UPDATED: Playgrounds Reopen as Part of Phase 2

Over 1000 playgrounds will be reopened and cleaned, but equipment will not be sanitized. On June 18, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that playgrounds would be reopened as part of Phase 2, which began Monday, June 22nd. While NYC parks generally remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities within parks were closed and restrictions were placed to limit the activity allowed in parks in an effort to stop overcrowding and the spread of <Read More>


Mayor Directs DOT to Administer Open Restaurants Plan Ahead of Phase 2 Reopening

Today marks NYC’s official Phase 2 reopening. On June 22, 2020, New York City officially entered Phase 2 of the State’s COVID-19 reopening plan. In preparation for the reopening, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order directing the Department of Transportation, with aid from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Small Business Services, to administer the “Open Restaurants” plan. The Open Restaurants plan will generally permit restaurants and bars … <Read More>


NYC Mayor Lifts Curfew Before Legal Challenges

Curfew lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, but not necessary in New York City. On June 1, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio collectively instituted a citywide curfew following four evenings of protests, which although mostly peaceful, included some instances of chaotic behavior which resulted in vandalism and property damage. The protests were in response to the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and racial injustice.  George Floyd’s killing while in … <Read More>


UPDATED: Mayor’s Office Outlines Further Guidance as City Enters Phase One Reopening

Starting June 8th, retail, manufacturing, construction and other industries can resume operations with restrictions. On May 28, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio laid out the additional guidance for industries that will be allowed to reopen under Phase One of the State’s reopening plan, NY Forward. While other parts of the state have already been allowed to reopen, New York City has remained shut down to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As the number of … <Read More>


Citywide Policy Adjustments Made by Agencies and Industries Responsible for Housing

COVID-19 outbreak has forced NYCHA and DHS to take extra precaution. Throughout the City and State, agencies and industries responsible for housing individuals, are taking measures and adopting policies to address the COVID-19 health crisis. The policies and measures generally focus on preventing the spread of disease, isolating infected individuals and answering questions on how compromised services would operate. In the hospitality industry many have also implemented policies regarding the refunds and the cancellation of … <Read More>