Cuomo slams those not wearing coronavirus masks and says NOWHERE in NY is safe to reopen after thousands gather in parks
GOVERNOR Andrew Cuomo has slammed anyone who chooses not to wear a mask, saying that nowhere in New York is safe to reopen after thousands gathered in parks over the weekend.
Cuomo said during his press conference on Monday that not wearing a mask amid the pandemic is “disrespectful.”
“It is disrespectful of people not to wear masks,” he said.
“The least gratitude you can show is at least wear the mask so you don’t infect more people who place more of a burden on the hospitals.”
The governor said that he believes local governments should begin sanctioning individuals who are not wearing a mask in public.
“You could literally kill someone because you didn’t want to wear a mask,” Cuomo said.
However, the governor was still not wearing a mask during the meeting.
Speaking of the state’s reopening, Cuomo said that it has to be “more nuanced, you have to be more careful.”
“It’s not going to happen state-wide,” he said.
“And rather than wait for the whole state to be ready, reopen on a regional basis.”
The governor also hinted that it’s going to a “long time” until New York City is open for business again.
“If upstate has to wait for downstate to be ready, they’re going to be waiting a long time. So, analyze the situation on a regional basis.”
Cuomo then put a chart on the screen, showing where each region in the state currently stands.
The chart shows that no region currently has met all seven of the metric points to reopen.
The news comes after New Yorkers rushed to the state’s parks over the weekend.
The sunbathers were seen basking in the heat, without wearing face masks.
According to New York state government: “Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced,” while individuals should remain at least six feet apart.
It’s also required time outside the home should be limited, and any outdoor activities should be “non-contact”.
But on Saturday, the hottest day in New York since March 20, city-dwellers fled their homes and congregated in green spaces, with flocks heading to Central Park.
A New York ER doctor took to Twitter on Saturday and slammed sunbathers in the park.
Cleavon Gilman tweeted: “16,000 New Yorkers dead in 8 weeks! This is a SLAP in the face to healthcare providers nationwide risking their lives and dying on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m in Central Park right now and it’s business as usual.”
However, across the state parks were filling up – with people breaking social distancing rules and not wearing masks in Washington Square Park, Prospect Park, Domino Park and Christopher Street Pier also.
Maya, a Nolita resident, told NY1: “It’s frustrating because, of course, yeah, it’s a nice day.
“Everyone has been inside for a few weeks and we want to talk to people who we know and see our friends, but I think it’s responsible to wear a mask and it’s responsible to stay six feet apart if you’re not quarantining together.”
Another local told the outlet: ” It’s a little frustrating. I’m doing my part. I got my mask on, and I know putting a mask on won’t protect me. It protects other people.
“So, if I’m affording people that courtesy, that safety should be afforded me because we don’t know if we’ve transmitted the virus without having symptoms.”