See below for information and guidance for businesses on reopening. As official guidance is rapidly evolving, we will be updating this page frequently, so please be sure to check back often.
When can businesses begin to reopen?
New York State has developed a set of metrics that regions of the state must meet before reopening. Click here to NY State’s reopening metrics dashboard.
Once NYC meets all of the reopening requirements, the city will begin to reopen in phases. Phase 1 allows for the reopening of construction and some retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop-off). Phase 2 allows for the reopening of professional services, in-store retail, real estate services, and administrative office workers. Phase 3 allows for the reopening of dine-in service at restaurants. And Phase 4 allows for the reopening of schools and entertainment and cultural venues.
For help determining whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, use NY State’s reopening lookup tool.
How can businesses reopen safely?
Each reopening business must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. A business may fill out this template to fulfill the requirement, or may develop its own Safety Plan. This plan does not need to be submitted to a state agency for approval but must be retained on the premises of the business and must made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.
Visit forward.ny.gov for industry specific reopening guidelines. Also, read OSHA’s guidelines for preparing workplaces for COVID-19, the International Council of Shopping Center’s Reopening Best Practices guide, and the CDC’s guidance on cleaning and disinfecting workplaces.
Visit Empire State Development’s website for frequently asked questions on how the New York Forward re-opening plan impacts your business.
Neighborhood creative agency, Massive, has designed terrific “Signage for a New Normal” to help businesses reopen safely. Click here to learn more and see samples.
Browse this reopening social media toolkit that the Department of Small Business Services put together.
Open Restaurant Program
Qualified restaurants are able to use sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios and plazas to provide outdoor dining through NYCDOT’s Open Restaurant program. The program was made permanent in September. Click here to learn more about winter outdoor dining guidelines.
Also, view this Business Reopening Packet that the NYC Department of Small Business Services put together to help bars and restaurants reopen.
Starting on September 30, indoor dining will be permitted to resume at 25% reduced capacity. View indoor dining guidelines here.
Open Storefronts Program
On October 28, the city announced the launch of a new Open Storefronts program, which will allow storefront businesses to use a portion of sidewalk to display merchandise, sell goods, complete transactions, and provide queuing areas. The program will begin October 30th and run until December 31st. Learn more and apply here.
Gyms and Fitness Facilities
As of September 2, Gyms and fitness facilities are allowed to reopen in NYC once the owner has submitted a Gym and Fitness Facility Inspection Request and Attestation Form to the NYC Health Department. By completing the form, a facility is affirming it has met COVID-19-related New York State requirements and is ready for inspection. Click here for more information about COVID-19 regulations affecting gyms and fitness centers.
