New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his plans to fully reopen New York City on July 1st.
"Throughout this pandemic I've been repeatedly concerned about closing too slowly and reopening too quickly. It's critical that we follow the science and put public health above politics - a standard we've frequently failed to meet. But I've also been clear that it's critical to feel - and to fuel - hope.
"Goal-setting is good - as long as we're willing to adjust that goal as circumstances shift. The July 1st designation is an ambitious but reasonable target to put forth, an aspiration that will need evaluation as we move forward with a concerted effort to increase injections and slow infection. I believe New Yorkers can meet this goal and this moment - if we continue to follow public health guidelines and get vaccinated. At the same time, we will also have to be honest, in the coming weeks, about whether we have succeeded in time for this deadline."