Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City could “fully reopen” on July 1st after more than a year of closures and capacity restrictions. De Blasio cited satisfactory progress in the vaccination of its more than 8 million residents.
We are ready to bring New York City back fully on July 1. Now we can see that light at the end of the tunnel.
Bill de Blasio, New York City’s Mayor
De Blasio underlined, however, that he had not discussed the city’s reopening date with Governor Andrew Cuomo. De Blasio’s announcement came a day after Cuomo lifted restrictions that could clear the way for a restart of the city’s nightlife. State authorities have the power to impose or lift coronavirus-related restrictions.
Governor Cuomo commented that he was reluctant to set a date but was hopeful it could happen even before July 1. “I don’t want to wait that long,” he said. “I think if we do what we have to do, we can be reopened earlier.”
This is going to be the summer of New York City. We’re all going to get to enjoy this city again, and people are going to flock here from all over the country to be a part of this amazing moment.
Bill de Blasio, New York City’s Mayor
State data show that New York City is about halfway toward the mayor’s goal of having 5 million people fully vaccinated by the end of June. De Blasio’s goal of a complete re-opening leaves some key sectors until later, such as schools and Broadway.
According to Fortune magazine, de Blasio has appointed Danny Meyer, creator of Union Square Café, Gramercy Tavern and Shake Shack, to chair the city’s Economic Development board and help lead the recovery. As the city reopens, it will need to hire a lot of people very quickly, Meyer said. He hopes that the city will be an agent that will connect job seekers with employers.
At least 400,000 jobs will return in the city this year.
Bill de Blasio, New York City’s Mayor
According to hospitality data company STR, the hotel occupancy rate since January has increased six percentage points, to about 35%. New York’s tourism industry is beginning to show signs of recovery.
Governor Cuomo reopened New York City indoor dining in February at 25% capacity and then increased that limit to 35%. On March 19th, he increased it again to 50%. According to the mayor’s office, New York City has administered more than 6.4 million vaccine doses. New confirmed and probably cases on a seven-day average stood at 1,354 as of April 27th, down more than 50% from two weeks earlier.
