Andrew Cuomo calls out other governors for reopening states: ‘Violates common sense’
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Thursday, where he discussed the recent move by many governors to start reopening their states. He is concerned because the data suggests it is a significant mistake to reopen while new cases of COVID-19 are on the rise. “Many of the other states, the numbers are still going up and they're reopening,” said Cuomo. “That not only violates C.D.C. guidelines, that violates common sense.” The C.D.C. has provided a set of guidelines to help states prepare for reopening. Cuomo said that New York will only rely on data to determine when and how it reopens. However, he did admit that he can relate to the other governors. “The pressure to open is tremendous, said Cuomo. “People need a paycheck, they want to get back to work, they want to make sure they have a job. I get it.” He warned governors of reopened states that the short-term gains will not outweigh the long-term losses. Cuomo said, “To open and then close two weeks later or three weeks later because that infection rate goes through the roof again makes no sense.” Cuomo suggested that governors, “Calibrate the opening and don't open until you have those numbers under control.” He added, “I think it is a mistake to respond to the emotion when you know the facts are saying something different.”
Video Transcript
ANDREW CUOMO: Many of the other states, the numbers are still going up, and they're reopening. That not only violates CDC guidelines, that violates common sense. And we're not going to do that.
- New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Thursday, where he discussed the recent move by many governors to start reopening their states.
ANDREW CUOMO: I understand the short term benefit of opening. The pressure to open is tremendous. The political pressure is tremendous. People want out. They want out of the home. People need a paycheck. They want to get back to work. They want to make sure they have a job. I get it.
- Cuomo plans to keep the majority of New York closed until the data suggests they can safely reopen, and he has some advice for governors who weren't following CDC guidelines.
ANDREW CUOMO: To open and then close two weeks later or three weeks later because that infection rate goes through the roof again makes no sense. Calibrate the opening, and don't open until you have those numbers under control.
- While Cuomo understands people wanting to eat out, get their haircuts, and visit Joe Exotic's former tiger zoo, he thinks it's a mistake.
ANDREW CUOMO: I think it is a mistake to respond to the emotion when you know the facts are saying something different. So I suggest communicate the facts to people.
