'We need to return joy to people': New York opens stadiums and arenas

Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo объявилthat sports and entertainment events at major stadiums and arenas in the state will again be allowed starting February 23. The ban on such events was in effect for almost a year, it was introduced in March 2020 as one of the measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

To open stadiums and arenas with a capacity of 10 thousand people, certain requirements must be met:

1. Get approval from the State Department of Health (DOH). This endorsement should not only apply to the location, but also to every event held there.
2. Set a 10 percent capacity limit.
3. Ensure that all staff and spectators have received a negative PCR test for COVID-19. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before the start of the event.
4. Ensure that all those present comply with the mask mode and social distancing (through seating). In addition, everyone must pass a temperature check before entering the event.
5. Collect the contact information of everyone present to help find contacts if someone becomes infected with the coronavirus.
6. Bring filtration, ventilation and air purification systems up to the increased standards set during the pandemic.
7. Ensure that retail outlets and food outlets within the arena comply with all state guidelines.

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The Department of Health's work to validate arenas across the state has already begun. And Barclays Center has already received approval to reopen, which is scheduled for 23 February. What other sites will open and when exactly will be announced additionally.

“As long as the fight against COVID-19 continues on several fronts, we need to re-launch the economy in a reasonable and balanced way,” Cuomo explained his decision. “Live sporting events are an integral part of New York City, and the inability to host such events has only exacerbated the isolation we feel everywhere from this virus. We will now revive major venues across the state to not only revitalize the local economy, but also bring joy back to people's lives as much as possible. ”