Upset by “rampant” violations of New York’s pandemic-fighting restrictions, Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened Sunday to pull liquor licenses of scofflaw restaurants and even reinstate closings in areas where local governments fail to enforce rules.

Manhattan and the Hamptons were singled out as problem areas by Cuomo, who said the state has received 25,000 complaints of reopening violations. He said the violations endanger the state’s fragile progress in the fight against the coronavirus as it slowly relaxes restrictions enacted in March.

“We are not kidding around with this. You’re talking about jeopardizing people’s lives,” Cuomo said at his daily briefing.

The warning comes a day after the Democratic governor reacted sternly to a short Twitter video from New York City of young people enjoying a warm day packed tightly on a city street, many without masks.

New York officials are trying to avoid the fate of states seeing a surge in new cases after reopening. New York's coronavirus-related hospitalizations are declining and the state recorded 23 deaths Saturday, the lowest one-day coronavirus death toll since the early days of the crisis.

Cuomo made clear there could be consequences for localities where police fail to enforce social distancing and other pandemic-related rules.

“Before I reverse a statewide position, I’ll tell you what I’m going to do,” he said. “I’m going to reverse it in those areas that are not in compliance with the rules.”

Cuomo said the state is prepared to take action against individuals who violate open container laws as well as restaurants and bars violating terms of their licenses.

 

-The Associated Press

-Daily death toll in NY has hit new daily low, at 23. "We breathe a deep sigh of relief today," Cuomo said.

-Cuomo says the state will extend the time to enroll in New York's health exchange for another 30 days.

-The governor discussed new guidance for youth sporting events. He says "low-risk youth sports may resume in Phase III," beginning July 6. But he says only two spectators will be allowed per child. The sports include baseball, softball, gymnastics, field hockey, cross country and crew.

-Gov. Cuomo warned New York's bars and restaurants to follow orders on COVID restrictions as they begin to reopen. He says they face losing their liquor licenses if they don't comply. He says he personally called some establishments after seeing photos of them not following rules.

-The governor says the state has received 25,000 complaints about establishments or businesses not following the law on gatherings. 

-Cuomo says the Hamptons and New York City are the areas leading with these types of violations. "They are rampant, and there's not enough enforcement," he says, warning that could cause an increase in the spread of the virus. "Local government: do your job," he says, noting that a region could have to revert in reopening phases if they don't comply.