COVID-19 | 6sqft - Part 4

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

April 26, 2021

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

By Devin Gannon

Entertainment and cultural venues in New York will soon welcome more visitors. Starting April 26, capacity limits at museums and zoos will be raised to 50 percent and to 33 percent at movie theaters. Starting May 19, large indoor sports arenas can increase capacity from 10 percent to 25 percent, and outdoor venues from 20 to 33 percent. In addition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that as of May 15, offices can increase capacity from 50 to 75 percent, casinos and gaming facilities from 25 to 50 percent, and gyms outside of NYC from 33 to 50 percent.
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New Yorkers 50+ can now get vaccinated at NYC sites without an appointment

The vaccination site at Citi Field is now accepting walk-in appointments; Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 19, 2021

New Yorkers 50+ can now get vaccinated at NYC sites without an appointment

By Devin Gannon

New Yorkers aged 50 years and older can now get vaccinated without an appointment, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday. Previously, these no-appointment slots were set aside for those 75 years old and above. The walk-up shots are currently available at 31 city-run sites; pharmacies and mass vaccination sites run by the state still require advance registration. On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced walk-in vaccinations would be open to those aged 60+ at 16 state-run sites starting Friday, April 23.
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Policy

COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

Photo by Andrae Ricketts on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

By Devin Gannon

A coronavirus vaccination site with appointments set aside for theater, film, and television workers opened in Times Square on Monday. Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to open a vaccine hub on Broadway for the theater industry ahead of The Great White Way's expected reopening later this year. The newly opened site, located at 20 Times Square, will now have vaccine slots designated for TV and film actors and crew members.
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Vaccinations should come with meal, museum, and MetroCard vouchers, mayoral candidate proposes

Photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr

April 6, 2021

Vaccinations should come with meal, museum, and MetroCard vouchers, mayoral candidate proposes

By Devin Gannon

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer on Monday proposed a new way to give a "booster shot" to the city's economy. The program would give New Yorkers receiving a coronavirus vaccine shot "VaxPacks," a swag bag of vouchers for local businesses, cultural venues, and a two-trip MetroCard. Stringer said the initiative encourages vaccinations and supports small businesses, while also increasing subway and bus ridership, which has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
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City Living

New York launches digital COVID-19 vaccination pass as part of reopening effort

Photo courtesy of Governor Cuomo’s office

March 29, 2021

New York launches digital COVID-19 vaccination pass as part of reopening effort

New York on Friday became the first state to officially launch a digital passport for the coronavirus, which involves a smartphone app that shows proof of an individual's vaccination or recent negative test. Developed in partnership with IBM, the "Excelsior Pass" is designed like a mobile airline boarding pass and is part of the state's plan to reopen businesses, entertainment venues, and wedding reception halls. Following a pilot program tested at a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center and at a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, the app will expand to smaller arts and culture venues and theaters on April 2, the same day live performances can return to New York.
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New Yorkers aged 50+ will be eligible for the COVID vaccine

Dr. Michelle Chester of Northwell Health in Queens prepares to administer the first coronavirus vaccine in New York State; Photo: Scott Heagedins for the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

March 22, 2021

New Yorkers aged 50+ will be eligible for the COVID vaccine

By Devin Gannon

The group of New Yorkers eligible for the coronavirus vaccine is set to expand again this week. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced that New Yorkers aged 50 years and older will be able to sign up for a vaccine appointment starting 8 a.m. on March 23. "We are dropping the age as we're vaccinating more people," the governor said during an event at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
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Policy

New York pharmacies can now vaccinate those with underlying conditions

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 22, 2021

New York pharmacies can now vaccinate those with underlying conditions

By Devin Gannon

New Yorkers with certain underlying health conditions can now receive the coronavirus vaccine at pharmacies across the state, greatly expanding the number of people these stores are able to serve. Previously, pharmacies in the state were only able to administer the vaccine to those 60 years and older and teachers. The state's eligibility expansion comes as more than 7.5 million total COVID vaccine doses have been administered across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday.
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Policy

Lincoln Center marks anniversary of NYC’s first COVID death with memorial events

Courtesy of Lincoln Center

March 12, 2021

Lincoln Center marks anniversary of NYC’s first COVID death with memorial events

By Devin Gannon

To mark the anniversary of the first reported coronavirus death in New York City, the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts will host two memorial events this Sunday. At 12 p.m. on March 14, a virtual performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" will be available to view online. Later that evening, hundreds of candles will be lit around the Revson Fountain to honor the roughly 30,000 New Yorkers lost to the pandemic.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC hospital that administered first COVID vaccine dose in U.S. donates vial to the Smithsonian

Photo by Scott Heins/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

March 10, 2021

NYC hospital that administered first COVID vaccine dose in U.S. donates vial to the Smithsonian

By Devin Gannon

The morning of December 14 was historic for New York and the nation. Sandra Lindsay, an ICU nurse at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, received the first coronavirus vaccine in the United States, marking the beginning of the end of this painful period. That moment will be preserved as part of a collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., which has acquired the empty vial of the first dose and other materials related to that day, including the ID badge and scrubs of Lindsay, officials announced on Tuesday.
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Events & Things To Do

Distinctive Homes

At former Streit's Matzo Factory, a Lower East Side penthouse with two terraces asks $4.35M

At former Streit's Matzo Factory, a Lower East Side penthouse with two terraces asks $4.35M

$1.8M restored Marcel Breuer house on the Hudson has kept its mid-century modern spirit intact

$1.8M restored Marcel Breuer house on the Hudson has kept its mid-century modern spirit intact

Ethan Hawke's former Chelsea townhouse lists for $5.98M

Ethan Hawke's former Chelsea townhouse lists for $5.98M

$450K Hell's Kitchen studio is a cozy refuge in the middle of Manhattan

$450K Hell's Kitchen studio is a cozy refuge in the middle of Manhattan

For $2.95M, this parlor floor Chelsea co-op has brownstone charm and a private terrace

For $2.95M, this parlor floor Chelsea co-op has brownstone charm and a private terrace

This $3.25M Gramercy two-bedroom comes with expansion potential–and a key to the park

This $3.25M Gramercy two-bedroom comes with expansion potential–and a key to the park

This $7M limestone townhouse brings restored Park Slope perfection to historic beauty

This $7M limestone townhouse brings restored Park Slope perfection to historic beauty

Cozy Brooklyn Heights co-op has pre-war charm and a bright, sunny kitchen for $1.5M

Cozy Brooklyn Heights co-op has pre-war charm and a bright, sunny kitchen for $1.5M

For $55K, spend a post-modernist summer in a designer's Long Island home and studio

For $55K, spend a post-modernist summer in a designer's Long Island home and studio

Live like royalty on the Upper East Side for $5.8M

Live like royalty on the Upper East Side for $5.8M

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New Yorkers 60+, government and nonprofit employees eligible for COVID vaccine this month

A short-term mass vaccination site that utilizes the Johnson & Johnson vaccine opened at Marist College. Credit: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

March 9, 2021

New Yorkers 60+, government and nonprofit employees eligible for COVID vaccine this month

By Devin Gannon

The group of New Yorkers eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine will significantly expand this month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced New Yorkers aged 60 years and older can sign up to receive the vaccine starting this Wednesday and public-facing government, non-profit, and building workers on March 17. Originally, New Yorkers aged 75 years and older were included in the first phase of the vaccine rollout along with healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff, but Cuomo agreed in January to lower the age prerequisite to 65 years and older.
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Policy

NYC’s live subway map now includes COVID-19 vaccination sites

Courtesy of the MTA

March 9, 2021

NYC’s live subway map now includes COVID-19 vaccination sites

By Devin Gannon

Coronavirus vaccination sites located across New York City have been added to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's digital subway map, helping straphangers find the easiest route to their appointments. The map, which launched last October and provides real-time service updates, now features a syringe icon that marks the location of vaccine hubs in every borough.
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Transit

New Yorkers who lost loved ones to COVID can pay tribute to them during city’s memorial on March 14

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

March 8, 2021

New Yorkers who lost loved ones to COVID can pay tribute to them during city’s memorial on March 14

This Sunday, March 14 marks one year since the first resident of New York City died from the coronavirus. Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the date will be recognized as an official day of remembrance for the nearly 30,000 city residents who passed away from the virus. This week the mayor invited people to share the names and photographs of family, friends, and neighbors lost to COVID to possibly be featured as part of the city's online memorial taking place on March 14.
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City Living

NYC begins door-to-door COVID-19 vaccinations for homebound seniors

Photo of NYCHA vaccination site at Nostrand Houses in Brooklyn by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 5, 2021

NYC begins door-to-door COVID-19 vaccinations for homebound seniors

By Devin Gannon

New York City on Thursday launched an effort to vaccinate homebound seniors by going door to door at select residential buildings. With this week's arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires a single shot and remains stable in a regular refrigerator, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the vaccine will "revolutionize" the city's fight against the coronavirus. Teams deployed by the FDNY started vaccinating seniors in Co-op City in the Bronx on Thursday and will move to Brighton Beach on Friday.
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Policy

Limited live performances and events can resume in New York in April

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

March 3, 2021

Limited live performances and events can resume in New York in April

By Devin Gannon

After being closed for over a year, events, arts, and entertainment venues can reopen at a limited capacity next month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced that as soon as April 2, live performance venues will be able to open indoor spaces at 33 percent capacity or up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of a negative coronavirus test prior to entry, capacity can increase to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, according to the state.
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New York will administer Johnson & Johnson vaccine overnight at Javits Center, Yankee Stadium this week

The mass vaccination site at Yankee Stadium opened in February for Bronx residents only; Photo: Don Pollard / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

March 2, 2021

New York will administer Johnson & Johnson vaccine overnight at Javits Center, Yankee Stadium this week

By Devin Gannon

New York this week will start administering the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine during overnight hours at three state-run mass vaccination sites, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday. Vaccine hubs at the Javits Center, Yankee Stadium, and the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse will distribute the single-dose vaccine, which was granted emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration over the weekend, to eligible New Yorkers starting this Friday, March 5. Appointments will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday for vaccinations at Yankee Stadium and 8 a.m. on Thursday for the Javits Center and the Fairgrounds.
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Policy

Mass vaccination site to open at Co-op City in the Bronx this week

Photo by David L Roush on Wikimedia

March 2, 2021

Mass vaccination site to open at Co-op City in the Bronx this week

By Devin Gannon

New York City this week will open a mass coronavirus vaccination site at Co-op City, the world's largest housing cooperative. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced the site will start vaccinations for eligible New Yorkers on March 4 at the Bronx development, which is home to over 15,300 apartments across 72 buildings. "Communities felt deep, deep losses from the coronavirus in the Bronx," de Blasio said during a press briefing. "The Bronx is too often overlooked. We can't let that happen."
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Policy

Dine with the ‘stars’ at Brooklyn’s famed Peter Luger steakhouse

All photos courtesy of Peter Luger

February 26, 2021

Dine with the ‘stars’ at Brooklyn’s famed Peter Luger steakhouse

By Devin Gannon

As New York City restaurants expand their indoor dining capacity to 35 percent on Friday, beloved Brooklyn steakhouse Peter Luger hopes to make the experience a unique one. Celebrity wax figures will fill the empty seats of its Williamsburg dining room, as part of a partnership with Madame Tussauds New York.
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Food & Dining

FEMA community-based vaccination sites open in Brooklyn and Queens this week

Photo by Jules Antonio on Wikimedia

February 22, 2021

FEMA community-based vaccination sites open in Brooklyn and Queens this week

By Devin Gannon

Two coronavirus vaccination sites run by the state with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open in Queens and Brooklyn on Wednesday, with appointments set aside for residents of specific ZIP codes. Appointment slots opened over the weekend for vaccinations at Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights and York College in Jamaica, starting this Wednesday. According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, there are many appointments still up for grabs.
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Policy

Popular Articles

Know of something cool happening in New York? Let us know:

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

Photo by sebastien cordat on Unsplash

February 17, 2021

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

By Devin Gannon

Looking ahead to warmer months, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said outdoor amusement parks, indoor family entertainment centers, and overnight summer camps in New York will be allowed to reopen. If the state's coronavirus positivity rate continues to trend downward, indoor entertainment centers can reopen starting March 26 at 25 percent capacity, outdoor amusement parks and rides on April 9 at 33 percent capacity, and eventually, overnight summer camps in June.
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Policy

NYC releases vaccination data by ZIP code

Map shows the percentage of residents who received at least one dose of the vaccine by ZIP code as of Feb. 16, courtesy of NYC Health

February 16, 2021

NYC releases vaccination data by ZIP code

By Devin Gannon

New York City neighborhoods that have experienced the highest infection rates of COVID-19 are now seeing the lowest rates of vaccination, according to new data released by the city. For the first time, the city on Tuesday published a map of vaccination rates by ZIP code. According to the data, Staten Island and Manhattan have the highest vaccination rates, while "the South Bronx, parts of Central Queens, and Central Brooklyn lag behind," Dr. Torian Easterling, the city's First Deputy Health Commissioner, said.
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Policy

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

Photo: Patrick Cashin / MTA New York City Transit

February 16, 2021

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

By Devin Gannon

Overnight subway service in New York City will partially resume this month following more than nine months of closure. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Monday plans for a phased reopening of the subway starting February 22, which includes closing the system for cleaning from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. instead of from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Cuomo last May ordered the closure of 24/7 service, a first for the system, as part of a rigorous coronavirus disinfection plan and an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 10, 2021

New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

By Devin Gannon

Large stadiums and arenas in New York can welcome back fans and audiences starting February 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. Venues that reopen must operate at 10 percent capacity and with coronavirus testing requirements in place. According to the governor, this could apply to sports, music, and performance venues. The Barclays Center has already been approved to reopen for a Brooklyn Nets game against the Sacramento Kings on February 23.
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NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

February 8, 2021

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

By Devin Gannon

New York City restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity from 25 to 35 percent starting February 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday. "That will be consistent with New Jersey," the governor said during a press conference, referring to the 35 percent capacity. After closing indoor dining in December, Cuomo said city restaurants could serve customers inside again on February 12, citing the end of the "post-holiday" surge of coronavirus cases. The governor last week also extended the closing times for bars, restaurants, and other businesses from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

Photo of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten by cogito ergo imago on Flickr

February 3, 2021

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

By Devin Gannon

Starting Friday, New Jersey restaurants and bars can serve more customers and stay open later. Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed an executive order relaxing some coronavirus restrictions for indoor gatherings, pointing to a decrease in new daily cases and hospitalizations across the state. Under the order, which goes into effect ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, indoor dining capacity can increase from 25 percent to 35 percent and the 10 p.m. curfew at restaurants will be lifted.
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NYC vaccination data shows ‘profound’ racial gaps

Vaccination center at NYCHA Van Dyke Houses in Brownsville, Brooklyn on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Photo credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

February 1, 2021

NYC vaccination data shows ‘profound’ racial gaps

By Devin Gannon

Black and Latino residents in New York City have received far fewer doses of the coronavirus vaccine than white New Yorkers, according to preliminary data released by the city on Sunday. Of the roughly 300,000 city residents vaccinated with at least one dose, 48 percent of them were white, 15 percent Asian, 15 percent Latino, and 11 percent Black. Mayor Bill de Blasio called the racial disparities "profound," since Latino and Black residents make up 29 and 24 percent of the city's population, respectively.
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