NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York City restaurants are feeling the love from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced Monday that they will be allowed to resume limited indoor dining earlier than expected.
The governor originally announced last week that indoor dining would return to city restaurants at 25% capacity starting Valentine's Day.
Cuomo has decided to bump up that date, announcing that restaurants will be able to open their doors for indoor service a few days earlier starting Friday.
"They have made the point that they'd like to open a couple of days earlier so they can be ready for Valentine's Day, get the staff oriented, get supplies into the restaurants and that's a reasonable request," Cuomo said. "They can go to 25% on Friday and they'll be ready for that weekend and for Valentine's Day."
Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, applauded the governor's decision.
“On behalf of all restaurants in New York City, we’re thankful that Governor Cuomo has heard our plea to allow restaurants to open for the full Valentine’s Day weekend," said Fleischut. "Valentine’s Day weekend is a traditional bright spot for our industry during the winter months, especially when it falls on a Sunday. By allowing us to safely reopen and welcome couples looking to celebrate, we can play a role in helping to revive New York City’s economy.”
The announcement comes as the state's COVID-19 positivity rate, hospitalizations and intubations decline after a post-holiday surge.
Related
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow WCBS Newsradio 880
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram