After even more video and photos made the rounds on social media this weekend, Governor Cuomo has one message for the “partiers” out crowding bars in NYC: KNOCK IT OFF.
During his press conference on Monday, July 20, his famous powerpoint presentation showed scenes in Astoria, Queens and the Lower East Side with hundreds of New Yorkers crowded outside bars and restaurants without social distancing or wearing face masks. “We know enough about this virus to know that there are inevitable consequences to our actions,” he said. “If you have congregations of people, they are going to spread the virus.”
He chastised the groups of people, acknowledging they are primarily young people who think they cannot get sick—which he said of course is untrue—but also that they can easily spread it to someone else and could kill someone.
“It’s not just about you, it’s about who you could infect and who you could hurt,” he said. “And it has continued unabated and it is getting worse.”
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 20, 2020
He continued on, saying that local governments weren’t doing their jobs to ensure social distancing compliance and enforcement. He said that the police departments have to actually enforce the laws, not just “inform young people to wear a mask…they’ve already heard that.”
Then, of course, he ended with explaining what the consequences would be if the city doesn’t change its ways. He said the “bad” bars and restaurants which are “exploiting the situation and not following the law” would ruin things for those who are actually following the rules.
“The local governments are not doing their job. We cannot allow those congregations to continue,” he said. “If it happens, I’m going to tell you what will happen: we’re going to have to roll back the reopening plan. And we’re going to have to close bars and restaurants. That is what we are going to have to do.”
This weekend COVID didn’t quit but too many NYers did.
This is not NY Tough and it sure isn’t NY Smart.
Wear a mask. Social distance.
It is NOT worth the risk.https://t.co/ivaOz4ycL1
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 20, 2020
Time will tell if he makes good on that threat, and if young New Yorkers heed his warning with another summer weekend on its way…
See also: Cuomo Announces Restaurants Will Be Shut Down After 3 Social Distancing Violations
featured image source: Shutterstock