Gov. Andrew Cuomo today announced on Monday, Feb. 8that New York City indoor dining can reopen at 25% capacity on Feb. 12, Lunar New Year Day.  The reopening was previously scheduled for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, but resta urants requested an earlier reopening date to allow staff to prepare and the request has been granted.

The reopening is subject to strict state guidance.

“We respond to the data, we respond to the facts,” Cuomo said.  “And the numbers [of infections] are down now.”  State officials believe that the post-holiday surge has not subsided as the infection rate continues to lessen.

“We’re in a footrace with COVID, and the footrace is clear—it’s rate of vaccination versus rate of infection and we’re continuing to make progress on both fronts,” Cuomo said. “Not only have we administered more than two million doses of the vaccine, but the infection rate
continues to decrease and New Yorkers should feel good about that.

After all, this was possible because of their actions, their discipline and their sacrifice.  As we move forward, we›re continuing to respond to the facts and data every day, and when the enemy changes tactics, we change with the enemy.”

Cuomo had announced previously that indoor dining in New York City could resume at limited capacity, but changed course after
restaurateurs pushed him to provide more leeway to prepare for the holiday.

“Valentine’s Day should be a big restaurant day,” Cuomo said. “So, we’ll start indoor dining on Friday at 25 percent so the restaurants
can get ready.” (Submitted)