February 17, 2021 — New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9. All facilities must submit reopening plans with health protocols to the local health department. Face coverings and social distancing will be required for all customers and staff, and customers will be required to have a health screening with temperature checks prior to entry. Additionally, day and overnight summer camps in New York State can begin to plan for reopening. The Department of Health will issue specific reopening guidance, including details on timing, in the coming weeks.
“In New York, we base our decisions on the science and data and adjust as the virus adjusts,” Governor Cuomo said. “With continued decreases in the infection and hospitalization rates, we have been able to take steps toward beginning our post-COVID recovery and we are excited to now be in a place where we can bring back our recreational industries with safety protocols in place. As we’ve said time and time again, our success will be dictated by our actions and as long as we stay united and keep carrying this momentum forward in a positive direction, we will be able to see more and more sectors of our economy reopen.”
California Attractions and Parks Association’s executive director Erin Guerrero today issued the following statement in reaction to Cuomo’s announcement:
“Kudos to Governor Cuomo for acknowledging amusement parks’ extraordinary efforts to prepare to reopen responsibly and for giving them a realistic timeline for reopening. If New York can do it – so can California.
“California amusement parks have detailed plans in place so they can reopen responsibly with protocols that protect the health and safety of guests and staff. These protocols are recommended by health experts and reflect the best practices of parks that have reopened around the world. No known COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced back to parks that have reopened.
“We continue to urge Governor Newsom to update the industry guidance for amusement parks so California’s signature parks can reopen when the counties they’re in reach the Orange/Moderate/Tier 3.”
IMAGE: Nebulaz ride at Luna Park Coney Island. Courtesy Zamperla.
