The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, dropped the Coronavirus-hit state’s absolute ban on gatherings of any size. He issued an executive order saying up to 10 people are now allowed to be together as long as they abide by social-distancing guidelines adopted during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The directive means people still need to stay at least six feet (1.8 metres) away from others, or wear a mask or face covering when they cannot maintain that distance in public.

The order represents one of the biggest steps yet the hard-hit state has taken to loosen rules adopted in March that have barred anyone but essential workers from getting together unless they live in the same household.