New York State increases capacity limits on entertainment venues

More people will be allowed to enter movie theaters, museums, and other entertainment venues soon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced that movie-theater capacity across the state will increase to 33 percent starting next Monday, April 26, up from the current 25 percent. He also said museums, aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens — which Cuomo dubbed low-risk, indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment — will increase to 50 percent capacity, also next Monday. That’s up from the current 33 percent capacity.

Then beginning May 19, spectator capacity will increase to 25 percent at large-scale arenas, and event venues, including professional and college sports, and major performances. The state will still require social distancing, masks, health screenings and all other health and safety protocols to remain in effect.

The loosening moves come as New York is reporting its lowest COVID positivity rates and numbers of hospitalizations in months, as vaccinations start to reach critical mass across the state.

“New Yorkers should be encouraged by the incredible progress they have made in reducing the infection rate and getting vaccinated,” Cuomo said in a statement. “While we are not yet out of the woods, thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, we have been able to safely re-open more facets of our economy.”