COVID-19: RESTART Guidance for Businesses

NYC has begun its phased RESTART. Below are the most up-to-date guidance and requirements for NYC businesses that have reopened or will do so soon.

Remember, even when you reopen your worksite, the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect employees is to continue allowing them to work from home as much as possible.

• Reopening New York City: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, June 28)
• NYC Worker Rights During COVID-19

Phase Three (Starting July 6)

This phase will include reopening or expanded operations for personal care services such as tattoo parlors and spas. The date for expanded food services has not yet been determined.

Phase Three guidance for:

• Personal Care Services (PDF, June 28)
• Food Services (PDF, June 28)

Phase Two (Started June 22)

The City started Phase Two of its reopening on Monday, June 22. This phase includes more commercial offices, retail businesses and food services opening or expanding.

Phase Two guidance for:

• Commercial Building Management (PDF, June 28)
• Essential and Phase Two In-Store Retail Businesses (PDF, June 28)
• Hair Salons and Barbershops (PDF, June 28)
• Offices (PDF, June 28)
• Outdoor and Take-Out and Delivery Food Services (PDF, June 28)
  • NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide
  • Checklist for Restaurants Offering Takeout, Delivery and Outdoor Dining (PDF, June 21)
  • Apply to be an Open Restaurant
  • Open Restaurants Accessibility Requirements (PDF)
• Real Estate Services (PDF, June 28)
• Retail Rental, Repair and Cleaning Activities (PDF, June 28)
• Vehicles Sales, Lease and Rental Companies (PDF, June 28)


• New York State: Phase Two Industries

Phase One (Started June 8)

NYC's first phase of reopening started on June 8. Businesses that started to reopen or expand operations in this phase included retail, construction, manufacturing and wholesale trade.

Phase One guidance for:

• Construction Businesses (PDF, June 28)
• Retail Businesses (PDF, June 28)
• Manufacturing Businesses (PDF, June 28)
• Wholesale Trade Businesses (PDF, June 28)


• New York State: Phase One Industries

RESTART Tools for Businesses

The following resources can help businesses meet the State's requirements to reopen.

• COVID-19 Symptom Screening Tool Sample (PDF, June 22): A sample of how to screen employees before they can enter the workplace each day.


• COVID-19 Employer Health Screen Review Documentation Template (PDF, June 24): A sample of how businesses can document their daily health screening assessments.


• Cleaning and Disinfection Log Template (PDF, June 14): A sample log of how businesses can show they are complying with the requirement to clean and disinfect daily.


• New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Wizard: A guided tool to help businesses determine if they are eligible to reopen.


• EPA: COVID-19 Disinfectants: Search the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of approved products for disinfection.

Additional Recent Guidance

• Religious and Funeral Services (PDF, July 2)
• Checklist for Child Care Program Guidelines (PDF, June 30)
• Checklist for Day Camp Guidelines (PDF, June 30)
• Outdoor Pool Operators (PDF, June 30)
• Guidance for Vehicle Operators (PDF, June 29)
• Beach Operators (PDF, June 28)
• General Cleaning/Disinfection Guidance for Non-Health Care Settings (PDF, June 26)
• Residential Buildings FAQ (PDF, June 26)
• Returning Building Water Systems to Service After Prolonged Shutdown (PDF, June 8)

Other NYC Resources