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New York Approves Any Gathering of Up to 10 People: Live Updates New York Approves Any Gathering of Up to 10 People: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
Groups of up to 10 people will be allowed to gather anywhere in New York State “for any lawful purpose or reason,” provided that they socially distance, according to a modified executive order issued by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday night. Groups of up to 10 people can gather anywhere in New York State “for any lawful purpose or reason,” provided that they socially distance, according to a modified executive order issued by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday night.
The changes to the order come a day after Mr. Cuomo had opened the door to allowing groups of 10 people or less to hold gatherings for religious services or Memorial Day celebrations, assuming they abide by health and safety rules.The changes to the order come a day after Mr. Cuomo had opened the door to allowing groups of 10 people or less to hold gatherings for religious services or Memorial Day celebrations, assuming they abide by health and safety rules.
But those allowances, granted as part of an executive order issued on Thursday, were quickly challenged in a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, which argued that the governor’s easing of restrictions was unlawful because his rules continued to ban protests and other activities protected by the First Amendment.But those allowances, granted as part of an executive order issued on Thursday, were quickly challenged in a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, which argued that the governor’s easing of restrictions was unlawful because his rules continued to ban protests and other activities protected by the First Amendment.
“Having recognized that small events now can take place safely, the government does not get to pick who gets to exercise First Amendment rights,” Christopher Dunn, the lead counsel on the case, said in a statement at the time the lawsuit was filed.“Having recognized that small events now can take place safely, the government does not get to pick who gets to exercise First Amendment rights,” Christopher Dunn, the lead counsel on the case, said in a statement at the time the lawsuit was filed.
On Friday, Mr. Dunn said in a separate statement: “We’re glad to see the governor reverse course.”On Friday, Mr. Dunn said in a separate statement: “We’re glad to see the governor reverse course.”
Mr. Cuomo’s office did not immediately provide a rationale for the change or say what had prompted it.Mr. Cuomo’s office did not immediately provide a rationale for the change or say what had prompted it.
In a tweet late Friday, Mark D. Levine, the chairman of the New York City Council’s health committee, said the decision was not “made by health professionals” but instead had been “forced by a lawsuit.”In a tweet late Friday, Mark D. Levine, the chairman of the New York City Council’s health committee, said the decision was not “made by health professionals” but instead had been “forced by a lawsuit.”
“No one should interpret this as advice to change their behavior,” he warned.“No one should interpret this as advice to change their behavior,” he warned.
Seven of the state’s 10 regions have begun to allow some of their nonessential businesses to reopen in recent days after having met the health and safety standards mandated by the state.Seven of the state’s 10 regions have begun to allow some of their nonessential businesses to reopen in recent days after having met the health and safety standards mandated by the state.
But New York City and most of its suburbs have not satisfied the state’s criteria for reopening, and those areas remain under the “pause” that, until Friday, had prohibited all nonessential gatherings “of any size, for any reason.”But New York City and most of its suburbs have not satisfied the state’s criteria for reopening, and those areas remain under the “pause” that, until Friday, had prohibited all nonessential gatherings “of any size, for any reason.”
Under the new orders, groups of up to 10 people may gather in any region of the state, even those that have not been cleared to enter the first phase of reopening. But anyone choosing to do so must adhere to social distancing as well as the cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the state’s health department.Under the new orders, groups of up to 10 people may gather in any region of the state, even those that have not been cleared to enter the first phase of reopening. But anyone choosing to do so must adhere to social distancing as well as the cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the state’s health department.
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said Friday that the state would allow outdoor crowds of up to 25 people and let campgrounds reopen.Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said Friday that the state would allow outdoor crowds of up to 25 people and let campgrounds reopen.
“I’m proud we are able to take this step today and add a little more hope and optimism to the start of summer,” Mr. Murphy said.“I’m proud we are able to take this step today and add a little more hope and optimism to the start of summer,” Mr. Murphy said.
Social distancing would still be required at outdoor get-togethers, which had been limited to 10 people, and at campgrounds. Face coverings are not required outside, but state officials recommend them.Social distancing would still be required at outdoor get-togethers, which had been limited to 10 people, and at campgrounds. Face coverings are not required outside, but state officials recommend them.
“If you were looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so,” Mr. Murphy said, “so long as social distancing and personal responsibility remain the order of the day.”“If you were looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so,” Mr. Murphy said, “so long as social distancing and personal responsibility remain the order of the day.”
Outdoor dining at restaurants remains forbidden in New Jersey, though Connecticut began allowing it on Wednesday; indoor events are still limited to 10 people, Mr. Murphy said.Outdoor dining at restaurants remains forbidden in New Jersey, though Connecticut began allowing it on Wednesday; indoor events are still limited to 10 people, Mr. Murphy said.
New Jersey also reported 146 new virus-related deaths, bringing the state’s total to 10,985.New Jersey also reported 146 new virus-related deaths, bringing the state’s total to 10,985.
A 24-year-old man drowned in the ocean off Rockaway Beach in Queens on Friday while trying to swim with no lifeguards on duty.A 24-year-old man drowned in the ocean off Rockaway Beach in Queens on Friday while trying to swim with no lifeguards on duty.
Three men were pulled from the water by emergency medical workers, the police said, and one was taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Queens, where he was pronounced dead.Three men were pulled from the water by emergency medical workers, the police said, and one was taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Queens, where he was pronounced dead.
The drowning came on the same day that Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City was considering opening its beaches for swimming in June, should the pandemic continue to ebb. (Under a typical summer schedule, lifeguards would not have been working the city’s beaches until Saturday.)The drowning came on the same day that Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City was considering opening its beaches for swimming in June, should the pandemic continue to ebb. (Under a typical summer schedule, lifeguards would not have been working the city’s beaches until Saturday.)
Mayor de Blasio offered condolences to the man’s family in a tweet Friday afternoon, and reiterated his calls for people to stay out of the water at city beaches while no lifeguards are on duty.Mayor de Blasio offered condolences to the man’s family in a tweet Friday afternoon, and reiterated his calls for people to stay out of the water at city beaches while no lifeguards are on duty.
The drowning underscored concerns over leaving beaches unattended by lifeguards. Corey Johnson, the New York City Council speaker, said that not having any on duty would create dangerous situations.The drowning underscored concerns over leaving beaches unattended by lifeguards. Corey Johnson, the New York City Council speaker, said that not having any on duty would create dangerous situations.
“I’m not sure it’s realistic to believe that people will not attempt to swim,” Mr. Johnson said, “and we don’t want to be arresting people in the midst of this pandemic.”“I’m not sure it’s realistic to believe that people will not attempt to swim,” Mr. Johnson said, “and we don’t want to be arresting people in the midst of this pandemic.”
City lifeguards have been called into pools for their annual recertification, said Henry Garrido, executive director of the lifeguards’ union, District Council 37. “They’re being trained to get ready to open the beach early in June,” Mr. Garrido said.City lifeguards have been called into pools for their annual recertification, said Henry Garrido, executive director of the lifeguards’ union, District Council 37. “They’re being trained to get ready to open the beach early in June,” Mr. Garrido said.
Mayor de Blasio declined to give a reopening date at his briefing Friday morning, but a spokeswoman for him said the lifeguard training was in anticipation of a possible June reopening.Mayor de Blasio declined to give a reopening date at his briefing Friday morning, but a spokeswoman for him said the lifeguard training was in anticipation of a possible June reopening.
On Friday evening, the mayor’s spokeswoman softened her original comments, saying that it was “too premature to assume, June but we’re preparing to open as soon as the indicators allow.”On Friday evening, the mayor’s spokeswoman softened her original comments, saying that it was “too premature to assume, June but we’re preparing to open as soon as the indicators allow.”
The city traditionally opens its beaches for wading and swimming on Memorial Day weekend. But this year, the ocean had been declared off limits, with crowds on the sand also sharply restricted.The city traditionally opens its beaches for wading and swimming on Memorial Day weekend. But this year, the ocean had been declared off limits, with crowds on the sand also sharply restricted.
Mr. de Blasio has warned New Yorkers not to take mass transit to the beach and said that for now, beaches are intended only for those who live near them.Mr. de Blasio has warned New Yorkers not to take mass transit to the beach and said that for now, beaches are intended only for those who live near them.
New York City’s neighbors are taking a different approach. Most beaches on Long Island and in New Jersey are open this weekend, including for swimming, though social distancing rules will be in effect everywhere.New York City’s neighbors are taking a different approach. Most beaches on Long Island and in New Jersey are open this weekend, including for swimming, though social distancing rules will be in effect everywhere.
Officials in those places fear a flood of New York City residents eager to access the water, and some are imposing restrictions to keep outsiders away.Officials in those places fear a flood of New York City residents eager to access the water, and some are imposing restrictions to keep outsiders away.
Friday morning at 7:15, the doors opened at Aliya Institute, a synagogue in the Hasidic stronghold of Crown Heights, Brooklyn.Friday morning at 7:15, the doors opened at Aliya Institute, a synagogue in the Hasidic stronghold of Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Exactly 10 men filed in — no more, by order of the governor, and no fewer, by order of a higher power. And the morning prayer known as Shachrit began.Exactly 10 men filed in — no more, by order of the governor, and no fewer, by order of a higher power. And the morning prayer known as Shachrit began.
The synagogue shut down voluntarily on March 10, days ahead of the statewide stay-at-home order, as the virus spread through the community, said Rabbi Moishe Faiglin, who leads the congregation.The synagogue shut down voluntarily on March 10, days ahead of the statewide stay-at-home order, as the virus spread through the community, said Rabbi Moishe Faiglin, who leads the congregation.
On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo declared that religious gatherings of up to 10 people could resume if attendees wore masks and maintained social distance. (Late Friday, he updated that guidance, announcing that any gathering of 10 people was permissible, provided individuals used masks and social distancing.)On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo declared that religious gatherings of up to 10 people could resume if attendees wore masks and maintained social distance. (Late Friday, he updated that guidance, announcing that any gathering of 10 people was permissible, provided individuals used masks and social distancing.)
The number is significant for Jewish congregations, where a minyan, defined as 10 people over the age of 13, is required for a worship service.The number is significant for Jewish congregations, where a minyan, defined as 10 people over the age of 13, is required for a worship service.
Normally, Schachrit at Aliya draws a crowd of 20 to 30, Rabbi Faiglin said.Normally, Schachrit at Aliya draws a crowd of 20 to 30, Rabbi Faiglin said.
“It was kind of tricky to do the service,” the rabbi said. “To rely on 10 is very difficult because one person always doesn’t show up. Now if you have any more than 10 you have to turn them away. And you don’t want to turn anyone away from synagogue.”“It was kind of tricky to do the service,” the rabbi said. “To rely on 10 is very difficult because one person always doesn’t show up. Now if you have any more than 10 you have to turn them away. And you don’t want to turn anyone away from synagogue.”
For the congregation of about 35 families, lockdown has been a stressful time.For the congregation of about 35 families, lockdown has been a stressful time.
“It’s been a breath of fresh air that we’ve even been able to come out of our houses,” he said. “Some people have been praying in their kitchen with six to 10 kids around them at the same time. This is a huge relief.”“It’s been a breath of fresh air that we’ve even been able to come out of our houses,” he said. “Some people have been praying in their kitchen with six to 10 kids around them at the same time. This is a huge relief.”
In Hasidic synagogues, women pray in a separate room from the men. Women will not be able to return to the synagogue until restrictions are lifted further.In Hasidic synagogues, women pray in a separate room from the men. Women will not be able to return to the synagogue until restrictions are lifted further.
Long Island and the suburban counties north of New York City could begin reopening next week if virus-related deaths kept falling and local officials set up strong contact-tracing programs, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Friday.Long Island and the suburban counties north of New York City could begin reopening next week if virus-related deaths kept falling and local officials set up strong contact-tracing programs, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Friday.
Anticipating the trends would hold, Mr. Cuomo said that construction companies could start staging building sites on Friday in both Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Westchester and Rockland Counties. Construction cannot resume until the regions are cleared to reopen.Anticipating the trends would hold, Mr. Cuomo said that construction companies could start staging building sites on Friday in both Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Westchester and Rockland Counties. Construction cannot resume until the regions are cleared to reopen.
As of Friday, all of the state’s 10 economic regions had started the reopening process except for New York City and the two suburban regions, which have yet to meet seven health-related criteria set by the state.As of Friday, all of the state’s 10 economic regions had started the reopening process except for New York City and the two suburban regions, which have yet to meet seven health-related criteria set by the state.
Both Mr. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have said that New York City was unlikely to begin reopening until June. The city has met four of the seven metrics.Both Mr. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have said that New York City was unlikely to begin reopening until June. The city has met four of the seven metrics.
It still needs to have at least 30 percent of its hospital beds and intensive-care beds available. As of Friday morning, it had 27 percent of hospital beds and 26 percent of I.C.U. beds available.It still needs to have at least 30 percent of its hospital beds and intensive-care beds available. As of Friday morning, it had 27 percent of hospital beds and 26 percent of I.C.U. beds available.
Mr. de Blasio has pegged the city’s path to reopening on three different but related metrics: the number of new hospital admissions for illness resembling Covid-19, the number of patients in critical care and the percentage of positive coronavirus tests.Mr. de Blasio has pegged the city’s path to reopening on three different but related metrics: the number of new hospital admissions for illness resembling Covid-19, the number of patients in critical care and the percentage of positive coronavirus tests.
Mr. de Blasio said Friday that the city would not reopen until it saw a 10-to-14-day period with under 200 daily hospitalizations, fewer than 375 patients in intensive care in public hospitals, and a positive-test rate under 15 percent.Mr. de Blasio said Friday that the city would not reopen until it saw a 10-to-14-day period with under 200 daily hospitalizations, fewer than 375 patients in intensive care in public hospitals, and a positive-test rate under 15 percent.
The number of those intensive-care patients was still well above the threshold, at 451, Mr. de Blasio said, but the city was meeting the other two criteria.The number of those intensive-care patients was still well above the threshold, at 451, Mr. de Blasio said, but the city was meeting the other two criteria.
Both city and state officials have said that their metrics were likely to go hand in hand, and that they would coordinate their decisions on reopening. But on Friday, Mr. Cuomo suggested that the state’s guidelines took precedence.Both city and state officials have said that their metrics were likely to go hand in hand, and that they would coordinate their decisions on reopening. But on Friday, Mr. Cuomo suggested that the state’s guidelines took precedence.
“It’s not up to the local officials,” Mr. Cuomo said of reopening. “It’s a statewide decision across the board.”“It’s not up to the local officials,” Mr. Cuomo said of reopening. “It’s a statewide decision across the board.”
Mr. Cuomo also announced 109 new virus-related deaths in the state, marking a fifth straight day that fatalities were just above 100.Mr. Cuomo also announced 109 new virus-related deaths in the state, marking a fifth straight day that fatalities were just above 100.
New York City will ramp up efforts to fight de facto outdoor parties outside the city’s restaurants and bars, after photos of crowds spread across the internet last weekend, Mayor de Blasio said on Friday.New York City will ramp up efforts to fight de facto outdoor parties outside the city’s restaurants and bars, after photos of crowds spread across the internet last weekend, Mayor de Blasio said on Friday.
“Take out, don’t hang out,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news briefing.“Take out, don’t hang out,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news briefing.
Bars and restaurants have been closed except for takeout and delivery, and under New York State’s stay-at-home orders, all nonessential gatherings are banned.Bars and restaurants have been closed except for takeout and delivery, and under New York State’s stay-at-home orders, all nonessential gatherings are banned.
But with warm weather arriving and traffic on city streets diminished, residents have been grabbing food and drinks to go and then consuming them outside businesses.But with warm weather arriving and traffic on city streets diminished, residents have been grabbing food and drinks to go and then consuming them outside businesses.
Mr. de Blasio said that the Police Department would increase its presence in neighborhoods where people improperly congregated last weekend.Mr. de Blasio said that the Police Department would increase its presence in neighborhoods where people improperly congregated last weekend.
The city will also provide more open space for pedestrians and cyclists across the five boroughs, closing 13 more miles of streets to traffic on Saturday.The city will also provide more open space for pedestrians and cyclists across the five boroughs, closing 13 more miles of streets to traffic on Saturday.
As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.
A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Joel Petterson, Dana Rubinstein, Luis Ferré Sadurní and Katie Van Syckle.Reporting was contributed by Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Joel Petterson, Dana Rubinstein, Luis Ferré Sadurní and Katie Van Syckle.