Indoor dining, in a limited capacity, as well as the return of personal care services is on tap for Long Island as the region enters Phase 3 of New York’s reopening plan on June 24.
Over the last few weeks, Long Island has seen a drastic decline in new hospitalizations, daily cases, and deaths due to the novel coronavirus. As of Monday, June 22, there were 49 new people infected in Suffolk County, a dramatic decrease for the region that saw 1,540 new cases at the virus’s peak on April 4.
As the island enters Phase 3 on Wednesday, it joins the rest of the state — aside from New York City which is still in Phase 2 — in allowing indoor dining at restaurants at 50% capacity.
Eateries must space tables six-feet apart from each other and have barriers in high-traffic areas. This phase also ups the number of people allowed in gatherings to 25 people — it was 10 in the last phase.
As far as personal care services go, places such as nail and tanning salons, massage and tattoo parlors can reopen for business under social distancing protocols.
If the trend of falling virus numbers continues, Long Island could enter the next stage as soon as July 8. This phase includes the reopening of arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses, as well as educational facilities.
Check back at Greater Long Island for more updates.
Top: File photo of ribs from Bobbique in Patchogue
