Nightlife will soon be back in in New York state per Governor Andrew Cuomo. Starting February 23rd, large venues will be able to admit patrons who test negative for COVID-19 72 hours beforehand.
On Wednesday, Cuomo said that two Buffalo Bills playoff games in January served as a pilot for the testing program, according to NBC. He cited its “unparalleled success” in his reasoning that large gatherings should resume in New York prior to widespread coronavirus vaccination.
“The truth is, we cannot stay closed until everyone is vaccinated” said Cuomo, “The economic, psychological, emotional cost would be incredible … The success of this, and similar events in approved venues over the coming weeks will help inform the re-opening process for smaller venues in the future.”
Additional restrictions will be imposed to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Arenas and stadiums that can hold 10,000 or more can only operate at 10% capacity, and measures like temperature checks, mask wearing, and assigned seating will be mandatory. Each venue will be required to apply for Department of Health approval.
Easing restrictions isn’t the only light at the end of the tunnel for New York venues. At the end of January, the U.S. Small Business Administration provided initial application instructions for the $15 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which resulted from last year’s Save Our Stages lobbying.
“Live sports and entertainment have long been engrained in the fabric of New York and the inability to hold events has only added to the isolation we have all felt at the hands of this virus,” Cuomo said.
Image credit: Danny Howe
