SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Central New York could enter into Phase Three as early as the end of the week, which means restaurants can offer indoor dining and services. The state released the guidelines for restaurants to follow once phase three is approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Guidelines and rules include:
- Masks are required for employees
- Marks are required for customers, unless they are seated
- Indoor capacity can not exceed 50% of maximum occupancy
- Maximum of 10 people per table
- Barriers must be used between tables and seating areas if distancing is not possible
With this new phase approaching, local restaurants are starting to prepare for this change. Chris Biley, owner of Original Grain and XO Taco in Syracuse, said the most important thing right now is making sure his customers feel comfortable when they return.
“We’re actually getting out measuring tape and making sure that we are doing our due diligence in that regard but at the same point in time we just want to make people feel safe,” Biley said. “We want to provide and create a safe environment.”
Doug’s Fish Fry in Skaneateles is in daily contact with the Onondaga County Health Department in order to keep up with the changing rules. When Phase Two happened and outdoor dining was allowed, Doug’s Fish Fry was only given one day’s notice. Christopher Lake, the manager of the restaurant, says their biggest challenge will be to monitor their indoor spacing.
“Just to make sure that people don’t crowd up and make sure that everybody is staying their six feet apart and wearing masks to make sure the face is covered and if we have a customer that doesn’t have it we will offer one to them,” Lake said.
The masks will be free of charge for any customer at the fish fry.
