New York to lift curfews on restaurants and bars in May

New York State will end its midnight curfew on restaurants and bars in May, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday. The curfew for outdoor dining ends on May 17 and ends on May 31 for indoor dining. 

"We know the COVID positivity rate is a function of our behavior, and over the last year New Yorkers have remained disciplined and continued with the practices we know work to stop the spread of the virus," Cuomo said in a statement. "Lifting these restrictions for restaurants, bars and catering companies will allow these businesses that have been devastated by the pandemic." Cuomo said seating can resume at New York City's bars on May 3. He also lifted restrictions on catered events at residences, which can now host more than the state recommended limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. The events will still be required to follow local laws on masks and social distancing.