New York City Ready For Phase 2 Reopening, City Estimates Up To 300,000 Will Head Back To Work Monday
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City is set to enter Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan on Monday.
The city estimates another 150,000-300,000 residents will be heading back to work.
Mayor Bill de Blasio approved restaurants to use sidewalks or curbside parking spaces for outdoor dining in Phase 2.
All establishments must follow social distancing rules, and employees and customers have to wear face coverings when they are within six feet of people.
WATCH: Mayor De Blasio Discusses Phase 2 Reopening In NYC
De Blasio said tables can be set up in existing patios or backyards, on sidewalks or in curb lanes. The sidewalks will be available through October, and curb lanes will be open through Labor Day.
Starting in July, there will be additional seating in the city's open streets. Business improvement districts can also work with restaurants to offer tables in pedestrian plazas.
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De Blasio said these steps are expected to help save 5,000 restaurants and 45,000 jobs.
Owners started signing up for outdoor dining on Friday. The mayor stressed the application would be simple and streamlined.
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On the Upper West Side on Sunday, the partition fences were up and tables were out in advance of Monday's new phase, CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported.
"Hopefully, Phase 2 will be a little bit better for us as a business owners. We try to make like people go out, but at the same time we just want to protect them from the virus," said Samuel Mike, owner of Made in New York Pizza.
Mike had some of his tables on the sidewalk for a trial run, keeping tables a safe social distance apart. The chairs were stacked up and prepped to go outside at La Sirene across the street. Owner Didier Pawlicki said he's hoping the outdoor business will increase struggling business by at least 25%.
"But it won't be like before. That is obvious. The fear is here," Pawlicki said.
It's a big step toward normalcy in the city. Business owners Mike and Pawlicki said they're cautiously optimistic.
"We're not looking for business and money in this course. Just want to be on safe side, all of us," Mike said.
"We have to try to survive and thrive," Pawlicki added.
Phase 2 reopening also includes in-store retail, hair salons and barbershops, offices, real estate, vehicle sales, rentals and leases, commercial building management and retail rental, repair and cleaning.
MORE: New York City On Pace For Phase 2 Monday, Allowing Restaurants To Reopen With Outdoor Dining
Businesses with questions about reopening should contact the Department of Small Business Services by visiting nyc.gov/business or calling 8884-SBS-4NYC.
The SBS plans to distribute 2 million face coverings for employees and has an online marketplace to find PPE and other supplies.
There was no word Sunday from the city on when pools and beaches will reopen for swimming.
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