The opening of restaurant halls is again delayed: New York has revised the conditions of the third phase of quarantine removal

New York authorities say they are forced to cancel the long-awaited opening of restaurants. However, restaurateurs are asked to give them a chance to prove that they can provide safety for visitors indoors, and not just on terraces. This publication writes CBSNewYork.

We have no choice

With New York City moving into the third phase of the lifting of quarantine, city residents will still not be able to enjoy delicious dining inside restaurants. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this on July 1. “We are seeing problems with people returning to bars and restaurants,” he said. "So I want to be clear: we cannot continue to work with indoor restaurants in New York at this time."

The mayor and the governor of New York changed their minds because of the new COVID-19 outbreak in many states, although earlier it was planned that with the transition to the third phase, restaurants will be able to receive guests indoors.

On July 1, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the postponement of the full opening of restaurants was due to non-compliance by citizens and local authorities with directives on wearing masks and recommendations on social distancing. “Citizens' compliance with the law is weakening. It's a fact, ”Cuomo said. - Look at any street in Manhattan. Take the West Side. Go to Brooklyn. Go to Queens. To the Bronx. Citizens' compliance with the law is weakening. I got it. I understand. People have been inside for a long time (in self-isolation. - Ed.). "

Cuomo said the city's authorities must do their job or the Big Apple could take a huge step back. "What will happen? The virus will spread. It's that simple. This is the reality. The virus is spreading, ”Cuomo said.

On the subject: Quarantine in New York: what to observe and where to complain about violators

Earlier, the state of New Jersey also postponed the resumption of the reception of visitors inside restaurants and cafes. “I’m not happy about it, but we have no choice,” Governor Phil Murphy said. "The negligence of one establishment can undermine the good performance of many others ... we will not tolerate earlier opening of bars and restaurants and, frankly, visitors who think the rules do not apply to them."

On June 30, about 30 inspections were carried out in five boroughs of New York. Inspectors monitored how bars and restaurants adhere to safety rules in their work. “I need local authorities to comply with the requirements. I know there is a lot going on with the NYPD right now, but they have to do it, ”Cuomo said.

A spokesperson for the mayor of New York wrote on Twitter: “The mayor decided long ago that the police were not a response to social distance; the government should heed our experience. ”

Give us a chance

New York is expected to enter the third phase of quarantine lifting on Monday, July 6th. However, this does not reassure the owners of restaurants and some residents of the city.

“We went from nearly 200 guests a day to 20 or 30,” says Mike Alasaad, owner of Sinigual's Third Avenue restaurant.

Even if establishments expand their terraces to receive more visitors in the fresh air, this will not save the situation. All this leads to even greater uncertainty about when citizens and businesses will be able to return to their usual way of life. “Unfortunately, we don't know how long this will last,” said Ardell Reilly, pub manager at Connolly's.

On the subject: Best New York Outdoor Dining Cafes and Restaurants: A List

NYC Hospitality Alliance leaders want the Mayor and Governor to expand outdoor dining areas. Although, the governor said, concerns about recirculated air and its air conditioning in restaurants are not a big factor in this decision. “This is by no means determinative,” Cuomo said.

He reiterated that the main reason that restaurants have not yet been allowed to receive visitors indoors is the behavior of New Yorkers. When asked how long this restriction would last, Cuomo said: “Depends on what they will do (meaning visitors and restaurants, and how they adhere to safety rules. - Ed.) We must reduce the concentration of crowds. "

The governor said that he was prompted to such a decision by the fact that people from other states, where there are many cases of coronavirus infection, may come to New York. Visitors can visit cafes and restaurants where the risk of transmission of the virus is especially great.

However, those in the restaurant industry are asking for a chance. They only want to prove that they are able to organize a safe reception of guests inside their establishments. “Give us a chance. We'll do the right thing, ”Riley said.