On May 19, most capacity restrictions were removed statewide including retail
stores, food services, gyms, fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons,
barber shops, offices, houses of worship, museums, and theaters.
In late March, Cuomo announced an "Excelsior Pass" smartphone app
by which users may present evidence of vaccination or recent COVID test.
Positive test rates for the virus in some of those locations were as high as
30 percent while rates statewide otherwise remained below
1 percent. Five days later, Orange County Health Commissioner Irina Gellman ordered the Kiryas Joel schools closed until positive test rates in the community, which had reached a three-day rolling average of 27.6 percent,
fell below 9 percent, or two weeks, whichever came later.
On January 29, Cuomo announced that starting March 15,
wedding reception venues will be allowed to open with a maximum
of 150 people or 50% capacity, whichever condition is
met first. Capacity is limited to 25% capacity or 50 patrons per-screen, whichever is met first.
All patrons must get tested (unless vaccinated) and events must be approved by the health department.
Restaurants must also close at that time, but will still be able to provide
curbside pick-up.
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