Gov. Cuomo gives green light for New York casinos to reopen at full capacity

Governor Andrew Cuomo has lifted COVID-19 restrictions across New York, meaning that casinos across the state are now able to reopen at 100% capacity.

The announcement follows on from a successful roll-out of the state’s vaccine programme, with more than 70% of New Yorkers aged 18 or older having received their first dose. 

“What New York has done is extraordinary. Not only do we have the lowest COVID positivity rate in the United States of America, we have hit 70% vaccination ahead of schedule. We successfully deployed the weapon that will win the war, and New York led the nation,” Cuomo said. 

“We led with nurse Sandra Lindsay, who was the first at Northwell to take that vaccine and to assure people it was safe. We’ve gone on to do more than 20 million vaccines, more per capita than any big state in the United States of America. 

“Congratulations to New Yorkers because they are the ones who did it. We’re no longer just surviving – we’re thriving. The state mandates that have proven right and brought us through this pandemic are relaxed as of today, effective immediately.”

The state’s health guidance and New York Forward industry specific guidelines, including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing, are now optional among commercial settings. 

Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. The state’s health guidelines also continue to be in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transport, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings.

Following Governor Cuomo’s announcement, Rivers Casino Schenectady will move back to 100% capacity. The property revealed that all plexiglass safety barriers have been removed from slot machines and table games, with masks still required for guests and team members who are not fully vaccinated, and optional for guests who are.