Indoor dining can resume on February 12th at a reduced capacity of 25%
NY Gov Andrew Cuomo closed indoor dining on December 14 after a spike of cases across the state from Thanksgiving
He allowed it to continue in other parts of the state and was slammed for the disparity
He claimed it was because NYC has a more dense population where infection can spread more quickly
But NYC has had lower test positivity rates than other regions for months
There were protests and some restaurant owners have filed lawsuits
Cuomo originally planned to reopen indoor dining on Valentine s Day
Restaurants asked him to reopen on the 12th to make the most of the weekend
Cuomo said on Tuesday restaurants workers could be allowed to get vaccinated
Each county will decide whether to prioritize them as part of Phase 1B group
Taxi drivers and developmentally disabled facilities also join group 1B
The group already included first responders, teachers, and people over age 65
Mayor de Blasio had pleaded for the move as restaurants prepare to reopen
NYC restaurants will be able to reopen at 25% capacity starting Valentine s Day
Cuomo s position on restaurant workers reversed just a day after he refused it