Gov. Cuomo expresses concern over potential coronavirus spread during mass protests [Video]

• New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressed his concerns that the mass protests could compromise months of sacrifices to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
• The governor said that he supports the demonstrators’ fight against racism and societal inequality but pointed out that it has taken months before they could reopen the state.
• He then implored the protesters to take a minute and think, “Is this smart?”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) expressed his concerns over the potential spread of the coronavirus during the ongoing mass protests over George Floyd’s death.

Speaking at his daily briefing, Cuomo said, “You turn on the TV and you see these mass gatherings that could potentially be infecting hundreds and hundreds of people after everything that we have done.”

The New York governor clarified that he supports the demonstrators’ fight against racism and societal inequality. However, he worries that the mass gatherings could compromise more than two months of social and economic sacrifices to curb the spread of the virus.

“We have to take a minute and ask ourselves: ‘What are we doing here?’” Cuomo continued.

Cuomo cautioned the demonstrators that while most of them are young and may not feel symptoms when infected, they could potentially spread the virus to the older members of their family.

Similar concerns were expressed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. He implored, “For those who have made their presence felt, made their voices heard, the safest thing from this point is to stay home, obviously.”

Hospitalization rates in the state have been decreasing for weeks. From almost 800 daily deaths in early April, the daily death toll has gone down to 54 on Sunday.

New York City is currently preparing to phase in economic activity on June 8. Cuomo pointed out that it has taken 93 days to make this happen. He then asked about the mass gatherings: “Is this smart?”

Other parts of the state have already started the second phase of reopening. Retail shops, hair salons, and offices are set to reopen in the Buffalo area on Tuesday and in the Albany area on Wednesday.

Source: Aol.com