According to Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City will enter “Phase 3” of re-opening as soon as July 7. While things certainly won’t feel normal for the foreseeable future, we wanted to take some time to highlight some ways you can start to enjoy the summer, while also supporting your fellow New Yorkers!
We’re already in the midst of a “Phase 2” re-opening, which means many restaurants have begun to serve diners outside at tables spaced at least 6 feet apart. In areas of the city with wide sidewalks, this is entirely feasible however, in more congested areas with more narrow, busier sidewalks, several clever restauranteurs have taken over parking spaces to create outdoor eating areas. By utilizing wooden platforms, protective bollards, ropes and stanchions or oversized planters, small parties (most restaurants limit seating to a maximum of 4 people), New Yorkers can feel like we’re actually back in that mythical time when we used to go places and do stuff together! While guests are allowed to remove their masks while sitting at their tables, if they get up to use the bathroom or leave, wearing masks is required, and wait staff and kitchen staff are supposed to be wearing masks at all times. As a further safety precaution, most restaurants have moved over to paper menus that get thrown out after one use, and owners report that tables and chairs are cleaned and disinfected vigorously between guests.
As a relic of “Phase 1,” drinks to-go are also usually an option at many New York City restaurants and bars. Now that the weather is warmer, it’s a perfect opportunity to support your local business by grabbing a margarita for the road and heading to one of New York’s many lovely parks. While New Yorkers and visitors alike lament the temporary closing of Broadway theaters, people watching in New York City remains one of the most entertaining activities in the world and even better yet, it’s entirely free!
While I personally have not yet braved the subway, as my preferred mode of transportation in normal times, I’ve been thoroughly grilling friends who have been riding the subways since Phase 2 began. By most accounts, everyone is doing their civic duty by donning masks and maintaining social distancing. We all just need to be mindful of frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not an option.
And of course, with Phase 2, many retail stores are open for “curb side pick up” which, as New Yorkers, means walk up pick up, with even more retail planning to open in Phase 3. So before logging on to Amazon to get what you need, be sure to look at the websites of your favorite local retailers and order from them instead!
