New York approves return of indoor dining
New Yorkers will finally be able to sit inside restaurants for a meal.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said indoor dining can resume from 30 September at 25% capacity.
One member of each party of diners must supply contact details to aid contact tracing and all patrons will have their temperature checked on arrival.
Other requirements include no sitting at the bar and no service after midnight.
Additionally masks must be worn when not seated at tables, which must be spaced six feet apart.
It is welcome news for cash-strapped restaurateurs.
Nearly two-thirds of New York restaurants said they could close by the end of the year without financial assistance.
"The New York City restaurant industry has been financially devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and a safe return to indoor dining is critical," the New York City Hospitality Alliance said.
"We’re thankful to Gov. Cuomo for announcing a return to indoor dining. Restaurants are essential to New York’s economic and social fabric, and indoor dining is a key component to the industry’s recovery."
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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