NY increases capacity for zoos, museums and large-scale arenas

Museums, zoos and large-scale arenas in New York will soon be able to increase their capacity and still meet Covid-19 restrictions, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday.

Movie theater capacity will increase to 33 percent starting April 26. Low-risk, indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment – including museums, aquariums, zoos and botanical gardens – will increase to 50 percent capacity, also beginning April 26.

Beginning May 19, spectator capacity will increase to 25 percent at large-scale arenas and event venues, including professional and collegiate sports, and major performances. Social distancing, masks, health screenings and all other health and safety protocols remain in effect.

“New Yorkers should be encouraged by the incredible progress they have made in reducing the infection rate and getting vaccinated,” Cuomo said. “While we are not yet out of the woods, thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we have been able to safely re-open more facets of our economy.”

Statewide the percent positive for Covid-19 tests on Sunday was 2.94 percent. The 7-day average for the state was 2.85 percent.

Western New York has the highest positivity rate in the state at 4.78 percent for the 7-day average. The Finger Lakes Region, which includes Orleans, was at 3.04 percent for the 7-day average.