NEW YORK, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The New York City government issued guidance on Wednesday for restaurants planning to stay open and serve customers outdoors with heating devices this fall and winter amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
"These guidelines are designed to keep diners, employees, and pedestrians safe and healthy - and we look forward to giving New Yorkers more chances than ever to enjoy the outdoors year-round," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a press release.
Restaurants interested in providing comfort heating for their customers in outdoor dining areas have three options: electric radiant heaters, natural gas radiant heaters and portable heaters fueled by propane.
"Restaurants make New York City the greatest city in the world, and we're proud to support their continued recovery from this crisis," said the mayor.
The guidelines will be jointly carried out by the city's Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, and the Fire Department.
In September, de Blasio announced that the city's popular Open Restaurants program would be extended year-round and made permanent.
The program, which has enrolled more than 10,500 establishments since its inception in June, has allowed New Yorkers to enjoy meals in safe, healthy outdoor environments. All restaurants must abide by state restrictions on operating in COVID-19 hotspots. Enditem
