Republican lawmakers in New York are demanding that Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo prioritize religious centers as part of his plans for reopening New York’s economy.

Early on in the coronavirus outbreak in the state, New Rochelle, a New York City suburb, was described as a “hot spot” for infection following a series of infections traced to a synagogue. Since then, Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have emphasized repeatedly that traditional religious gatherings were too dangerous and too prone to spreading the virus.

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