As Americans get ready to celebrate a more social July 4 this year, Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio has said that New York City (NYC) will “fully reopen” on July 1. He is confident that the city is ready to open its doors to all activities as its vaccination rate has been “extraordinary” and is 6.3 million to date, which amounts to approximately 36 percent of the city’s adult population. NYC saw its first shutdown in March 2020.

Mayor de Blasio appeared on Thursday morning on MSNBC’s show “Morning Joe.” He also said that data and science have indicated that it’s time to come back. He expressed gratitude to the large number of New Yorkers who have got vaccinated and urged the rest to get vaccinated in order to reach the July 1 goal of total reopening.

He said that they propose to fully reopen hair salons, gyms, stadiums, museums, movie theaters and more. He said that they would enjoy the city once more and that people will flock back to New York City, which had seen an exodus like never before. He added that the ultimate reopening would be decided by the state as well as Governor Andrew Cuomo.

On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo announced the lifting of a few restrictions in the state that had affected the state’s bars and restaurants. The rule that expected customers to buy food along with alcohol in bars has been lifted. Few other rules are also expected to lapse.

The rule stating that outdoor dining areas of bars and restaurants should close by midnight will expire on May 17. The indoor curfew dining curfew is expected to be lifted on May 20. Bars will allow customers to sit in the premises from May 3.

The New York Times reported that reopening plans were announced by state and city lawmakers as New York is seeing a decline in positive cases, in hospitalizations and in deaths as more and more New Yorkers are getting vaccinated. The warm weather is also drawing people outdoors. On Tuesday, the CDC had also recommended relaxation of norms for the fully vaccinated.

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