Kathy HochulVerified account

From the very beginning @NYGovCuomo and I have responded by listening to and following public health experts, because the science and data has been rapidly changing as this crisis evolves. This is an unprecedented global crisis.

New York is leading the world with how we’ve been able to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. To get here, we needed to make reopening decisions based on the facts, not emotion. That approach allowed us to begin unlocking the economy two weeks ago with Phase 1.

In addition to the long-awaited retail & hair services, and business openings, we are on the path to Phase 3, which includes restaurants. Assuming we are smart, social distancing, #WearAMask, and the health numbers continue to improve, restaurants should make their plans now.

I would also like to address the pain and suffering being felt by many in our country tonight. Sadly, it took another murder of an innocent black man to force this national awakening about the disparities that exist between the White American Dream & the Black American reality.

We will not let this moment pass without long overdue systemic reforms, to finally bring equality and justice for all. Since our founding fathers, the ability to protest & challenge society & government is one of the rights we cherish most.

I will defend anyone’s right to peacefully protest. But when that line is crossed into acts of violence and mindless destruction, those actions are criminal, and must be stopped. No one has the right to destroy someone’s life, business or neighborhood. No matter your zip code.

Violence provokes fear from the community and diminishes our human connection; our ability to empathize and understand and respect each other. And ultimately our ability to build a stronger, more just society.