NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday, addressed the large crowds and mask violations at bars and restaurants in New York City over the weekend.
As the city enters a modified version of Phase 4, Cuomo threatened to roll back the city's reopening if compliance and enforcement don't improve.
"I'm telling you it has to stop and I'm telling you in plain New York speak, it's stupid, it's stupid," he said.
The governor urged local governments and police to "do your job," in enforcing social-distancing and mask-wearing regulations.
Video shared to social media captured large crowds of partying outside of restaurants and bars in Astoria over the weekend.
"It's stupid what you're doing. Bars and restaurants are the problem. It doesn't have to be. You have 700 people drinking in a public place, violating the open container law," Cuomo said.
"There are inevitable consequences to our actions. You can get sick in your 20s. You can die in your 20s... You can kill someone," he added.
Cuomo urged maskless young people about their behavior, and said it "has to stop."
"We are right on the line," he added. "We have to protect the progress we have made."
He also added that compliance had been an issue in parts of Long Island and upstate New York, but the majority of the problem lies in the five boroughs.
During his briefing, Cuomo reported 716 coronavirus hospitalizations in New York, the lowest levels since March 18.
There were reported eight new COVID-19 fatalities statewide on Sunday.
He added that 49,342 were tested with 519 positive results.