Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the Open Storefronts program during his daily media briefing on Wednesday and signed an executive order that will allow eligible small businesses to operate outside.
The announcement comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York since the pandemic started is now more than 500,000. The governor warned against small gatherings that facilitate the spread of the virus, but he also noted the state has the second-lowest positivity rate of any state in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University. The statewide positivity rate was 1.5% on Tuesday, Cuomo added.
Storefront businesses will be able to use the added outdoor space for seating, waiting areas or displaying goods, according to the city. They can extend up to 5 feet into the sidewalk, but must make sure to keep an 8-foot path clear for pedestrians. Businesses on blocks that are part of Open Streets — the city’s network of streets closed to cars to promote social distancing — will also be able to set up shop in the road, according to Margaret Forgione, chief operations officer at the Department of Transportation.
Have you been to NY in the winter?
Great idea. NY winters have been much milder the last 6-8 years. No reason why they can't go until Christmas. Take heart, we could be Florida
lol, make it easier for the looters
Wow! What a deal! Why not just move to Florida, save yourself the hassle, actually make money, and not have rioters destroy your restaurant unimpeded?
$astc tomorrow Covid breath test no brainer wife is nurse and Covid is not going away 60 sec results
Can’t hardly wait! So excited Mayor🤡
Not afraid of BLM anymore?
stupid . best you can do? just dumb!!!!
just in time for winter
very hard when its snowing with wind. Hes not too bright
Just in time for winter, along with rioters and looters given the option to steal right off the sidewalk. Great work NY!
Makes looting a lot easier, so there's that.
Because who would not want to shop on the street in -5 degrees NYC in December? 🤔
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