The start of phase three in Nassau County means the openings of more businesses, though with conditions. Based on the state of New York’s reopening guidelines, here is a taste of what is expected from the public throughout the new phase.
1. In all instances …
Unless medically impractical, continue wearing a face covering when in public. Acceptable coverings include but aren’t limited to homemade sewn masks, bandanas, surgical masks and face shields, according to New York State. Social distancing of six feet between individuals also continues to stand.
The state is limiting indoor capacity for restaurants to no more than 50 percent of maximum occupancy, exclusive of employees, and limiting outdoor capacity to the number of tables that can be safely arranged six feet apart from each other. Once seated, patrons are allowed to remove their face coverings, but must put them back on once they stand up.
To avoid long waits in one’s car or being turned away at the door, call ahead and make a reservation to ensure that your party will have a table. A maximum amount of 10 people per table is allowed, as per state regulations.
Capacity for both beaches and their indoor areas such as changing rooms or restrooms is limited to 50 percent of their usual maximum, so show up early to get a spot on the sand. It will also be easier to prepare for the 10 feet of distance required between your household and others.
Gatherings of any size continue to be prohibited, save for groups from within the same household or unit. Concession stands, indoor showers and swimming pools near beaches will also remain closed.
With the exception of competitive multigame tournaments, low- to moderate-risk sports are allowed to be played in public. The state lists baseball, softball, tennis, badminton, racquetball, water polo, gymnastics, field hockey, swimming relays, batting cages, hunting, shooting, archery, golf, mini-golf, nonmotorized boating, rock climbing, equestrian events, crew, rafting, paintball, soccer, noncontact lacrosse, flag football, BMX bike racing, individual swimming, horseshoes, bocce, bean bag toss, disc golf and Frisbee.
Higher-risk sports like football, wrestling, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, contact lacrosse, competitive cheerleading, dance, volleyball and martial arts will only be allowed in individual or distanced group training and low-contact sports camps and clinics.
Capacity at matches is limited to no more than 50 percent of the maximum occupancy, inclusive of employees, patrons, players and spectators. No more than two spectators are allowed per player.
5. For religious and funeral services …
Arrive early. Phase three means that only 25 percent of a religious institution or funeral parlor’s maximum capacity is allowed at indoor services. Only 25 people will be allowed for outdoor services. Some congregations are holding drive-in services, so check with your local house of worship to be sure.
The state recommends that congregants bring their own religious texts from home, and that any musicians bring their own instruments if possible. Shaking hands of members in different households during services or prayers is also discouraged by the state, as are activities involving singing, unless 12 feet of separation can be achieved to reduce transmission of respiratory droplets.
