New York permits reopening of casinos
New York has given the go-ahead for casinos across the state to reopen with limitations.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said casinos can reopen from 9 September at 25% capacity.
Casinos must have advanced air filtration systems in place and strict social distancing must be imposed.
That means slots must be positioned at least six feet apart and table games are only permitted with physical barriers placed between players and dealers.
No food and drink will be allowed on the gaming floor.
"While this pandemic is far from over, our numbers have remained steadily low, so we know our phased, data-driven approach to reopening is the right one," Gov Cuomo said.
"We’ve made the determination that we can safely reopen casinos with enhanced air filtration and strict safety protocols including mandatory masks and social distancing."
New York City malls are also allowed to reopen at 50% of normal capacity.
There will be strict monitoring of face coverings, social distancing and seating in malls, the governor said.
However indoor restaurant dining in New York City is still banned.
Cuomo admits NYC doesn’t have the manpower to make sure eateries are complying with protocols.
The New York State Restaurant Association is urging state financial relief for restaurants, saying nearly two-thirds of restaurants could be forced to close by the end of 2020.
Restaurateurs are calling for quick action as currently permitted outdoor dining options will disappear as winter sets in.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive