The New York Police Department flocked to public areas to crack down on residents not abiding by social distancing orders in the warm weather.
The New York Post reported 1,000 police officers were out reminding New Yorkers about social distancing orders as they enjoyed the sun in places such as parks on Saturday.
“It’s Orwellian to be watched like this,” one person told the outlet, comparing the situation to George Orwell’s 1984. “It’s friggin’ nuts. What is this, a military state now?”
Another resident, Malcolm Brown, said, “I walk out of my building [in Chinatown] and I have a cop telling me it’s illegal for me to not wear a face mask outside.
“I started to really pay attention and I saw dozens of police vans everywhere,” he said. “It’s an overwhelming feeling. I understand they are keeping us safe, but do we really want to become China, where they’re recording you when you come out of your building?”
Police officers have arrested 60 people and issued 343 summonses due to social distancing rules since March 16, according to the New York Post.
“The public should expect to see social distancing patrol officers on foot, on bikes and in vehicles ensuring that social distancing procedures are followed,” said NYPD spokeswoman Sgt. Jessica McRorie.
