Dear Friends,

In the midst of an unprecedented global public health and economic crisis, which has disproportionately affected communities of color, we are now experiencing a moment of national turmoil and reckoning. In New York City and in cities across the country and around the world, people are expressing their pain, loss, and despair in the form of protests to demand a dismantling of the structural racism that led to the recent horrific killing of George Floyd and countless other Black lives before him.

As the first Asian-American woman to be appointed as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, I am keenly aware that there is still so much work to be done to achieve a more just and equitable society. Nevertheless, I am heartened to see our leaders in media, entertainment and nightlife declaring — openly and unequivocally — their commitment to oppose racism and advance racial justice. MOME stands with you in affirming our commitment to increase access and opportunities for marginalized communities through workforce training and education, public programs and industry development efforts that value all people.

The diversity of our communities is New York City’s greatest and defining asset. Equity, inclusion and advancement will shape our approach to restart and recovery and beyond.

***

As you know, a citywide curfew is in effect from 8pm to 5am until the morning of Monday, June 8. Workers performing services for essential businesses are exempt while they are working and traveling to and from work.

New York City will begin Phase One of Reopening on Monday, June 8. Under New York State guidelines, Phase One includes: retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off), construction, manufacturing, and wholesale trade for reopen. The NYC Department of Buildings, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and Department of Small Business Services will educate and conduct outreach to businesses as they reopen for Phase One. To support businesses and workers through this transition, the City will:

•   Launch a business re-start hotline that will be available for any business that needs additional support or clarification about regulations or resources

•   Release simplified industry guides to help educate businesses about proper protocols

•   Train teams of City officials that will to go out to businesses and provide on the ground assistance

•   Continue to meet with the Sector Advisory Councils to gather feedback on reopening progress and address industry wide concerns and issues

To ensure businesses are complying, enforcement agencies will conduct random visits to sites that are reopening. They will review reopening safety plans and provide guidance regarding best practices and applicable regulations.

This week, New York State authorized certain aspects of Pre- and Post-Production to resume certain operations with restrictions as part of Phase Two of reopening. MOME’s Film Office continues to work with industry partners and city agencies to coordinate protocols for reopening.

REMINDER: Film permit restrictions remain in effect in New York City through June 15. We will continue to post updates on film permitting on MOME’s website.

Outdoor dining at restaurants also will be permitted in Phase Two of reopening. New York State guidelines require outdoor tables to be spaced at least six feet apart. All staff must wear face coverings, and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.

Earlier today Mayor de Blasio announced plans to temporarily use open space to support the city's restaurants while maintaining social distancing. Once the City enters Phase Two of reopening, restaurants will be able to serve customers in outdoor seating areas, including adjacent sidewalks, curb lanes and areas designated as Open Streets. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Department of Transportation will monitor the program and will be prepared to step in if it creates concerns for accessibility or socially distanced use of the sidewalk, curb lane, or streets.

As a reminder, in New York City, restaurants and bars are currently authorized to operate with take-out and delivery service only. However, New York City’s open container law—prohibiting consumption or possession of an open container of alcohol in public places—is still in effect. MOME’s Office of Nightlife has developed physical distancing guidelines for restaurants and bars and downloadable window posters reminding everyone to Take Out, Don’t Hang Out when supporting local businesses.

MOME’s Music for the Soul, a program in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals and AFM Local 802 continues through July 4. With support from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the program was created to bring the healing power of music to healthcare workers and patients at NYC public hospitals. Live performances by local NYC musicians are livestreamed on the NYC Health + Hospital’s Facebook page from noon-1pm every day.

For the latest updates, sign up for MOME’s newsletter, follow our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website at www.nyc.gov/mome.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns or for support.

Sincerely,

Anne del Castillo
Commissioner
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
www.nyc.gov/mome
@NYCMOMECommish

Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment
nyc.gov/mome

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