The state has announced new rules regarding weddings, lessening the requirements set in place announced back in January.

Starting March 15, catered events can be hosted indoors or outdoors without testing for up to 50 people or 50% of occupancy, whichever is less. That is the current gathering limit.

If everyone is tested, up to 150 people can attend indoors or outdoors.

On March 19, the limit in Upstate New York increases to the lesser of 75% occupancy or 50 people indoors or outdoors without testing or up to 150 people indoors or outdoors with testing.

On March 22, the number goes up to the lesser of 75% occupancy or 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors without testing and up to 150 people indoors with testing.

On April 2, the number can increase to 150 people indoors with testing or 500 people outdoors with testing.

The rules apply to in-person catered events, including weddings and other celebrations.

There have been no other changes to the state health department’s safety guidance, which requires that people dance in designated pods that are at least 36 square feet.

[SYRACUSE.COM]


 

Those trying to plan weddings can relax a little bit as of Friday afternoon. Governor Cuomo has announced that wedding receptions can resume for up to 150 people in New York State. But, that announcement comes with some stipulations.

The events must be approved by local health departments. The guest count will be limited to the 150-person cap or 50% of the reception venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller. And, all guests must have a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending.

Wedding receptions were originally part of the state’s general guidance for mass gatherings. They regulated get-togethers to 50 people outside private homes. In-home gatherings are limited to 10 people.

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The new reception guidelines are the first step in Cuomo’s push to reopen some events and venues in New York with the help of testing. He said during his State of the State address earlier this month that he wanted to use increased rapid testing to bring back office buildings, businesses, the arts and more.

Earlier in the week, Cuomo announced that zone-restrictions were lifted in New York State, noting the significant progress many counties have made in reducing infection rates.

The testing before attending strategy boosts the idea of attendees at events likes sporting events, like the Bills, or wedding receptions, in addition to limiting spread of the virus, Cuomo said.

“People will actually come to your wedding because you can tell them, with the testing, it will be safe,” Cuomo said.” "For a lot of these venues, I don’t believe it’s about the government restrictions.

The new regulations go into place March 15th.

[WKWB]

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