New York City is moving closer to a full reopening after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that restaurants in the five boroughs can expand indoor dining to 50% capacity starting March 19.

The announcement was made in collaboration with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who is also allowing restaurants in his state to move to 50% capacity. 

New York City restaurants are currently operating at 35% capacity for indoor dining, while the rest of the state has been operating at 50%. Earlier this month, Cuomo announced that indoor dining outside the five boroughs can go from 50% to 75% starting March 19. 

The easing of restrictions comes as cases continue to decline after the post-holiday surge, as well as an increase in vaccinations.

"In New York State, our decisions are based on science and data and we are encouraged by the continued decline in infection and hospitalization rates," Cuomo said in a statement. "We will continue to follow the science and react accordingly. If we keep the infections down and vaccinations up, we will continue to stay ahead in the footrace against this invisible enemy and reach the light at the end of the tunnel together." 

Restaurant workers in New York are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.