Gov. Cuomo announces major reopening – subway resuming 24-hour service

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo speaks at the Democratic gubernatorial primary debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
Craig Ruttle / Pool via REUTERS

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, in a May 4 release announced, as of May 17, the MTA will resume full 24-hour subway service, and will continue its unprecedented disinfection and cleaning effort.

“As we continue our progress against COVID-19 in New York, we’re able to take additional steps to reopen our economy and help businesses and workers.”

The resumption of 24-hour service will coincide with the lifting of the 12 am food and beverage service curfew for outdoor dining areas, said the release, noting that COVID hospitalizations are at 2,539.

Of the 113,139 tests reported yesterday, 2,200, or 1.94 percent, were positive.  The seven-day average positivity rate was 1.79 percent. There were 613 patients in ICU yesterday, down 24 from the previous day. Of them, 379 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 37 New Yorkers to the virus.

Event venues can expand capacity starting May 19. Large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30 percent capacity. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33 percent. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement that attendees have proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test result.

We will expand residential gathering limits. The outdoor residential gathering limits of 25 people will be removed on May 19, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people,” said the governor’s office.

“As we continue our progress against COVID-19 in New York, we’re able to take additional steps to reopen our economy and help businesses and workers.”

The May 4, release said that in union with New Jersey’s, Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut’s Governor, Ned Lamont, ‘we announced the easing of pandemic restrictions related to the tri-state region’s businesses, venues and gatherings.”

“Most capacity limits will be lifted on May 19, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barbershops and other personal care services.”

“Capacity limits for houses of worship will also be lifted. New York is back, but it’s critical to maintain the progress that got us here—and we can do that by getting the vaccine. In New York, we’ve made it as easy as we can. Walk into any New York State vaccination site, walk out with the COVID-19 vaccine,” said the governor’s office.