You are reading

De Blasio Calling on Residents to Report Social Distancing Violators

People adhering to social distancing guidelines outside a Walgreens in Elmhurst (Photo: QueensPost)

April 20, 2020 By Christian Murray

Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling on New Yorkers to report business owners and fellow residents who are not adhering to the social distancing guidelines.

The mayor said Saturday that this was not snitching but was needed to save lives.

“I’m sorry this is not snitching, this is about saving lives,” de Blasio said. “This is about saving lives.”

The mayor said residents are advised to send texts to 311 or use the 311 app and include a photo of violators.

“When you see a crowd, when you see a line that’s not distancing, when you see a supermarket that’s too crowded, anything, you can report it right away,” the mayor said.

The mayor reiterated that this is about protecting families.

“When we were threatened with terrorism, no one doubted that it was the right if you saw something to call it in immediately,” the mayor said.

The mayor noted that with the warm spring weather more people will be tempted to go out. He urged residents to follow the social distancing rules, which requires people to be at least six feet apart in public places.

He said that the city will fine people up to $1,000 if they fail to comply.

De Blasio said the police will be patrolling trouble spots—such as certain parks– to crack down on violators.

“We don’t want to give fines,” de Blasio said. “But this is serious and it’s going to get harder with the fine weather.”

email the author: [email protected]
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Eastern Queens Greenway project connecting local parks gets $6 million in City Council funding

The Eastern Queens Greenway plan is a step closer to fruition after Council Member Sandra Ung joined Speaker Adrienne Adams in Kissena Park on Oct. 2, where they announced $6 million in funding to complete two sections of the greenway that will create a seamless connection between Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Alley Pond Park.

“We are fortunate in Eastern Queens to have a number of amazing parks, but in many places they are physically close but disconnected from one another,” Ung said. “This funding will create new connections and improve existing ones to create a continuous and safe path from Flushing Meadows to Alley Pond and beyond. These projects will increase access points to our open spaces, which in turn will make them safer for seniors, families, and those with mobility impairments.”