New York Gov. Cuomo mentions ‘substantial proof’ New York City dining establishments are breaking social distancing guidelines, threatens closures

Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated there was “significant evidence” dining establishments in New York City were breaking social distancing policies created to include the spread of Covid-19 and threatened to close facilities that do not follow the guidelines. 

“There is significant evidence of failure to comply,” specifically at dining establishments and bars in New York City, Cuomo informed press reporters on a teleconference Thursday. “It’s wrong. It’s dangerous. It’s selfish. It’s unacceptable.”

He stated the state will close dining establishments after 3 offenses, however outright lawbreakers might deal with instant closure and lose their alcohol license. The order starts on Thursday, he stated. 

“Three violations and you’re closed. We’re also going to post the names of the establishments facing disciplinary charges,” he stated.

New York City is set to start its stage 4 resuming Monday, which would enable shopping centers and cultural organizations to resume, however indoor operations will stay closed, Cuomo stated.

When inquired about The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which revealed Wednesday that it would resume its doors in late August, the guv stated “nobody knows.” 

“I think they can plan to reopen and then we’ll see what the facts say,” Cuomo stated. 

“We are still seeing issues, not just in bars and restaurants but all across the country,” he stated. “You see this inside interior spaces, air conditioned spaces where the virus is tending to spread. So we’re going to take that precaution in New York City.”

He stated he’s tightening up the guidelines in New York as the state gets ready for a 2nd wave of coronavirus infections from states with rising break outs in the West and South.

“Our numbers are good but … what we’re dealing with is the potential of a ‘second wave’ from these other states,” Cuomo stated. “New Yorkers paid a dear price for Covid and they are equally upset with these violations,” Cuomo stated. 

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner signed up with journalism call and repeated Cuomo’s remarks, stating Houston is “facing a situation where our numbers have surged. More people are testing positive, showing up in our hospitals and our ICUs.” 

New York sent out groups to the Houston location to establish screening websites and partner with regional churches, providing hand sanitizer, individual protective devices and screening packages, Cuomo stated. Without calling out any one by name, Cuomo took a swipe at “some states” for bypassing regional mask requireds. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday voided mask orders embraced by a minimum of 15 city governments throughout the state, consisting of Atlanta. 

“We’re still playing politics with this Covid virus after all of this which is shocking and disturbing,” he stated. 

The state has actually enforced a travel advisory on 22 states where cases are increasing, purchasing tourists from those states to quarantine for 14 days once they get here in New York. Cuomo stated the state has actually seen a 92% compliance rate with individuals finishing the types divulging their travel prepares at airports, although he stated that does not imply they have actually adhered to the quarantine. 

“We don’t follow up with everyone because the numbers are too high, but we do random checks pursuant to that form,” Cuomo stated. “It’s like any other law, right? You can speed, yeah, but if you get caught you get the ticket.”