23 June

After nearly three months of a coronavirus lockdown, New York City, the hardest hit part of the United States, has moved to its second phase of reopening economic activities.

On Monday eateries were allowed to reopen outdoor service, among other establishments restarting.

A restaurant in Manhattan has opened its doors again, with sidewalk tables -- spaced nearly two meters apart.

One customer said she is happy to have lunch at her favorite restaurant.

Playgrounds have reopened as well. Parents and their children wearing face masks were seen playing in Central Park.

The city estimates that the latest move will send up to 300,000 people back to work. Authorities will continue to monitor the infection situation in the city with an eye to allowing movie theaters to reopen and restaurants to resume indoor dining.

But some businesses chose to remain shut on Monday, saying that it takes more time to implement measures to protect customers and staff from the virus.

NHK