New York bars and restaurants will soon be able to stay open until midnight beginning next week, pushing back the current 11 p.m. COVID-19 curfew, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.
The slight loosening of restrictions will take effect on Monday, when catered events in the Empire State can also party on until 1 a.m. — an hour later than the current mandated end to such gatherings, the governor told reporters during a conference call.
Outdoor auto and horse races will also be permitted to open to fans at 20 percent capacity on April 23, he said.
Spectators will be required to wear a mask, and to provide proof of a negative test or completed vaccinations, Cuomo said.
But Cuomo cautioned New Yorkers not to get “cocky” about COVID-19 as vaccination numbers rise and positivity rates inch downward.
“The disease is still very much with us,” he said. “We have to stay smart until COVID is crushed.”
