As the cases for the coronavirus continue to skyrocket in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has introduced a new consequence to those who refuse to practice social distancing.
According to the New York Post, de Blasio said, “It’s as simple as this. If someone is told by an officer ‘Disperse, keep moving,’ … and they don’t follow the direct instruction from the officer — or they say they’re doing it, then they come back right away — I’m comfortable at this point that they will be fined.”
The summons will reportedly range from $250 to $500. Mayor de Blasio feels like these prices are reasonable for anyone who refuses to distance themselves. There are now 32,308 confirmed cases in New York, with 678 deaths.
de Blasio continued, “You’ve been warned and warned and warned again. If anyone doesn’t listen, then they deserve a fine at this point.”
Although the city has encouraged many people to stay inside, de Blasio announced on Sunday that he will continue to keep New York City parks and playgrounds open at the moment. He says that city workers will help remove aspects of the park that usually attract people, such as the hoops at the basketball courts.
New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has also been working diligently to help get things under control in the city as well.
On Monday, the USNS Comfort arrived in New York City. He shared a video of the ship arriving and said, “The USNS Comfort seen sailing to the New York Harbor from an NYS escort vessel. The Comfort brings 1,000 much-needed hospital beds & 1,200 personnel to New York.”
He later held a press conference at Pier 90.
The New York Post reports that this is the first time since the Comfort has been in New York since it was deployed for the aftermath of 9/11. Instead of having victims affected by the virus, the Comfort will cater to patients with other injuries and ailments. This will free up city hospital beds for those who need them the most.
TSR STAFF; Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
