reopen ny

Reopen NY: Gov. Cuomo threatens to roll back NY reopening over social distancing violations

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Monday, June 15, 2020

Social distancing violations spark rollback concerns in NY

Dave Evans reports on Governor Cuomo's threat to roll back reopening in New York City after social distancing violations were reported

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The road to reopen may have hit a bit of a snag in New York.

Over the weekend, people were spotted crowding along Manhattan streets, in both the East Village and Hell's Kitchen, many of them not wearing masks.

It prompted a reaction from Governor Andrew Cuomo, and a pushback from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Governor Cuomo said there were thousands of complaints, leading him to threaten to revoke liquor licenses.

He also demanded local police get involved and threatened to shut down areas like Manhattan and the Hamptons.

Hundreds of people assembled in close proximity in Manhattan Friday night, disregarding social distancing guidelines and wearing face coverings.

The mayor says the city is trying to balance safety with the need for these businesses to make money.

The city has been handing out masks and marking sidewalks with chalk to indicate 6 feet of distance.

But that didn't stop large crowds over the weekend.

Video from 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen and in the East Village showed people gathering outside restaurants, many without face coverings.

A city hall spokesperson said, "We don't believe imprisoning people or taking away their livelihood is the answer," adding that businesses are allowed to be open per the governor's guidelines.

Amid a wave of complaints, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned bars and restaurants that they can lose their liquor license if they violate reopening regulations.