After nearly a year of fluctuating restrictions, New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his plans to expand rapid testing in an effort to reopen restaurants. In a press conference this Tuesday, the governor declared his intention to breathe life back into his state, proclaiming, “New York will be New York again.” Then, just a day later, restaurants in designated “orange” COVID zones were permitted to resume indoor dining.
While this is no doubt encouraging news for restauranteurs, Cuomo’s sudden interest in their industry’s vitality is too little, too late. As we close in on nearly a year of lockdown, the governor’s change of heart will do nothing to recuperate months of losses, nor will it resuscitate the ever-growing list of businesses who closed their doors permanently as a result of despotic restrictions. Tragically, New York is just one example of what is happening to the restaurant industry around the country, and around the world.
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