Update on Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility & Regulations

Update of Vaccine Eligibility: As of today, March 10, New Yorkers 60 years of age and older are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Starting March 17 government employees, nonprofit workers and essential building service workers are also eligible to be vaccinated. To register, please visit: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

New York Forward Covid-19 Regulations – What You Need to Know. *Please note the regulations are subject to change. The public is advised to consult forward.ny.gov for updates.

• Private Gatherings: Indoor and outdoor gatherings statewide at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people. Starting March 22, New York will raise the maximum capacity on outdoor gatherings at private residences to 25 people from 10, though indoor gatherings will remain capped at 10 people.
• Public Gatherings: The State’s social gathering limit is 50 or fewer people in non-residential settings. Starting March 22, non-residential social gatherings will be expanded to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. (currently 50 for both). Masks and social distancing will remain required.
• Bars and Restaurants: Bars and restaurants, as well as any State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment, must close in-person service from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Restaurants and bars are limited to 50% capacity. Starting on March 19, restaurants may increase capacity form 50% capacity to 75 % capacity.
• Masks & Face Coverings: Individuals must wear face coverings when they are in a public and are: within six feet of distance from other individuals; or in a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals; or in a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle.
• Movie Theaters: Movie theaters may operate at 25% capacity with no more than 50 people allowed in front of each screen. 
• Higher Risk Sports: Effective February 1, 2021, participants in higher risk sports and recreation activities may partake in individual or distanced group training and organized no/low-contact group training and, further, may partake in other types of play, including competitions and tournaments, only as permitted by the respective local health authorities (i.e., county health departments).
• Indoor sports or recreational activity: Responsible Parties must ensure that for any indoor sport or recreational activity, capacity is limited to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy, inclusive of employees and patrons/players/spectators.
• Gyms and fitness centers: Capacity within the gym or fitness center is limited to no more than 33% of the maximum occupancy, inclusive of employees and patrons. Gyms and fitness centers must close in-person service from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• In-Person and Catered Events:  Responsible Parties must limit occupancy of in-person and catered events to the lesser of 50% for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy, or 150 people, exclusive of employees and event staff. Responsible Parties may have more than one event (i.e., gathering) on the same premises at the same time so long as each event is separate and distinguishable. Each event must be held in different areas on the premises (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor spaces, separate rooms). Attendees from separate events shall not share any spaces or rooms, use the same entrances/exits at the same time, or otherwise engage in in-person interaction or come into contact with each other. Responsible Parties must notify their respective county health department or local public health authority if they plan to host in-person and catered events above the State’s maximum social gathering limit, which is 50 people.
• Arenas: Large arenas with more than 10,000 seats reopened as of February 23.  Ticket holders who provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of an event will be able to attend events at arenas and stadiums with a capacity of more than 10,000 people, although event capacity will be kept at a strict 10 percent. Starting on April 2, public events, arts and entertainment venues with fewer than 10,000 seats can reopen. Smaller spaces will be allowed to reopen at 33% capacity, with limits of 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. Venues that require attendees to show proof of a negative coronavirus P.C.R. test can boost their capacity to 150 indoors and 500 outdoors.