"Our decisions are based on science and data and we adjust as the virus adjusts. The infection rate and hospitalizations have continued to significantly decline. Accordingly, we have adjusted with arena and catering hall openings with rigorous testing and limited capacity indoor dining openings in New York City. We will also move the restaurant and bar closing hour from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide on Sunday. We will continue to follow the science and react accordingly. If we keep the infections down and vaccinations up, we will continue to stay ahead in the footrace against this invisible enemy."On Friday, Cuomo said that the NYC daily positivity rate was 3.91 percent — the lowest percent since Dec. 19.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Gov. Cuomo extends closing time for bars and restaurants by 1 hour
Monday, February 8, 2021
Gov. Cuomo to allow the return of indoor dining – at 25 percent — on Friday
In New York City, new case and rolling hospitalization averages are both down by double-digit percentage points over the last seven days compared with the weekly average for the prior four weeks. Deaths are down, too, though by a lesser degree."We respond to the data, we respond to the facts that we face today. The facts may change tomorrow and then we will change with the facts," Cuomo said Monday. "The enemy changes tactics, we adjust with the enemy. But the numbers are down now."Statewide, data shows daily positivity rates have declined for a full month, while the number of people hospitalized (7,716) is the lowest total since Dec. 28. The state's rolling seven-day positivity rate is the lowest since Dec. 2 (4.42 percent).
Friday, January 29, 2021
Gov. Cuomo to allow indoor dining — at 25% — again starting on Valentine's Day
Perhaps some of the East Village restaurants who went on hiatus back in December will decide to return to service — indoors and out — starting on Feb. 14.Update on indoor dining in NYC:
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 29, 2021
If positivity rates hold we will reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity on Valentine's Day - February 14.
In addition to reduced capacity, mandatory safety guidelines will be in place.
[R]estaurant owners and industry advocates have argued that indoor dining should resume in the name of regional fairness. In Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey, restaurants have been allowed to operate indoors at up to 50-percent capacity, despite those areas sometimes having higher COVID-19 infection rates than the five boroughs.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Tuesday's parting shot
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Cafe Himalaya reopens, thanks community for support after family member dies from COVID-19
On a personal note, thank you to everyone who reached out to us in the last few weeks. We deeply appreciate your kind words during what has been an unimaginably difficult time. In early Dec, we found ourselves as part of the now 353,000+ American families who have lost an immediate family member to covid. The pain and suffering on our personal front has been immense and we pray that no individual or family has to undergo a similar situation.As we try to reopen our space in the midst of our loss, we thank you for being part of our community. Let’s all do our part in exercising responsibility and taking care of each other.
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Nowon will close temporarily starting New Year's Day
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
East Village Loves NYC prepares 1st holiday feast; tops more than 70,000 meals made for hungry New Yorkers in 2020
By June, they had outgrown the space, and started assembling deliveries at the Sixth Street Community Center. By the end of the summer, East Village Loves Queens expanded its operations and announced its new name — East Village Loves NYC.
Monday, December 21, 2020
MiGarba shuts down on 4th Avenue: 'We close due to New York restrictions and unsustainable rent'
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Updating: East Village bars and restaurants temporarily close down again
Monday, December 14, 2020
Rapid COVID-19 testing center opening on the Bowery
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Boulton & Watt and Mister Paradise decide to temporarily close for now
Restrictive government rules and rising cases has forced our hand. We close now so that we can do our part in helping stop the spread of this virus, and so we have the opportunity to re-open again as soon as is safely possible.Several readers have noted that B&W has a spacious outdoor layout, with nicely distanced tables and propane heaters.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Phebe's has decided to close for now
Due to the restrictions in New York City regarding hospitality and with the growing number of positive Covid-19 cases Phebe’s has made the tough decision to temporarily close our doors. We will miss you all, and keep you posted about reopening dates.
Have a happy and safe holiday! We will see you soon.
Friday, November 27, 2020
There won't be an official SantaCon this year
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Live from the Fiore Escape tonight
Tonight, Lower East Side-based singer-songwriter Jill Fiore will host another live-music session from her fire escape.
The show will also be streaming on Instagram Live via @soundandfiore.
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Gov. Cuomo sets new curfew for NYC bars and restaurants as COVID-19 cases rise
Effective Friday at 10 p.m., bars, restaurants and gyms or fitness centers, as well as any State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment, will be required to close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.Restaurants will still be allowed to provide curbside, food-only pick-up or delivery after 10 p.m., but will not be permitted to serve alcohol to go.
The Governor also announced that indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people. The limit will be implemented due to the recent prevalence of COVID spread resulting from small indoor gatherings including Halloween parties.These gatherings have become a major cause of cluster activity across the state.
Monday, November 9, 2020
Concerns over COVID-19 prompt cancellation of the annual Cookie Walk
It is with heavy hearts that we have officially cancelled this year’s St. Nicholas Cookie Walk. The safety of our guests, bakers and workers is our top priority. We hope to see you all in December 2021.
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Naming the Lost at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery
The memorial is now on the church fence... and will be here through Monday... The church's website has more information about the project at this link.
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Post-PAUSE status check
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Fear factor
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Here's an updated interactive map with what's open in the East Village
The volunteer effort to update an interactive map of what's open in the East Village during the pandemic continues.
The East Village Community Coalition and resident Paul Gale are maintaining the site that launched back in the spring. (And they could use some volunteers! Email director@evccnyc.org if you're interested.)
They've been busy keeping tabs on openings and reopenings in recent weeks, adding in opticians, salons, tattoo parlors and cultural institutions, among other businesses. They're also updating the free meals section.
There's also now an indoor dining filter for places with confirmed inside seating to go with the outdoor dining listings.
You can find the map at this link (and below, but the link is better).