Cuomo Warns Of ‘Consequences’ After Videos Emerge Of Maskless New Yorkers Drinking In The Streets

TOPLINE

After photos and videos of maskless New Yorkers congregating in Manhattan while drinking on sidewalks surfaced this weekend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened retaliation for businesses and for residents, saying both will see the “consequences of your actions” if the behavior continues and possibly jeopardizes the state’s reopening process.

KEY FACTS

Crucial quote

“Do your job,” Cuomo admonished local governments. “If we increase the spread of the virus in Manhattan because of bars and restaurants, then everyone in Manhattan will suffer. That’s not fair.”

Key background

As Gothamist reminded readers Saturday, “being tired of staying at home doesn’t make a pandemic go away.” At 78 days, New York City underwent the longest lockdown in the U.S. as it battled the country’s worst outbreak. The city began phase one of reopening on June 8, while the rest of New York State, which had less severe outbreaks, was already opening back up. Cuomo has made a data-driven approach the central strategy for the state as it inches towards normality, and says the number of people reporting business violations are smart. Other states, like California and Florida, have seen virus cases spike as they reopen, which New York hopes to avoid, Cuomo said. And, while hitting residents with fines or revoking liquor licenses would be unpopular, “what’s more unpopular is if that region recloses because the local government didn’t do their job,” Cuomo said.

Further reading

Fauci Says ‘Real Normality’ Unlikely For A Year As U.S. Continues Pandemic Slog (Forbes)

Photos: Pandemic-Fatigued New Yorkers Crowd Outside Of Bars & Restaurants (Gothamist)

New York Has Lowest Coronavirus Spread Rate In The Nation, Cuomo Says (Forbes)

New York City flattened the curve. Now its comeback begins (CNN)

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