A popular Indian restaurant in New York has reopened with outdoor seating to allow a small number of customers to observe social distancing while enjoying cocktails or a meal.

The "Drunken Monkey" on E 90th Street and 2nd Avenue has only made available three tables - each of which can be booked for just one hour - but locals appeared to really appreciate the opportunity for a change of scene.

The virus has killed more than 19,000 people in New York City.

While the outbreak is receding, more than 1,000 new positive cases were reported on at least three days last week.

May 15th 2020 - UPPER EAST SIDE, New York:
Neighborhood Indian food restaurant "Drunken Munkey", located on E 90th street and 2nd Avenue, reopened to their customers providing sitting and drinks outside of it! There are only 3 tables and each can only be occupied for an hour. We interviewed restaurant's owner and he said they are happy to provide some normalcy to their neighbors, he said that people order food online, and while they wait for it they can sit outside with a drink. Patrons where very happy to see the place open and have a spot to sit outside of their own apartments.