
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The thousands of people protesting the death of George Floyd have a “civic duty” to be tested for the coronavirus and help New York avoid a spike in new cases as it slowly restarts its economy, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.
Amid widespread concern that people packing in tightly for demonstrations, sometimes without face coverings, could lead to more COVID-19 cases, Cuomo was particularly concerned about daily mass demonstrations in New York City, which is poised to relax some restrictions amid an intense, months-long effort to tame the outbreak.
“If you were at a protest, go get a test, please,” Cuomo said at his daily briefing. “The protesters have a civic duty here also. Be responsible, get a test.”

An estimated 20,000 people have demonstrated in New York City alone, the governor said, as he expanded the state’s testing criteria to include people who attended recent protests across the state.
Protests have continued around New York despite state rules against gatherings of more than 10 people.
Regions of the state outside of New York City have begun phasing in economic activity after progress in slowing the spread of the virus. Fewer people are being hospitalized statewide for COVID-19, and the recorded daily death toll was 52 on Wednesday, compared to 800 at the peak of the outbreak.

The city is set to begin the first phase of its reopening Monday, which allows curbside retail, construction and manufacturing.
“New York City had the highest number of protesters,” Cuomo said. “We have to be smart.”
Looking ahead, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday outlined a plan to help restaurants offer more outdoor service, which will be allowed in the city when it progresses to its second phase of reopening in the coming weeks. The mayor’s plan includes allowing dining service in parking spots and a more streamlined approval process for sidewalk seating.
Also, Cuomo said schools will be permitted to hold drive-in and drive-through graduation ceremonies, as some districts have been planning for their high school seniors.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.