New York Mayor Bill de Blasio went to the gym after the state announced gyms, restaurants, and other businesses will close to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
De Blasio’s vehicle and security were spotted outside the YMCA in Park Slope on Monday, hours before New York was set to restrict the operations of businesses.
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Mayor de Blasio is indeed here at the Park Slope YMCA this morning. Passers by have commented negatively. One called him an idot. pic.twitter.com/FIgEmlf4Gf
— andrew kaczynski? (@KFILE) March 16, 2020
“The YMCA has been a huge part of his and his family’s life, like it has been for a lot of New Yorkers,” de Blasio’s spokeswoman said of the gym visit amid the pandemic. “It’s clear that’s about to change and before that, the mayor wanted to visit a place that keeps him grounded one last time. That doesn’t change the fact that he is working around the clock to ensure the safety of New Yorkers. After today, gyms will close and he will no longer be visiting the YMCA for the foreseeable future.”
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut agreed to restrict restaurants and bars to takeout and delivery only and close all movie theaters, gyms, and casinos. The changes go into effect at 8 p.m. on Monday.
De Blasio said Sunday that public schools in the city would be closed through most of April.
