"Resumption of Dining Restrictions at Restaurants in New York City, USA"

COVID-19 Positive Test Rate Drops to 7% Range

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 27th (local time) that New York City, the hardest-hit area by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States, will ease restrictions on dining inside restaurants.

WSJ reported that New York City is considering easing the restrictions on indoor dining, which were suspended earlier last month to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated that day, "The state government is considering allowing indoor dining with a capacity limit of 25%." He added, "In consultation with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and health authorities, new guidelines may be announced as early as this weekend."

Governor Cuomo also announced that private gathering restrictions will be lifted in most parts of the state, including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Long Island, Rochester, and Syracuse counties.

According to state data, the number of new infections has stabilized compared to the peak during the Thanksgiving season, and as of the 4th, New York City's COVID-19 test positivity rate was recorded at 7.9%.

Governor Cuomo expressed concern about the Bronx area, which, along with New York City, has a high COVID-19 test positivity rate. The positivity rate in the Bronx is about 6.9%, significantly higher than the New York state average of 5.44%.

He stated, "We plan to open a vaccination facility for residents at the Bronx Yankee Stadium."