|
May 21, 2021
Español
Reopening New York
Effective May 19, New York State has adopted CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people for most businesses and public settings. Businesses are authorized to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and/or patrons within their establishments OR adhere to CDC guidance, which advises that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in most settings.
Business capacity rules
As previously announced, most business capacities — which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — will be removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.
However, given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain social distance, businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing, and therefore increase capacity, only if all patrons within the establishment -- or a separate designated part of the establishment -- present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.
For areas where vaccination status of individuals is unknown and for patrons who do not present proof of full vaccination status, the required social distance of 6 feet still applies until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. This change will apply across all commercial settings, except the exempt settings outlined by the CDC.
|
 |
President Joe Biden included the Restaurant Revitalization Fund as part of the American Rescue Plan. The fund includes $28.6 billion in grants – not loans – for food and beverage serving businesses to help make up their losses in 2020.
Qualifying eating establishments should submit applications by the May 24th deadline
The RRF program has received more than 303,000 applications representing over $69 billion in requested funds, and nearly 38,000 applicants have been approved for more than $6 billion. Of the overall submitted applications, 57 percent came from women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.
To further ensure an equitable distribution of funds, Administrator Guzman created two additional funding allocations to ensure the smallest of the small restaurants and other eating establishments have equitable access: 1) $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000, and 2) $4 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts between $500,000 and $1,500,000.
Applications are still being accepted until funds have been depleted. For those interested in applying for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, visit sba.gov/restaurants by May 24, 2021.
Lisa Davis
Business Ambassador
Ldavis@newrochelleny.com | 914-654-2189
|
