De Blasio Plans For Full Reopening Of New York City On July 1

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced on Thursday that New York City would “fully reopen” on July 1, the first time the city will fully reopen since the start of the pandemic.

“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” de Blasio said at a press conference. “This is going to be the summer of New York City.”

The mayor’s goal is to open offices, schools, businesses and theaters, and have them operate at full capacity by the middle of summer. “People are going to flock here from all over the country to be part of this amazing moment in New York City,” he said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has feuded with de Blasio throughout the pandemic, dismissed the mayor’s approach.

“I want it opened. I want to open New York City Tuesday,” Cuomo said, sarcastically mocking de Blasio.

“It’s a statewide management system, and we are managing it by the science, by the data,” Cuomo continued. “I’m reluctant to make projections because I think they’re irresponsible.

Cuomo announced Wednesday that dining curfews statewide and the ban on bar seating in the city would be lifted starting in May.

As of Wednesday, New York City has recorded 923,953 coronavirus cases and 32,461 virus-related deaths.

Additionally, more than 6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given out around the city. According to city data, about 36% of the adult population is fully vaccinated and more than half of the city’s population has received at least one dose.