New York is set to let amusement parks open in early April and overnight camps open this summer as long as they submit reopening plans to the state.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that arcades and other indoor family entertainment centers can open with 25% capacity starting March 26. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a third of their normal capacity by April 9, while day and overnight camps can start planning for reopening this summer.
In addition to face coverings, social distancing and mandatory health screenings, all facilities must follow the below guidelines:
- Contact information must be collected from each party to inform contact tracing, if needed.
- High-touch areas, attractions and rides must be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day.
- Attractions must close if they cannot ensure distancing and be frequently cleaned/disinfected.
- Sufficient staff must be deployed to enforce compliance with rules, including capacity, distancing and face coverings.
- Tickets should be sold in advance and entry/exit and waiting times should be staggered to avoid congestion.
- Indoor areas must meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards.
- Retail, food services and recreational activities must abide by all state-issued guidance.
New York is seeing a drop in infections statewide, though at a slower pace than the nation. But the governor said the overall statewide drops are enough to allow New York to bring back recreational industries.
A new vaccine pop-up site was announced Wednesday for Western New York at Native American Community Services on Buffalo's West Side. It will be held Feb. 20 9 a.m.-2 p.m., but the state also announced that all appointments are already filled.
