Just in time for the beautiful spring weather, people in the Hudson Valley can gather in larger groups starting today.

The state now allows residential gatherings with up to 25 people outdoors - that's up from 10 people. Indoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people.

Event venues of under 10,000 patrons can reopen at up to 33% capacity with a maximum of 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. Those numbers are expected to increase in just under two weeks.

In addition, all five yellow zones in the state, including Newburgh and New Windsor in Orange County, will be eliminated starting today.

Indoor fitness classes can reopen statewide at 33% capacity.

More COVID-19 restrictions will also be easing up soon. It won't be long before you can stay out late and gamble the night away, or hit the movie theaters. In two weeks, on April 5, the 11 p.m. curfew for casinos, movie theaters, pool halls, gyms, and bowling alleys will be lifted.

State health officials are reminding everyone that requirements for wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing will remain in place as part of the guidelines.

"It was so sad because they couldn't see anything, they couldn't have a funeral, they couldn't do anything. Thank God it's opening up," says Joanne McIntyre, of Yonkers.

"It feels good to be able to go out again because being trapped every day at home makes things uncomfortable," Joseph Fabrizi, of Mount Vernon.