also appears to leapfrog the goal Mayor Bill de Blasio — one of Cuomo's biggest rivals and critics — set last week of a July 1 reopening for New York City.

De Blasio kept quiet on the whole reopening package, but did tweet out support of restarting 24/7 subway service.

But Cuomo's announcement didn't quite count as a full reopening — New York in particular will have some tweaks compared to its neighbors.

For one, while capacity limits will lift in most places in the city and state, Cuomo said they must observe a 6-foot social distancing recommendation set by the CDC. He said it applies to all places with capacity limits, like restaurants.

"It is fully open subject to that 6 feet," he said.

Individual locations with plans accounting for fully vaccinated people don't have to adhere to the 6 feet rule, Cuomo said. He said that means places can set aside areas or admissions for fully vaccinated people — a potential incentive for New Yorkers to get their doses.

"Now, you want to go to a ball game? Get vaccinated," he said. "You want to go to a movie theater? Get vaccinated. You want to go to a restaurant? Get vaccinated."

Cuomo also said previously announced curfew adjustments New York City's bars and restaurants will go forward. The curfew will end May 17 for outdoor dining and May 31 for indoor dining, he said.

In the end, at least one prominent New York City elected official saw Cuomo's announcement as nothing less than a petty attempt to undercut de Blasio's July 1 goal.

"The Governor's back-and-forth bigfooting leaves New Yorkers struggling to keep up and businesses struggling to comply," Jumaane Williams, the city's public advocate, said in a Twitter statement.