Cuomo teases loosening of COVID restrictions — but don’t expect indoor dining soon
New York’s coronavirus restrictions are set to be loosened, Gov. Cuomo teased Monday — but the return of indoor dining for Big Apple restaurants hammered by the pandemic aren’t on the menu.
“I think we’re at a new place now, and we can start to adjust that valve and start to open up more economic activity and reduce some of the restrictions,” said Cuomo during a press briefing at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.
The governor, however, was largely mum on details, saying that the state Department of Health is currently finalizing plans, with an announcement in the days ahead.
But, asked specifically about the possibility of indoor dining at New York City restaurants — those that have so far managed to survive the massive economic downturn borne by the virus outbreak— Cuomo said it likely would not be included in the coming slate of changes.
“The indoor dining in New York City is a New York City-specific condition and we’re not at this point — at this point — contemplating any changes,” said Cuomo, who suspended indoor dining wholesale last month as the virus surged.
The news turned stomachs at city eateries, some of which are barely hanging on as they’ve been forced to turn to deliveries, takeout and customers willing to brave outdoor dining in the dead of winter.
“We already suffered enough this year,” said Neil Racoma, manager of Da Capo, on Columbus Avenue near West 75th Street in Manhattan. “People will want to celebrate Valentine’s Day inside.”
Racoma called on Cuomo to “be a leader,” and help out restaurant owners who are willing to play by the rules, but just trying to survive.
“He needs to open up 25-percent [capacity],” he said. “People are suffering. The rent is still the rent.
“We are trying to save the city,” he continued. “Entertainment gives the city life: Bars and restaurants. We aren’t stupid, and we follow rules and regulations. We’ll follow the protocols.”
Luis Cortez, a partner at the Amsterdam Ale House at Amsterdam Avenue and West 76th Street, said that some businesses desperate to make ends meet are turning to illegal set-ups that could potentially only worsen the pandemic.
“I’m seeing speakeasies open up in Bushwick. People are going to hang out and drink inside,” he said. “That’s the alternative … putting people in danger.
“Restaurants are easy to pick on because they have liquor licenses,” Cortez continued. “New Yorkers are tough and we’ll get through this, but stop with the bulls–t, Cuomo.”
Rather than restaurants, Cuomo said, the changes will likely help out “microcluster zones” sprinkled throughout the state — the targeted, color-coded areas hit with additional restrictions during the fall as the virus made localized resurgences.
Parts of all five boroughs have, at some point since the fall, been labeled microcluster zones.
In red zones — the most restrictive — restaurants can only offer take-out and delivery.
Cuomo hinted at the change in protocol as the positivity rate for tests administered statewide sat at 5.47 percent, with 8,730 people hospitalized, 1,522 of them in intensive care units.
One hundred and sixty-seven New Yorkers were claimed by the virus during the most recent 24-hour period for which data was available, raising the state death toll to 34,242.
