New York state capacity limits at stadiums will expand May 19, allowing vaccinated spectators to sit together.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement Wednesday in New York City, flanked by executives from both the New York Yankees and New York Mets. He said that, come May 19 at baseball stadiums like Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, there can be sections of vaccinated people sitting together, though still wearing masks. Those who are not yet vaccinated will be able to attend, but socially distanced and in different sections.
And if you aren't vaccinated, you can get a shot at Yankees or Mets games, with free tickets for those who get shots. The state will distribute the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the games.
"We will set up a facility as you are going in," Cuomo said. "You're going to the game anyway. Stop and get a vaccine."
NEW: Big news for the Saratoga Racetrack and other large outdoor venues --->
— Morgan Mckay (@morganfmckay) May 5, 2021
Cuomo's announcement on stadium capacity (100% capacity for vaccinated sections) will expand to amphitheaters, outdoor sports, and live entertainment pic.twitter.com/zLDdodPMnC
Cuomo also announced Wednesday that Broadway shows will reopen September 14 with 100% capacity. Tickets go on sale Thursday.
As vaccinations go, Cuomo said 58% of eligible New Yorkers have received at least one dose of a vaccine; 45% are fully vaccinated.
"But we must continue to vaccinate. And we're seeing the numbers slow on vaccination," Cuomo said.
The governor said the state's COVID-19 positivity rate is the lowest it's been since early October, with the hospitalization and intensive care rates at their lowest levels since November.
"We're doing away with the testing requirement, which was quite burdensome," Cuomo says.
— Morgan Mckay (@morganfmckay) May 5, 2021
"But, if you had theoretically 100% vaccinated, you could fill the entire stadium with 100% vaccinated."