New York City to Enter Phase Two of Reopening on June 22: Mayor

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at a food shelf organized by The Campaign Against Hunger in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn in New York City, on April 14, 2020. (Scott Heins/Getty Images)

NEW YORK—New York City will begin phase two of reopening on June 22, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday, citing continued improvements in CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus data.

Offices, in-store retail, outdoor dining, hair salons, and barbershops are among the businesses allowed to reopen their doors during phase two.

“We’ve seen consistent progress and it is time to say to everyone get ready for phase two,” de Blasio told a daily news conference.

People wearing protective masks walk through Little Italy during the CCP virus pandemic in New York City on May 29, 2020. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

De Blasio signed an executive order on Thursday launching the “Open Restaurants” initiative that will allow restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve food to apply to utilize certain spaces like sidewalks for outdoor dining.

Backyard and patio seating will also be allowed. De Blasio said the initiative will help an estimated 5,000 restaurants and save some 45,000 jobs.

The mayor also announced that playgrounds will reopen on Monday across the city.

By Maria Caspani

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.