New York State in conjunction with New Jersey and Connecticut will take a huge step in the reopening process on May 19th.
Governor Cuomo says on May 19th most capacity limits will be fully lifted. That includes for places like gyms, restaurants, offices and retail stores. He says the data continues to be strong.
“Our positivity rate has been going way down dramatically, 50 percent decline in the last month. Hospitalization rate skiing down the mountain.”
Cuomo also says 24-7 subway service will return May 17th. The subway system has been shut daily for part of the overnight to allow for deep cleaning.
Meanwhile, New York City’s non-essential employees are back at the workplace today for the first time during the pandemic but not everyone is happy about it.
Roughly 80-thousand employees have been ordered back to the office. However, Head of the largest municipally union, Henry Garrido is concerned. He points out only 34 percent of city workers are vaccinated, some employees are not being accommodated for childcare and doesn’t think all the safety measures are in place.
“Some agencies are observing full six feet social distancing because of the size of their offices but others are not. I am afraid we are exposing people unnecessarily to COVID.”
Mayor de Blasio insists all safety protocols are in place and feels the workers will be more productive working out of the office. Garrido disagrees, saying workers are taking fewer breaks and services have not declined.