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.”
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