On Monday New York City will officially begin Phase Two of reopening, potentially sending 300,000 people back to work.
The second phase of reopening will include outdoor dining, offices, in-store retail, hair salons and barbershops, real estate services, houses of worship, as well as car sales and rentals – all with social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
New York City is the last region in the state to enter Phase Two. Areas like the Mid-Hudson Valley and Long Island have been in Phase Two since June 9, and most other upstate regions, like Central New York and the Finger Lakes, are already in Phase Three.
Here is a breakdown of what will reopen – and how – this week:
Restaurants
As part of the city’s “Open Restaurants” plan, eateries will be allowed to reopen for outdoor dining on sidewalks, curb lanes, and plazas with distancing measures. The city estimates that “Open Restaurants” will help 5,000 restaurants and save 45,000 jobs.
Outdoor tables must be six feet apart from each other, and diners must wear face coverings until seated. Employees must wear masks at all times. In July, restaurants may also be able to use street space to seat additional outdoor patrons. No more than 10 people can be seated at each table.
Restaurants and bars can self-certify to open for outdoor dining, but their authorization can be revoked if they are found to violate social distancing guidelines.
Salons and Barbershops
Salons can reopen with 50 percent of maximum occupancy for both employees and customers, all of whom must wear face coverings. Customers should be seated six feet apart from each other. Hairdressers should also maintain social distancing, unless they are giving haircuts or other treatments to an individual. They must also change gloves or sanitize their hands between each customer.
Waiting rooms and lines should be avoided, and salons are encouraged to implement “appointment only” policies. Services that require mask removal – like beard trimming – are prohibited, along with personal care services like nails and massages. Typical amenities, like water fountains, and communal magazines and reading areas, are also not allowed.
In-Store Retail
Non-essential businesses may open for in-person service, but with 50 percent of maximum occupancy in store spaces. Customers and employees must wear face coverings and maintain a distance of six feet from one another. Stores should help enforce distancing and reduce foot traffic with tape or signs, and prohibit amenities like self-serve bars and samplers.
Playgrounds
Children will be allowed back in playgrounds across the city, but social distancing ambassadors will be present to monitor crowding, distribute face coverings, and encourage hygiene. However, team sports like basketball, football, softball, and soccer are still not allowed during Phase Two.
Offices
Offices may reopen, but only with 50 percent of the maximum number of occupants present at a time. Employees must also follow other basic social distancing rules, such as keeping six feet apart and wearing face coverings when that is not possible. Employees should avoid entering small spaces – like elevators – with others, unless wearing masks, and common workstations must be sanitized between users. New York State guidelines also recommend that employers stagger workers’ schedules to reduce crowding, as well as conduct office meetings remotely whenever possible.
Houses of Worship
A spokesperson for Mayor de Blasio said houses of worship will be able to open at 25 percent occupancy of the space in which they choose to conduct services.