New York City Subway service will return to normal as the city enters Phase 1 of its reopening plan. Construction, manufacturing, and retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup) will be allowed to reopen.
Exactly 100 days since its first reported case of COVID-19, New York City will end its months-long virus shutdown Monday when it begins “phase one” of the state’s multi-step coronavirus recovery plan.
Under New York State’s phase one guidelines, construction, retail, manufacturing, wholesale trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, will be allowed to reopen. Retail will still be limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off.
Work can now resume at over 30,000 construction sites across the five boroughs, putting one of New York City’s most important industries back to work. City Department of Buildings inspectors will ensure that these sites comply with safety regulations such as: Requiring workers to maintain six-feet distance whenever possible.
Daytime Subway service will return to normal within its new 13-point action framework. Overnight shutdowns on the subway system will continue, so trains can be disinfected and ensure rider safety during the day.
The MTA’s 13-point action plan includes:
-Increased service
-Unprecedented cleaning and disinfecting
-Mandatory face coverings
-Enhanced safety and security
-Nation-leading employee safety initiatives
-Innovative cleaning solutions
-Hand sanitizer, which will be in stations across the system (The MTA will also distribute mini bottles)
-Floor markings, directional arrows and new signage
-Staggered Business Hours
-2 million mask contribution from state, city
-Contactless payments
-New partnership and technology to make system safer
-Data dashboard to provide riders with daily ridership numbers