Albany, NY (WBEN) Governor Cuomo declined to comment about allegations against him being looked at by an Assembly investigation during Wednesday's conference call. Cuomo also updated the state's COVID response.
Cuomo was asked about allegations against Charlotte Bennett. "The Assembly has a review going on on just those questions. I'm going to respect the review and won't comment on issues subject to the review," says Cuomo.
Cuomo reacted to the Siena poll that showed more than half did not want him to resign. "I think that's what I'm hearing from New Yorkers. I have a job to do, they want me to do this job. They're concerned about COVID, they're concerned about vaccines, they're concerned about reopening, and they believe in due process and allegations are not guilt," explains Cuomo.
Cuomo also reacted to comments made by President Biden, who said Cuomo should resign if the probe confirms the claims of harassment. "What President Biden said was we should do an investigation. The question to President Biden starts with do you think the governor should resign or there should be a review first, and the president said there should be a review first. I agree with him, the people of New York agree with him," notes Cuomo.
Cuomo also announced on March 22, indoor fitness classes can begin reopening statewide at 33 percent capacity with health screening and contact information required at sign-in. Classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection between sessions. Local health departments shall inspect before or within 2 weeks of the fitness center opening to ensure compliance.
Beginning April 5, the 11 p.m. curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted. The 11 p.m. curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12 a.m. curfew for catered events will remain in effect. Both curfews will be evaluated in late-April.
"New York is moving forward with reopening our economy and looking forward to a post-COVID world," Governor Cuomo said. "We know the vaccine is the weapon that defeats this invisible enemy and we are getting more shots in arms than ever before. As we re-open and an increasing number of New Yorkers receive their vaccines, it is more important than ever to continue the practices we know stop the spread of COVID-19. I encourage New Yorkers to continue to wear their masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands. We are reaching the light at the end of the tunnel and if we stay New York Tough, we will get there together."
