Businesses that reopen in phase 2 must adhere to 6-foot social distancing guidelines, not exceed 50% capacity and require face coverings both for employees and customers.
Early cases of COVID-19 are believed to be linked to a live-animal market in Wuhan, China.pandemic, has seen enough progress in its battle against the virus that phase 2 of reopening is slated for next week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
"We still have a long way to go -- we all know that -- but based on the indicators we've seen today, and for days and days before that, I'm very comfortable saying phase 2 will begin Monday," the mayor said during his news conference. In addition to businesses, city playgrounds will reopen and restaurants will be allowed to offer curb-lane and sidewalk seating throughout the summer, with proper approvals, de Blasio said.
So far, the city has seen 207,821 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 17,487 confirmed deaths, according to the health department. Data from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University shows that three New York City boroughs -- Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx -- are among the top five counties in the nation in confirmed cases and confirmed deaths.
Cuomo said any restaurant that doesn't adhere to reopening guidelines will lose its liquor license. The governor has chastised business owners in New York City after viral videos and photos from the weekend showed bar and restaurant patrons crowded on the streets, holding food and drinks.
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