New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he expects the city to “fully reopen” by July 1, with all COVID-19 restrictions lifted by then, according to the Associated Press.
“We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength,” he told MSNBC.
Around half of all adults in New York City have had at least one vaccine dose, and de Blasio explained that those rising vaccination rates he sees the city getting back to normal by July.
“This is going to be the summer of New York City,” he said. “We are all going to get to enjoy this city again, and people are going to flock here from all over the country to be a part of this amazing moment in New York City.”
Mayor de Blasio is laying out his vision for the city, but it will be up to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to lift any restrictions, but the mayor said “It’s quite clear, it’s time to set a goal and move on that goal.”
Gov. Cuomo had a news briefing after de Blasio’s comments and said “I want to open up New York City Tuesday. I want to open it up Wednesday. I want Buffalo fully opened on Thursday. It’s a statewide management system and we are managing it by the science, by the data. You look at the number and you will see the rate of opening. I don’t want to wait that long. I think if we do what we have to do, we can be reopened earlier.”
New York City has suffered by a lack of travelers to the city, and tourist attractions like Broadway and a number of restaurants are still operating under a number of restrictions. De Blasio said he is still hoping Broadway theaters will open in September, although some of the smaller productions may be able to open in July with the rest of the city.
Recent Comments