NY Gov. Cuomo's tone shifts after months of coronavirus lockdowns
The state intends to use COVID-19 testing to reopen of restaurants, arts centers, and theaters
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his "state of the state" address on Monday, telling residents he intends to reopen the state’s economy in a safe way despite an uptick in confirmed coronavirus cases.
The Democratic governor put a heavy emphasis on planning the state’s "economic resurgence," even as it faces a record-setting budget deficit.
"We simply cannot stay closed until the vaccine hits critical mass – the cost is too high," Cuomo said in his address. "We must reopen the economy, but we must do it smartly and safely."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cuomo added that the plan was to use COVID-19 testing to enable the reopening of restaurants, arts centers, and theaters.
Without making moves now, Cuomo gravely forecast that the state would have "nothing left to open."
A spokesperson for Cuomo's office declined to elaborate on the reopening plan beyond remarks made by the governor on Monday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Like many states, New York shut down completely at the outset of the pandemic in the spring.
In the summer, the state shifted to a policy of targeting so-called "hot spots," where businesses were closed within specified areas when confirmed cases climbed above a certain percentage threshold.
Cases throughout the U.S. are once again at record levels -- with New York’s statewide positivity rate at 6.22% as of Sunday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NY TO BEGIN SCHEDULING COVID-19 VACCINES FOR SENIORS, FIRST RESPONDERS NEXT WEEK
The state is facing a coronavirus-related budget hole valued at a record $15 billion, Cuomo said.
He repeated calls for federal aid to state and local governments, a plea that is likely to fall on more sympathetic ears after Democrats take control of Congress and the White House.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But he has also proposed other measures to raise money, like legalizing cannabis and online sports betting, which would generate additional tax revenues.
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Meanwhile, New York’s coronavirus vaccine rollout -- like others throughout the United States -- has proceeded at a slower-than-expected pace.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As of Saturday, 543,147 doses had been administered in the state.