This column brings you the latest from Albany, City Hall and relevant organizations that affect small businesses in New York City during the pandemic and beyond. We will update you frequently, and will also bring you news from the street describing the impact of government and organizational policies.
Zoned out? New interactive tool will tell you
NEW YORK CITY (October 8, 2020) – Mayor Bill de Blasio has unveiled an interactive tool aimed at clarifying who lives/works in the newly defined COVID-19 “zones,” and what the consequences are with respect to closing. The tool is located at nyc.gov/covidzone. Click on the map to visualize your location and/or put your specific address into the search form at top left.
The zone finder also clarifies activity guidance for each zone, specifying restrictions not only for local businesses, but for houses of worship, gatherings, dining and schools.
What businesses are considered “nonessential”? This is a somewhat moving target, as gyms, for example, are trying nationally to argue that they are essential. For now, only essential businesses as designated by the New York State Empire State Development Corporation can remain open in red zones. Restaurants, bars, cafes and other places that serve food must revert to takeout and delivery only – no indoor or outdoor dining.
In orange zones, closures are mandated for gyms and fitness centers, and personal care services, including barbers, hair salons, spas, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail technicians and nail salons, cosmetologists, estheticians, the provision of laser hair removal and electrolysis, etc. Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide outdoor dining and takeout and delivery service only. There is a four-person maximum per table. No indoor dining is allowed.
In yellow zones, all businesses can remain open, but must follow COVID-19 requirements. Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed, with a four-person maximum per table.
The city has already experienced consequences of the required and potential reclosings, including mass protests, uneven police enforcement, continued bickering between city and state, and confusion. We will keep you updated.
If you have information related to pandemic requirements or a story to tell about how you are being impacted, email: marilynn@hotindienews.com
