Cuomo: Protests Could Lead to Increased COVID-19 Spread

divider

ALBANY, NY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressed concern today that the ongoing protests against George Floyd’s death at the hands of police officers could encourage the spread of the coronavirus, just as New York City is preparing to enter Phase One of reopenings, the New York Daily News reports. And while the governor of New York certainly has a vested interest in bringing an end to the protests that have gripped state’s streets in recent days, policy experts agree that the protests could seed a new wave of infections, according to the New York Times.

Dr. Ashish Jha, a Harvard professor specializing in global health, urged protesters to take proper precautions while exercising their First Amendment rights. Specifically, he called for them to wear face masks and try to maintain six feet of social distance.

At his daily press conference, Cuomo elaborated that he worried the large volume of people in the streets “could potentially be infecting hundreds and hundreds of people, after everything that we have done.” Approximately 50,000 tests were conducted across the state on Sunday, with only 1,000 coming back positive.

“The progress is just phenomenal” he said.

The progress the governor cites comes as more than 100,000 Americans have lost their lives to the coronavirus, and more than 40 million are without work because of lockdowns.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact those in our New York community and beyond, the attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., remain committed to standing up for the rights of those who’ve been harmed or have become ill due to negligence. We are available to discuss your rights and legal options when you reach out to us at 1-855-TOP-FIRM today.