Good news for the attractions industry in the United States. New Jersey, New York and Connecticut have announced they are to lift most industry capacity restrictions in light of vaccination progress and Covid-19 case decline.

The governors of the respective states announced the significant easing of Covid-19 restrictions will begin on May 19, many of which will affect theme parks and other attraction sites.

In New Jersey and New York, business capacity limits are to be replaced with sufficient space to be able to maintain six feet of social distancing.

May 19 will see large-scale indoor venue capacity increased by 30% and large-scale outdoor venue capacity extended by 33%. In New York, proof of vaccination or a recent negative test will be required for venue entry.

The reduction in capacity limits will have a positive impact on both indoor and outdoor amusement and recreation businesses, which are both currently limited to 50% capacity. As are indoor and outdoor pools, which will be able to enjoy a larger number of visitors from May 19.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, commented on the lifting of restrictions:  “With our Covid-19 numbers, particularly hospitalisations, trending decisively in the right direction and our vaccination goals within reach, now is the time to take major steps to reopen our economy and loosen both indoor and outdoor gathering and capacity restrictions,” he said.