Thread by @katie_honan

Here at @NYGovCuomo’s Manhattan office for a briefing. He’s making an announcement.

NYC’s positive numbers remain low despite the state doing the most tests in the country

@NYGovCuomo New York City has been under 1% for 33 straight days, governor says

“It’s safe to take the next step” governor says.

And now: restaurants.

Governor notes restaurants are not just the diners, but a whole industry -- kitchen staff, wait staff.

Earlier today @NYCMayor said an announcement would come this week.

BREAKING: @NYGovCuomo announces the state will allow indoor dining to resume in NYC at 25% capacity with strict restrictions starting Sept. 30

- temp checks required at the door
- one member of each party required to leave contact for tracing if needed
- no bar service -- will only be by waiters and served tableside
- all tables 6 feet apart
restaurants closed at midnight

-The state will expand the SLA State Police Task Force

- NYC will provide 400 code enforcement inspectors to work w/ task force

- About 10K places will be checked for compliance

.@NYGovCuomo announces a new idea:

New Yorkers keep New Yorkers safe. They'll help with compliance, he says.

The New York community is the best compliance unit.

@NYGovCuomo As for NYers looking out for compliance, @NYGovCuomo announces numbers for people to report restaurants breaking any of these rules.

Patrons who observe violations can call 833 208 4160, or text VIOLATION to 855 904 5036

.@NYGovCuomo says if there is a spike, they can hit the "emergency" button to hit the pause button

If infection rate doesn't go up, they could reassess the guidelines at any tie and go from 25% to 50%. But they've set Nov. 1 as a benchmark.

Earlier today, @NYCMayor said decision on indoor dining would come this week. Hours later, the governor announces plan.
Mayor in statement:
"This may not look like the indoor dining that we all know and love, but it is progress for restaurant workers and all New Yorkers.”