COVID-19: Reopening Businesses and Schools

Most businesses and schools are now allowed to be open in New York City. Employers, administrators and other responsible parties must review, attest to and comply with New York State’s industry-specific guidance.

Before opening, all businesses must:

1. Submit a business affirmation form to affirm compliance with New York State guidance.
2. Create a safety plan.
   • Safety Plan Template

In addition, the following businesses must complete an online reopening plan form before reopening:

• Indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement (PDF)
• Outdoor amusement parks (PDF)
• Professional sports competition venues with fans (PDF)

Pre-K to grade 12 schools that want to change their reopening plan must submit their modified plan online.

Requirements for Scheduled Events

For the types of scheduled events listed below, venue operators must complete an online notification form at least five days before the event:

• In-person end-of-academic-year celebrations (PDF) indoors with more than 100 attendees, and outdoor celebrations with more than 200 attendees. Commencements and graduations can occur beginning May 1. Social gatherings organized by educational institutions, such as proms and balls, can occur beginning June 1.


• In-person and catered events (PDF) indoors with more than 100 attendees, and outdoor events with more than 200 attendees


• Professional sports events (PDF) indoors with 1,500 to 9,999 attendees, and outdoor events with 2,500 to 9,999 attendees


• Small- and medium-scale performing arts and entertainment events (PDF) indoors with more than 100 attendees, and outdoor events with more than 200 attendees


• Large-scale performing arts and entertainment events (PDF) in venues with an indoor or outdoor capacity of 10,000 or more attendees

COVID-19 Cases at the Workplace

In addition to following the required State guidelines, employers should know how to handle cases of COVID-19 in the workplace:

• Handling COVID-19 Cases in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know (PDF, April 29)

The best way to avoid cases at the workplace is to get vaccinated. Make an appointment online, or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). Most City-run sites are now also offering walk-up vaccinations for New Yorkers.

Restaurants and Food Services

Restaurants and other food service establishments in New York City can offer indoor dining at 50% of maximum capacity. Establishments may also still offer outdoor dining, pick-up and delivery. Restaurants may stay open until midnight, and catered events can be held until 1 a.m.

• Download COVID-19 posters and flyers for food service establishments, or call 311 to order printed versions.
• How to Reduce Pests When Offering Outdoor Dining (PDF, April 29)
• Indoor Dining at Food Service Establishments: Air Filtration and Ventilation System Form (PDF, September 25, 2020)

Schools, Child Care and Camp

Public Schools

• Daily Health Screening and Handling a Case of COVID-19 in Nonpublic Prekindergarten (Pre-K) to Grade 12 Schools: What School Administrators Need to Know (PDF, March 2)
• Sample Letters for Close Contact to a Case and for Child Not Exposed to Case (PDF)

For more information about NYC public schools' reopening plans, visit the NYC Department of Education.

Nonpublic and Charter Schools

• Additional Requirements for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Nonpublic and Charter Schools (PDF, March 16)
• Commissioner's Order to Require Schools to Meet COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements (PDF, November 5, 2020)
• Commissioner's Letter About COVID-19 Requirements for Schools (PDF, November 6, 2020)

Pre-K to grade 12 schools that want to change their reopening plan must submit their modified plan online.

Child Care and Camp

For information on the requirements for operating a child care program, visit Child Care — Information for Operators.

For information on the requirements for operating a summer camp, visit Camp Operators/Directors Information

Amateur Sports

Outdoor competitive play for high-risk sports, as defined by New York State, can resume. This includes competitive team practices, games, scrimmages, meets, matches and tournaments.

Competitive play for low- and moderate-risk sports, as defined by New York State, is also permitted.

The Public School Athletic League is phasing in strength and conditioning training. Competitions can be held.

• Competitive Sports in New York City: What Organizers Need to Know (PDF, May 7)

Gyms, Pools and Beaches

In addition to complying with New York State business requirements, gym owners and operators must submit a Gym and Fitness Facility Inspection Request and Attestation Form.

For information about the requirements for operating outdoor pools and beaches, visit Pools, Spas and Spray Grounds — Information for Operators.

For information about the requirements for operating beaches, visit Beaches — Information for Operators

Additional Resources