Large New York Venues Can Reopen With Limited Capacity Starting On February 23

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced large venues in the state can reopen at 10% capacity starting on February 23 as COVID-19 vaccines continue to flow. Cuomo revealed the news during a press conference today.

Attendees will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event, wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines. Organizers of the performances and sporting events at venues with capacities of over 10,000 people need to have their plans approved by New York’s Department Of Health as per Brooklyn Vegan’s report. Both Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden will host NBA basketball games on February 23.

The decision came after the Buffalo Bills hosted a playoff game last month in a demonstration of the plan. Cuomo said there was “no discernible rise in COVID cases” from what he called an “unparalleled success” according to Brooklyn Vegan.

“If you’re negative you are negative, so the testing is the key,” added the governor. “We are now going to extend the Buffalo Bills example.”

[via Brooklyn Vegan]