COVID NY Update: New York Restaurants Outside of New York May Increase Up to 75% Capacity on March 19

NEW YORK (WABC) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York restaurants outside of New York will be able to increase capacity to 75 percent on March 19, the same day Connecticut lifts many of its restrictions.

“Remember, you have a lot of staff in restaurants, there are a lot of jobs, there are a lot of suppliers, so we will go to 75%,” Cuomo said. “We also believe 75% is what the consumer is prepared for.”

The move represents an increase from the current 50% capacity to eat indoors outside of New York City.

Cuomo did not suggest increasing capacity by 35% in New York.

Cuomo announced the change as he revealed he is signing the New York legislature’s emergency powers bill passed Friday.

It cannot now issue new statewide directives without legislative consent, although it can still issue executive orders.

Existing orders will remain in effect, such as the requirements for wearing masks, and Cuomo may modify existing restrictions, such as public meeting limits and capacity.

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