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Dear Friends,

This week Mayor de Blasio set a goal for a full reopening of New York City on July 1. With over 6.4 million vaccinations to date and new COVID cases and hospitalizations on the decline, New Yorkers are clearly doing their part to ensure a strong comeback. And this week’s slate of announcements from the federal government and New York State (detailed below) has bolstered the news of reopening. I for one am looking forward to seeing the return of our arts, entertainment and nightlife in the #SummerOfNYC.

To support our restaurants and bars, this week the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and the Office of Nightlife in partnership with the NYC Department Small Business Services launched Fair Share NYC: Restaurants to provide technical assistance to local businesses applying to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) program provides non-taxable grants to restaurants, bars, and other food and beverage businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis. Individual establishments may qualify for up to $5 million and restaurant groups may be eligible for up to $10 million in grant funding. RRF portal registration will open on Friday, April 30 at 9am (EDT) at Restaurants.SBA.gov. RRF applications will open on Monday, May 3 at 12pm noon (EDT).

Fair Share NYC: Restaurants will help eligible New York City applicants secure these critical funds through weekly webinars, virtual one-on-one sessions and other services. Information is available on the Fair Share NYC: Restaurants Revitalization Fund webpage or 888-SBS-4NYC. (More updates on Restaurants and Bars below.)

COVID-19 UPDATES

Earlier this week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance for fully vaccinated people, including relaxed restrictions on face coverings. Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.105 stating that fully vaccinated people (defined as two or more weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) no longer need to wear masks outdoors, except in crowded settings and venues. But people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and outdoors in accordance with law and fully vaccinated people must still wear masks indoors. NYC Health Commissioner Dr. David Chokshi urges caution and consideration of the city’s dense population when deciding whether to wear a mask outdoors.

NOTE: For outdoor entertainment events like those under our Open Culture program, and for filming outdoors on NYC public property, masks are still required of all participants, whether or not they have been vaccinated (except for performers, as allowed by state guidance).

If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated. It’s never been easier:

• MOME is proud to partner with The Actors Fund to assist members of the performing arts and film/tv community who are either working, living, or attending school in New York City in scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments at The ATC Broadway Vaccination Site (ATC Vaccination Times Square, located at 47th Street & 7th Avenue). To schedule an appointment, please call 917-281-5937 or email vaccines@actorsfund.org with your name and phone number to speak with someone who can help you. And when you get your vaccine, let us know on social media using #BwayVax.

• The NYC Mobile Vaccine Bus has expanded from serving restaurant workers and restaurant delivery workers and now is serving all New Yorkers 18+ in neighborhoods across the city. The NYC Mobile Vaccine will be in Flushing from April 30-May 4 and at Corona Plaza from May 2-4. Vans will have live interpretation on site and multilingual vaccine materials. Book your appointment today on vax4nyc.nyc.gov or by calling 877-829-4692.

• Everyone 16 years and older is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. New Yorkers can get their COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at vaccine sites throughout New York City at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692), or without an appointment at select sites across NYC: http://on.nyc.gov/walkupvax.

• Free transportation to vaccination appointments in NYC is available for city residents 65 and older and those with disabilities who have no other way to get to a vaccination site. To arrange for transportation, call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

• NYC residents who cannot leave their home can sign up for an in-home vaccination online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

New COVID variants serve as an important reminder to keep doing what we know works: wear a mask, socially distance, avoid nonessential travel, and get tested. You can find testing locations near you and check a list of wait times here.

The New York State Department of Health updated the COVID-19 Travel Advisory so that asymptomatic travelers entering New York State from another country, U.S. state, or territory are no longer required to test or quarantine. Quarantine, consistent with the CDC recommendations, is still recommended for all travelers who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from laboratory confirmed COVID-19 during the previous three months. Symptomatic travelers must immediately self-isolate and contact the local health department or their healthcare providers to determine if they should seek COVID-19 testing.

All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form unless the traveler had left New York for less than 24 hours or is coming to New York from a contiguous state. Contiguous states to New York are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont.

Other ways to stay connected:

• Health Department Community Conversations: nyc.gov/vaccinecommunityconversations

• Health Department Vaccine Train the Trainer (regular weekly sessions open to the public): nyc.gov/vaccinetrainthetrainer

• Health Department Newsletter Sign-up: nyc.gov/covid19updates

KEY REOPENING DATES

As of April 26, audience capacity limits for movie theaters have increased to the lesser of 100 or 33%, subject to the updated NYS DOH Interim Guidance for Movie Theaters.

Starting April 26, capacity limits will increase to 50% for museums, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and other places covered by the NYS DOH Interim Guidance on Low-Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment or the NYS DOH Interim Guidance on Low-Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment.

Starting May 3, catered events can resume at private residences in accordance with the updated NYS DOH Interim Guidance for Food Services (In-Person and Catered Events section).

Starting May 7, indoor dining in New York City will be allowed to expand to 75% capacity. Until then, indoor dining is allowed to operate at 50% capacity in New York City, subject to strict state guidance, which can be found here. This brings New York City in line with the rest of the State. (More detailed updates on Restaurants and Bars below.)

Starting May 15, offices can increase capacity from 50% to 75% in accordance with NYS DOH Interim Guidance for Office-Based Work.

Starting May 19, capacity limits for large performing arts and sport venues will increase to 25%. Until May 19, capacity is capped at 20% for outdoor venues with 2,500+ capacity, and 10% for indoor venues with 1,500+ capacity. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization is required for all attendees. Social distancing and face coverings are required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable NYS Department of Health guidance. NYS Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for Large Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is available on the New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.

Small and medium performances and live entertainment events are allowed to reopen. Indoor venues with a capacity of less than 1,500 attendees can reopen at 33% capacity up to 100 people or 150 people with proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization from all attendees. Outdoor venues with a capacity of less than 2,500 attendees can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 200 people or 500 people with proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization from all attendees. Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable NYS Department of Health guidance. NYS Department of Health Interim Guidance for Small and Medium Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is available on the New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.

Required Local Health Department Notifications for Live Performance: If you wish to offer a live performance that exceeds the social gathering limit (but is within the limits established by the State for performances when the audience is COVID-19 tested or vaccinated) you must notify the New York City Health Department at least five days in advance. You can make the notification here.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

The deadline for applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to May 31. The program currently offers:

• First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants, and

• Second Draw PPP Loans for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan.

To connect New York City’s small business owners to federal relief funds, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/PPP or call 888-SBS-4NYC.

Recently, we have started to receive more inquiries about guidance for office reopening. The NYC Department of Small Business Services is hosting a free webinar series “Back to the (Future) Workplace” starting April 27 to help businesses understand the current pandemic guidelines while adapting their offices for the future. More information is available here.

As the city reopens, ensuring everyone’s well-being is paramount. In partnership with our colleagues at NYC & Company, we are asking arts, entertainment and hospitality groups and their stakeholders to take the Stay Well Pledge to help the five boroughs reopen responsibly. Taking the Pledge means you agree to adhere to public health protocols and ask your patrons to do the same. We know it will take a community effort to help inspire confidence and educate the public about what we all are doing to ensure a safe and strong reopening.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (formerly Save Our Stages). Eligible operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives may apply for critical economic relief under this program. For more information and to view applicant resources, visit the SVOG website. For SVOG application portal technical support such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance.

Curtains Up NYC, a program partnership of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), offers free technical assistance to live-performance venues, businesses, and non-profit organizations applying for SVOG and other federal assistance to help them put forward the strongest application. Trained counselors are also available for virtual, one-on-one sessions. Information is available on the Curtains Up NYC webpage or 888-SBS-4NYC.

Open Culture performances continue to roll out in neighborhoods across the city. The program, which runs through October 31, allows ticketed, socially distanced, outdoor performances at nearly 200 street locations throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Open Culture Program Resources page offers tips for planning and preparation for Open Culture events, links to best practices and protocols developed by live performance professionals, and a suite of graphics and sample posters for Open Culture participants to use at their events. Additional posters are available on the Department of Health website.

MEDIA PRODUCTION

Commissioner’s Directive 11 is posted on the Film Permit website, which also includes links to NYS Department of Health Interim Guidance for Media Production and related resources. Current New York State guidance requires productions to ensure that employees, cast and crew members, whose job functions or roles involve close or proximate contact with cast members, have been tested for COVID-19 through a diagnostic test, prior to their participation in media production activities, and at least once per week thereafter, when on site or location. Testing is not required for such individuals that have completed the COVID-19 vaccination series plus 14 days; such individuals must provide proof of completion. MOME has updated its FAQ to reflect this change and others concerning live studio audience capacity and COVID-19 Zones.

To assist productions with promoting safety protocols on set, the Film Office has produced a suite of graphics and posters available for download here. Please be sure to check frequently for updates and review the guidelines and FAQ before submitting permit applications. If you have questions after reading these guidance documents, please call the Film Office at (212) 489-6710. Please keep in mind that the Film Office is still operating remotely so please allow additional time for Film Permit processing.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

This week, the New York State Legislature repealed the order requiring food sales with the purchase of alcoholic beverages at restaurants and bars.

Starting May 3, patron seating will be allowed at bar areas. Businesses will still need to ensure 6 feet distancing between parties (i.e. groups of patrons).

Starting May 17, the 1am curfew will be lifted for catered events where attendees have proof of vaccination status or negative COVID test result. And then on May 31, the curfew will be lifted for all catered events that qualify under the NYS DOH Interim Guidance for Food Services (In-Person and Catered Events section).

Starting May 17, the midnight curfew on outdoor dining will be lifted. This change applies to private outdoor areas, and closing times are subject to a business’s liquor license stipulations. Until then, food and beverage establishments must cease all on-premises service and consumption of food and beverages (including alcohol) by midnight under NYS Executive Order 202.102. SLA-licensed establishments should visit the State Liquor Authority website for additional guidance about closing times. NOTE: The midnight closing hour for NYC Open Restaurants roadway seating will remain in effect until further notice.

Starting May 31, the midnight curfew on indoor dining will be lifted. Until then, food and beverage establishments must cease all on-premises service and consumption of food and beverages (including alcohol) by midnight under NYS Executive Order 202.102. SLA-licensed establishments should visit the State Liquor Authority website for additional guidance about closing times.

The Office of Nightlife has made a suite of operational guidance materials and public informational posters and graphics available for download at www.nyc.gov/nightlife. Guidance for Open Restaurants is posted on the DOT website. Participants may submit questions about Open Restaurants to DOT at https://on.nyc.gov/2DlH4sT or call the SBS hotline at (888) SBS-4NYC.

NEW YORK CITY PRIMARY ELECTIONS

On Thursday, May 13 at 7pm, NYC Media will broadcast the first of several election debates among democratic mayoral candidates on NYC Gov/Channel 25.2 (Channel 74 on Spectrum and Altice, Channel 24 on FiOS, and Channel 81 on RCN). See the full debate schedule on the Campaign Finance Board’s website.

The primary elections for New York City mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough presidents, Manhattan district attorney, and some City Council members will be held on June 22, 2021, and early voting begins on June 12. The deadline to register to vote is May 28. You can find out if you are registered online and you can learn how to register to vote on the NYC Board of Elections website.

For the first time, New York City voters will use ranked choice voting. To learn how ranked choice voting works, watch the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s video.

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As previously announced by Mayor de Blasio, all city employees who were working remotely will return to the office on a regular, periodic basis starting May 3. For health and safety reasons, MOME cannot accept walk-ins. If you need assistance, please continue to contact us by email or phone. A directory of MOME offices is available here.

For the latest updates, sign up for MOME’s newsletter, follow our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website at www.nyc.gov/mome.

Stay safe and NYC strong,

Anne del Castillo

Commissioner

Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

www.nyc.gov/mome

@NYCMOMECommish

Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

nyc.gov/mome

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