NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that malls in New York City can reopen on Sept. 9 at 50 percent capacity, while casinos statewide can reopen at 25 percent capacity the same day.
Malls in the city must have an air filtration system and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols in place, Cuomo said, adding that "no indoor dining, loitering or unnecessary congregating" will be allowed. Face coverings and social distancing will be required.
Casinos in the state must also have an enhanced air filtration system in place, the governor said. Face coverings must be worn, social distancing must be practiced and "no table games or beverage service on the gaming floor." Gaming machines must be separated by 6 feet or have approved physical barriers.
Capacity limits will be enforced by additional staff at malls and casinos, the governor said.
A day after City Council Speaker Corey Johnson called for the resumption of indoor dining in New York City, Cuomo said reopening indoor dining is a question of enforcement.
"We have major problems in New York City with the compliance on the bars," Cuomo said. "I don't have any more state resources to do it."
"I'd like to see the restaurants open, however there's a but—the but is our rules and guidance on reopening is only as good as the compliance and the enforcement," the governor said.
Cuomo said the city would have to have thousands of NYPD officers making sure the establishments are complying with COVID rules since there aren't enough state police to do it.
"Put together a task force of NYPD and say, 'There are going to be 4,000 police who are going to be doing restaurant compliance," he said.
