People in New York and New Jersey ignore coronavirus lockdown rules to hit bars and beaches on sweltering Saturday
PEOPLE flocked to beaches and bars around New York on Saturday, ignoring coronavirus lockdown rules as city officials warned of a rebound-spike in cases due to "quarantine fatigue".
Beachgoers in and sought out sand and sun in Long Beach and Belmar to enjoy the 76-degree weather.
Others soaked up the sun in Central Park, while revelers headed to bars the East Village for take-out booze.
Many traveled further afield to the beaches outside the city.
Manhattan Councilman Mark Levine, who is also chairman of the city's health committee, chalked up the crowds to "quarantine fatigue".
He warned of a rebound-spike in coronavirus cases if New Yorkers aren't careful.
"It's only going to get worse as we head into a hot New York City summer," he told the on Saturday.
Levine urged Mayor Bill de Blasio to plan ahead for the safe outdoor use of streets, beaches, playgrounds and parks.
If the city doesn't act fast, he said, "we will drive non-compliance underground", resulting in massive indoor house parties.
New York announced Friday that beaches reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware.
However, he said local officials had the option to keep beaches closed amid fears.
"We are one, multi-state region," he told reporters of the May 22 opening. "What one state does will affect other states."
Cuomo highlighted that 50 percent capacity was allowed and would be enforced by controlling exits, entrances, and limited parking, while playgrounds, pools, and concessions would remain shut.
He said no group-based activities like volleyball were permitted on the sand, saying state officials had their "eyes wide about" about the risks of easing the restrictions on state beaches.
"The calculation is I'm trying to work in conformity [with], or in accommodation with, our surrounding states," Cuomo said.
As New Yorkers prepared for a heatwave, NYC Mayor said reopening beaches and pools in his jurisdiction are “not in the cards right now."
"Beaches will not open on Memorial Day, but we are putting plans into place so that we can open beaches this summer if it’s safe," he told , adding that he would be reviewing Cuomo's guidelines.
Cuomo had previously said New York state was aware of New Jersey's Governor Murphy's decision to announce the reopening of beaches throughout the state on Thursday.
De Blasio told sports venues, auditoriums and large venues might be turned into cooling centers as the hot weather intensifies after confirming city beaches would not be reopening that soon.
NYC Parks Department & Recreation officials maintain around 14 miles of beach that usually open from Memorial Day weekend through September.
These include beauty spots like Rockaway Beach in Queens, Brooklyn's Coney Island, and Orchard Beach which usually attract thousands visitors every summer.
But on Friday, de Blasio said there would be enhanced patrols there in an effort to enforce the closure.
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Meanwhile, Cuomo said if sun worshippers were unable to go to a state beach, they would "flood" other beaches in , , and New Jersey, putting New Yorkers and others in jeopardy.
The threat of overcrowding also prompted this decision to "open them with safeguards," he said.
But if people flouted the rules or local officials don't enforce them Cuomo warned the state "will close those beaches immediately."
