While the number of people hospitalized in New York with the coronavirus continues to releaseGov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that people who congregate in large numbers and do not wear masks remain a “big problem.” Cuomo had a timely message for young New York City partiers who refused to distance themselves socially: “Don’t be stupid.”
The governor showed photos of the crowds gathered in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens and the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and warned young people not to take the pandemic seriously. He reminded people in their 20s that they can not only get sick, but can also infect other people.
“You are not a superhero,” said Cuomo. “But you could become a super-spreader“
It also urged local governments and police to enforce the law, or warned that the state may have to reconsider its reopening plans.
“We will have to reverse the reopening plan” if virus cases start to rise again, he said. “We will have to close bars and restaurants.”
Cuomo spoke when New York City officially entered Phase 4 of the reopening, after closing four months ago.
Phase 4 allows for low-risk outdoor activities and entertainment at 33% capacity, according to the governor. It also allows media production and professional sports to be played without the presence of fans, but does not allow any additional indoor activities such as the reopening of shopping malls, indoor restaurants or cultural institutions.
New York, once a pandemic hotspot, has so far avoided an increase in new cases like those affecting other states in the south and west. But the Democratic governor has repeatedly warned that New Yorkers could be at risk if they abandon social alienation and other practices adopted to stop the spread of the virus.
“I know it is tempting to be tired of the many rules and guidelines the state has issued, but I reiterate that this pandemic is far from over, and the incredible compliance and strength of New Yorkers are key parts of our ability to fight COVID- 19 “Cuomo said.
More than 25,000 people have died across the state since the outbreak began earlier this year.
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