New York City’s health commissioner is getting criticized for a coronavirus connected argument she had with a top police official. NYPD Chief Terry Monahan asked for 500-thousand more masks to protect officers from coronavirus back in March. Apparently, Health Commissioner Doctor Oxiris Barbot told him she didn't care about police officers, used profanity and insisted only 50-thousand would be made available at the time. Mayor de Blasio was asked about it Thursday.
“If what is being reported is accurate, the commissioner needs to apologize to the men and women of the NYPD unquestionably”
The health commissioner is normally a part of the mayor’s daily coronavirus press briefings but was not available Thursday.
“I need to understand what happened here. I am concerned about It”
The police unions are calling for Barbot to step down or be fired.
New York City is expanding coronavirus testing. There are three groups of people Mayor de Blasio is now asking to get the coronavirus test. If you have symptoms regardless of age or occupation, if you have come in close contact with someone who has COVID 19 and folks working in a residential setting like a nursing home.
“Our goal is to get to 20 thousands tests per day by May 25th. We are now confident in the at goal. In fact we want to beat that goal.”
Residents can call 3-11 or go to the city’s website to find their nearest testing location.