Weddings, Catered Events to Resume In New York State
With COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations continuing their downward spiral, New York State will begin allowing weddings and catered events to take place starting March 15, subject to strict health and safety protocols.
“From day one, we have said that our COVID recovery is not a choice between public health and the economy – it has to be both – and in New York we’re demonstrating how to do that safely and smartly,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a written statement.
“Thanks to the hard work and commitment of all New Yorkers, our infection rate is now the lowest we’ve seen in three months, and accordingly we will now be reopening various activities across the state including … weddings. As our infection rate continues to fall, and the vaccination rate continues to climb, we will keep reopening different sectors of our state’s economy and focus our efforts on building our state back better than it was before.”
The rules for weddings and catered events are as follows:
— Venues are restricted to 50 capacity, with no more than 150 people per event.
— All patrons must be tested prior to the event.
— Sign-in with contact information required to assist with potential contact tracing.
— Venues must notify local health departments of large events, above the social gathering limit, in advance.
— Masks will be required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking.
— Ceremonial and socially-distanced dancing allowed under strict guidelines.
