De Blasio Says Parts of Phase Four Reopening May Be Delayed

New York City is the only region in the state that has not yet entered Phase Four and Mayor de Blasio says cultural venues including shopping malls and movie theaters may have to wait even longer to reopen after the coronavirus shutdown.

Cuomo has already pushed off the reopening of Phase Four in NYC and may do it again. The earliest it is set to move forward is Monday, July 20th, with many aspects already ruled out such as allowing outdoor professional sports without fans and restarting indoor classes for colleges and universities.

“Phase Four is being deliberated right now between the city and the state,” de Blasio said at a City Hall press briefing, “the final decision is expected by Friday.”

“We’re looking at this national reality of the uptick and looking at it very soberly. We got to decide how we feel about different pieces of phase four and if were really ready for Monday or for a different approach or different timeline,” he said.

“I’m not going to be shocked if we have a defined timeline for delay or we say hey this piece is just going to have to wait until we get further information,” he said.

Cuomo has ultimate authority over the timeline and is expected to address the matter this week.

 Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.