COVID-19 | NYC Reopening Resources
Mayor de Blasio Announces Publication of Three Key to NYC Guidance Documents
August 31, 2021
Today, Mayor de Blasio announced the publication of three Key to NYC guidance documents designed to give you the tools and information you need to comply with the new vaccine mandates. You’ll find guidance and suggestions to help you understand:
Phone to Action Campaign: Submit Feedback About the Vaccine Mandate
The New York State Restaurant Association has launched a phone to action tool that will allow you, your employees, guests, and any other interested stakeholders to submit feedback about the vaccine mandate. Please take a moment to let your elected officials know how the mandate is impacting you and your business!
Submit feedback here. Download a flyer to post or have on tables for guests to submit feedback here.
Employees Who Refuse to Get Vaccinated Can Be Terminated
We received new information that clarifies that employees who refuse to get vaccinated can be terminated and this will be considered “Just Cause” under the Fair Work Week laws for quick service chain operators. To read the Mayor’s new executive order language addressing just cause, click here. https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/228-001/emergency-executive-order-228 -
Key to NYC Pass Guidance, Flyer and FAQ For more information go to nyc.gov/KeytoNYC.
Vaccine Mandate Guidelines
Mayor de Blasio announced on Monday that his Executive Order for the vaccine mandate will take effect August 17, and enforcement is still set to begin September 13. We did get several answers in today's announcement, but a lot of our uncertainties and issues are still outstanding.
As of 8/16 we have confirmed that:
New York City to Require Vaccines for Indoor Dining
- Since this policy was announced, NYSRA has been listening to your feedback and compiling a thorough list of clarifications and requests for the Mayor. As currently described, this policy appears to once again single out the restaurant industry for another significant hurdle, and we are doing whatever we can to lessen the burden. We will be meeting with the Mayor's office and other key City Council Members this week, and will continue to provide updates as they become available.
August 3, 2021
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new mandate on the restaurant industry that will require all workers and all patrons dining indoors to present proof of vaccination. Acceptable forms of proof will include paper vaccine cards, the state's Excelsior Pass, or a new pass being developed by the City called the Key to NYC Pass. The policy is expected to take effect August 16 with enforcement beginning September 13, with cure periods. You can read more in this CNBC article, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will mandate Covid vaccines for certain indoor activities.
Gyms and performance venues will be included in the mandate. Note that this is not a mask mandate, and as far as we understand, there is not a testing alternative. It would require proof of vaccine to take advantage of any of these activities.
Also please note that the mandate would not apply to outdoor dining or to picking up takeout orders, and more details are expected the week of August 16. NYSRA will be providing our feedback and working to make all your voices heard at the Mayor's office,
NYC Food Service Guidelines Released
June 10, 2021
NYC food service guidance was released this morning, and it largely mirrors what we shared for the rest of the state yesterday. NYC-specific updates of note: temperature checks are no longer required but contact tracing and HVAC regulations are still in place. You can review the guidance here.
UPDATES May 3:
Updated Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines
March 26, 2021
At the urging of NYSRA, the State updated the Phase 3 Food Services Guidelines and the Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines to include the recent increase in the capacity limits and the social gathering limit. This should help clarify the rules for the industry, local health departments, and other enforcement agencies.
For New York City guidelines, click here.
NYC Vaccination Locations and FAQ
Now that NYC restaurant workers (including delivery workers) are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, your employees can visit this site to find a vaccination location near them, make an appointment, and review a helpful FAQ on vaccine details.
Sample NYC Restaurant Vaccine Authorization Letter here.
Governor Announces Changes to NYC Indoor Dining and Wedding Receptions
January 29, 2021
After weeks of a coordinated press, social media, and advocacy campaign by both the NYS Restaurant Association and our members to re-open indoor dining for NYC and increase numbers for weddings, Governor Cuomo made notable announcements today that will have a positive impact on the hospitality industry in New York State.
At today’s press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced:
DoorDash Providing $5,000 Grants to Eligible NYC Restaurants
As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, restaurants are facing an entirely new set of challenges. In response, DoorDash is providing $5,000 grants to small businesses selected through an application process in select cities across the US. The grants are part of DoorDash’s Main Street Strong initiative to help restaurants recover and succeed amidst COVID-19 related challenges. Detailed information and application available HERE.
Detailed Compliance Information for Outdoor Heaters in NYC
Thanks to sustained advocacy from NYSRA, our members, and industry allies alike, we have finally received compliance information for outdoor heaters. The Mayor's office, in collaboration with DOB and FDNY, released this expanded information, and as indicated several weeks ago, electric heaters will be allowed in roadway and sidewalk areas, whereas natural gas and propane heaters will be allowed in sidewalk areas only. Please see the full compliance information in the links below:
August 31, 2021
Today, Mayor de Blasio announced the publication of three Key to NYC guidance documents designed to give you the tools and information you need to comply with the new vaccine mandates. You’ll find guidance and suggestions to help you understand:
- How to put your plan into action
- What to look for when checking vaccination status
- Where to go for help with any questions
Phone to Action Campaign: Submit Feedback About the Vaccine Mandate
The New York State Restaurant Association has launched a phone to action tool that will allow you, your employees, guests, and any other interested stakeholders to submit feedback about the vaccine mandate. Please take a moment to let your elected officials know how the mandate is impacting you and your business!
Submit feedback here. Download a flyer to post or have on tables for guests to submit feedback here.
Employees Who Refuse to Get Vaccinated Can Be Terminated
We received new information that clarifies that employees who refuse to get vaccinated can be terminated and this will be considered “Just Cause” under the Fair Work Week laws for quick service chain operators. To read the Mayor’s new executive order language addressing just cause, click here. https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/228-001/emergency-executive-order-228 -
Key to NYC Pass Guidance, Flyer and FAQ For more information go to nyc.gov/KeytoNYC.
Vaccine Mandate Guidelines
Mayor de Blasio announced on Monday that his Executive Order for the vaccine mandate will take effect August 17, and enforcement is still set to begin September 13. We did get several answers in today's announcement, but a lot of our uncertainties and issues are still outstanding.
As of 8/16 we have confirmed that:
- People under 12 are not covered by the mandate, so long as they are wearing a mask when not eating or drinking, if unable to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
- Any person coming inside for a brief reason (i.e. bathroom use, paying a bill, picking up an order, or other approx. 10 minute reasons) are not covered, but if they don't show vaccine proof, must wear a mask when not able to maintain 6 feet of distancing.
- Vendors and delivery workers are not covered but need to wear a mask when unable to maintain 6 feet of distancing.
- Outdoor dining structures are not covered by the mandate, so long as the sidewalk side is unenclosed. Individual party structures (domes) are also not covered, so long as there is sufficient air circulation.
- Restaurants who do not offer indoor dining are not covered by the mandate, and if a restaurant wants to choose to stop offering indoor dining, they should block off their seating areas.
- Event spaces and catering halls are covered by the mandate.
- Employees are covered by the mandate, and there is no testing alternative.
- Restaurants are required to prepare a written policy on how they check vaccination status. They are not required to keep a record of people's vaccine documents.
- Restaurants are not required to verify if a vaccination document is real.
- Restaurants are required to check ID for people presenting vaccination records. Acceptable forms of ID include name and either photo or date of birth (ie. license, IDNYC, passport, school ID).
- Restaurants will be required to post an official sign explaining the program in a conspicuous location for patrons. Download sign here.
- Restaurants can be fined $1000 per incident of failing to comply with the mandate.
- For more information go to nyc.gov/KeytoNYC, read this FAQ, and this flyer.
New York City to Require Vaccines for Indoor Dining
- Since this policy was announced, NYSRA has been listening to your feedback and compiling a thorough list of clarifications and requests for the Mayor. As currently described, this policy appears to once again single out the restaurant industry for another significant hurdle, and we are doing whatever we can to lessen the burden. We will be meeting with the Mayor's office and other key City Council Members this week, and will continue to provide updates as they become available.
August 3, 2021
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new mandate on the restaurant industry that will require all workers and all patrons dining indoors to present proof of vaccination. Acceptable forms of proof will include paper vaccine cards, the state's Excelsior Pass, or a new pass being developed by the City called the Key to NYC Pass. The policy is expected to take effect August 16 with enforcement beginning September 13, with cure periods. You can read more in this CNBC article, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will mandate Covid vaccines for certain indoor activities.
Gyms and performance venues will be included in the mandate. Note that this is not a mask mandate, and as far as we understand, there is not a testing alternative. It would require proof of vaccine to take advantage of any of these activities.
Also please note that the mandate would not apply to outdoor dining or to picking up takeout orders, and more details are expected the week of August 16. NYSRA will be providing our feedback and working to make all your voices heard at the Mayor's office,
NYC Food Service Guidelines Released
June 10, 2021
NYC food service guidance was released this morning, and it largely mirrors what we shared for the rest of the state yesterday. NYC-specific updates of note: temperature checks are no longer required but contact tracing and HVAC regulations are still in place. You can review the guidance here.
UPDATES May 3:
- Starting May 3, seating at a bar is once again allowed. The guidelines specifically say, "Responsible Parties may allow customers to sit and be served at bar areas, provided a distance of at least six feet can be maintained between parties (i.e., groups of patrons). Responsible Parties must ensure that bar area staff keep a distance of at least six feet between each other and/or customers, when possible." To read the updated guidelines, click here.
- Effective May 7, capacity for bars and restaurants in NYC increases to 75%, social distancing of six feet is still required or appropriate physical barriers. Capacity for NYC indoor catered events will be 75% or 150 people, whichever is less.
- The New York City Subway will resume 24 hour a day service beginning May 17. The resumption of 24-hour service will coincide with the Governor's announcement lifting the 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew for outdoor dining areas. To read more, click here.
Updated Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines
March 26, 2021
At the urging of NYSRA, the State updated the Phase 3 Food Services Guidelines and the Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines to include the recent increase in the capacity limits and the social gathering limit. This should help clarify the rules for the industry, local health departments, and other enforcement agencies.
For New York City guidelines, click here.
NYC Vaccination Locations and FAQ
Now that NYC restaurant workers (including delivery workers) are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, your employees can visit this site to find a vaccination location near them, make an appointment, and review a helpful FAQ on vaccine details.
Sample NYC Restaurant Vaccine Authorization Letter here.
Governor Announces Changes to NYC Indoor Dining and Wedding Receptions
January 29, 2021
After weeks of a coordinated press, social media, and advocacy campaign by both the NYS Restaurant Association and our members to re-open indoor dining for NYC and increase numbers for weddings, Governor Cuomo made notable announcements today that will have a positive impact on the hospitality industry in New York State.
At today’s press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced:
- NYC restaurants will be allowed to open for indoor dining at 25% capacity beginning February 14, Valentine’s Day. All NYC indoor dining guidelines must be followed, review guidelines here.
- Starting March 15, New York will allow wedding receptions of 50% venue capacity (up to 150). All guests must be tested and the event must get approval from local health departments.
DoorDash Providing $5,000 Grants to Eligible NYC Restaurants
As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, restaurants are facing an entirely new set of challenges. In response, DoorDash is providing $5,000 grants to small businesses selected through an application process in select cities across the US. The grants are part of DoorDash’s Main Street Strong initiative to help restaurants recover and succeed amidst COVID-19 related challenges. Detailed information and application available HERE.
Detailed Compliance Information for Outdoor Heaters in NYC
Thanks to sustained advocacy from NYSRA, our members, and industry allies alike, we have finally received compliance information for outdoor heaters. The Mayor's office, in collaboration with DOB and FDNY, released this expanded information, and as indicated several weeks ago, electric heaters will be allowed in roadway and sidewalk areas, whereas natural gas and propane heaters will be allowed in sidewalk areas only. Please see the full compliance information in the links below:
- Setting up a compliant electric heater: guidance from DOB
- Setting up a compliant natural gas heater: guidance from DOB (fire code must also be observed)
- Setting up a compliant propane heater: guidance from FDNY
NY Forward posted detailed guidelines for indoor dining in New York City.
September 14, 2020
Guidelines available HERE. Note: There is a table of contents on left hand side of web page, choose Indoor Food Service (eighth item on the list), or scroll down on the page to that section for the guidelines. NYSRA will be reviewing the guidelines and providing more information in the days ahead.
Governor Cuomo Announces Indoor Dining in NYC to Begin September 30 with 25% Occupancy Limit
September 9, 2020
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced indoor dining in New York City will be allowed to resume beginning September 30th with a 25 percent occupancy limit. All restaurants that reopen will be subject to strict safety protocols, including temperature checks, contact information for tracing, face coverings when not seated and other safety protocols. Bar service will not be permitted, and restaurants will close at midnight. Guidelines will be reassessed based on the data by November 1. If the infection rate does not increase, restaurants may be permitted to go to 50 percent capacity; the State will monitor any positivity increase on an ongoing basis and potentially reassess if necessary.
Business guidance for indoor dining in New York City is available HERE. Read full press release HERE.
NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene to Conduct Modified Restaurant Inspections
August 17, 2020
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is beginning to conduct modified restaurant inspections. You will be notified about the time-frame of an upcoming inspection. Inspections will be shorter, limited to checking for conditions most associated with foodborne illness, pest conditions, compliance with New York State COVID-19 requirements and smoking. To get ready, please review this inspection information sheet.
Governor Cuomo Announces New Regulations for NYC Bars & Restaurants
July 16, 2020
Governor Cuomo announced new regulations for bars and restaurants in New York City to ensure they are complying with state social distancing and face covering orders. As part of the 'Three Strikes and You're Closed' initiative:
NYC Department of Health Clarification: What to do if employee tests positive for COVID-19.
You should reach out to both the state and local Departments of Health to let them know. NYC has set up an email address specifically for this purpose - CovidEmployerReport@nychhc.org. For more, see the NYC Department of Health's FAQ sheet.
Gotham Health List of Free COVID-19 Testing Sites in NYC Area HERE
NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Guidance on Alterations to Businesses Not Requiring a DOB Permit
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has put together a helpful document to clarify what sorts of alterations to businesses can be done without a DOB permit. You should be able to set up your compliant outdoor dining space without needing a new permit. Read DOB Document HERE.
NYC Open Restaurants Plan
NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide
September 14, 2020
Guidelines available HERE. Note: There is a table of contents on left hand side of web page, choose Indoor Food Service (eighth item on the list), or scroll down on the page to that section for the guidelines. NYSRA will be reviewing the guidelines and providing more information in the days ahead.
- Read and Affirm Guidelines here.
- NY Forward Reopening Safety Plan Template here.
- COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection Log Template available here.
Governor Cuomo Announces Indoor Dining in NYC to Begin September 30 with 25% Occupancy Limit
September 9, 2020
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced indoor dining in New York City will be allowed to resume beginning September 30th with a 25 percent occupancy limit. All restaurants that reopen will be subject to strict safety protocols, including temperature checks, contact information for tracing, face coverings when not seated and other safety protocols. Bar service will not be permitted, and restaurants will close at midnight. Guidelines will be reassessed based on the data by November 1. If the infection rate does not increase, restaurants may be permitted to go to 50 percent capacity; the State will monitor any positivity increase on an ongoing basis and potentially reassess if necessary.
Business guidance for indoor dining in New York City is available HERE. Read full press release HERE.
NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene to Conduct Modified Restaurant Inspections
August 17, 2020
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is beginning to conduct modified restaurant inspections. You will be notified about the time-frame of an upcoming inspection. Inspections will be shorter, limited to checking for conditions most associated with foodborne illness, pest conditions, compliance with New York State COVID-19 requirements and smoking. To get ready, please review this inspection information sheet.
Governor Cuomo Announces New Regulations for NYC Bars & Restaurants
July 16, 2020
Governor Cuomo announced new regulations for bars and restaurants in New York City to ensure they are complying with state social distancing and face covering orders. As part of the 'Three Strikes and You're Closed' initiative:
- Any establishment that receives three violations will be closed for business.
- Egregious violations can result in immediate loss of liquor license or closure before a third strike.
- Any establishment facing disciplinary charges by the State Liquor Authority will have its name and location posted publicly and updated on a weekly basis.
NYC Department of Health Clarification: What to do if employee tests positive for COVID-19.
You should reach out to both the state and local Departments of Health to let them know. NYC has set up an email address specifically for this purpose - CovidEmployerReport@nychhc.org. For more, see the NYC Department of Health's FAQ sheet.
Gotham Health List of Free COVID-19 Testing Sites in NYC Area HERE
NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Guidance on Alterations to Businesses Not Requiring a DOB Permit
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has put together a helpful document to clarify what sorts of alterations to businesses can be done without a DOB permit. You should be able to set up your compliant outdoor dining space without needing a new permit. Read DOB Document HERE.
NYC Open Restaurants Plan
NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide
