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De Blasio Used Last-Minute Text to Tell Cuomo Schools Would Stay Shut De Blasio Used Last-Minute Text to Tell Cuomo Schools Would Stay Shut
(about 13 hours later)
ALBANY, N.Y. — Late on Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio made the momentous decision to keep New York City’s 1,800 public schools closed through the end of June. He told just a select few, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, who gave his blessing.ALBANY, N.Y. — Late on Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio made the momentous decision to keep New York City’s 1,800 public schools closed through the end of June. He told just a select few, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, who gave his blessing.
But Mr. de Blasio did not reach out to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, his fellow Democrat and frequent political foe, until Saturday morning. The mayor’s top aides said he called Mr. Cuomo just a few minutes before he was to announce the news to the public. Mr. de Blasio did not get through.But Mr. de Blasio did not reach out to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, his fellow Democrat and frequent political foe, until Saturday morning. The mayor’s top aides said he called Mr. Cuomo just a few minutes before he was to announce the news to the public. Mr. de Blasio did not get through.
So the mayor sent a text message.So the mayor sent a text message.
Less than three hours later, Mr. Cuomo used his news briefing to discount the mayor’s decision as a mere “opinion” and insisted that he, and not Mr. de Blasio, controlled the destiny of the city’s own school system, the nation’s largest.Less than three hours later, Mr. Cuomo used his news briefing to discount the mayor’s decision as a mere “opinion” and insisted that he, and not Mr. de Blasio, controlled the destiny of the city’s own school system, the nation’s largest.
The episode was a glaring example of the persistent dysfunction between the two men, an often small-bore turf war that now has surfaced during an urgent crisis in which nearly 800 New Yorkers are dying daily, adding to uncertainty over when and how the city will reopen.The episode was a glaring example of the persistent dysfunction between the two men, an often small-bore turf war that now has surfaced during an urgent crisis in which nearly 800 New Yorkers are dying daily, adding to uncertainty over when and how the city will reopen.
The disagreement between the mayor and governor frustrated and confused parents, teachers and other school employees, many of whom have scrambled to adapt to the extraordinary challenge that online learning has created and have been anxious for news about the rest of the school year.The disagreement between the mayor and governor frustrated and confused parents, teachers and other school employees, many of whom have scrambled to adapt to the extraordinary challenge that online learning has created and have been anxious for news about the rest of the school year.
It also exasperated union leaders and some public officials, including Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president and Democratic mayoral candidate, who said the argument over whose authority it was to close schools should not play out “in the middle of a deadly pandemic.”It also exasperated union leaders and some public officials, including Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president and Democratic mayoral candidate, who said the argument over whose authority it was to close schools should not play out “in the middle of a deadly pandemic.”
His advice, issued on Twitter, was blunt: “Cut the crap.”His advice, issued on Twitter, was blunt: “Cut the crap.”
On Sunday, Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio seemed slightly less confrontational about the issue. The mayor said he had spoken to the governor, and framed the schools’ closing decision as “not a legal or jurisdictional question. This is a moral question.”On Sunday, Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio seemed slightly less confrontational about the issue. The mayor said he had spoken to the governor, and framed the schools’ closing decision as “not a legal or jurisdictional question. This is a moral question.”
Mr. Cuomo continued to press his case that the status of schools should take into account when the broader society will be functioning in the entire New York City region, though it appears highly unlikely that Mr. Cuomo will reopen the city’s schools before September.Mr. Cuomo continued to press his case that the status of schools should take into account when the broader society will be functioning in the entire New York City region, though it appears highly unlikely that Mr. Cuomo will reopen the city’s schools before September.
Mr. Cuomo’s office says his authority stems from an executive order from last month requiring that public schools in the state close, with language allowing the governor to decide the length of the closures.Mr. Cuomo’s office says his authority stems from an executive order from last month requiring that public schools in the state close, with language allowing the governor to decide the length of the closures.
But the governor did not sound hopeful on Sunday that there would be a quick détente with the mayor.But the governor did not sound hopeful on Sunday that there would be a quick détente with the mayor.
“We are where we were,” he said.“We are where we were,” he said.
Where that is, exactly, may not be of great comfort to New Yorkers.Where that is, exactly, may not be of great comfort to New Yorkers.
The two leaders have been squabbling over the power to take action in New York City since the early months of Mr. de Blasio’s tenure as mayor in 2014. Back then, they fought over funding for Mr. de Blasio’s signature initiative, universal prekindergarten. The mayor planned to fund the major project with a tax on wealthy New Yorkers, but Mr. Cuomo shot down that idea, though he provided $300 million in other funding.The two leaders have been squabbling over the power to take action in New York City since the early months of Mr. de Blasio’s tenure as mayor in 2014. Back then, they fought over funding for Mr. de Blasio’s signature initiative, universal prekindergarten. The mayor planned to fund the major project with a tax on wealthy New Yorkers, but Mr. Cuomo shot down that idea, though he provided $300 million in other funding.
Even an abbreviated list of their spats seems lengthy: There was the time Mr. Cuomo shut down the city’s subways in a snowstorm, without first telling Mr. de Blasio, or the time when they fought over whether to euthanize a single deer in Harlem. On more serious issues, Mr. Cuomo has overruled the city on a ban on plastic bags, enforced his will on subway repairs and recently demanded the de Blasio administration rein in Medicaid costs.Even an abbreviated list of their spats seems lengthy: There was the time Mr. Cuomo shut down the city’s subways in a snowstorm, without first telling Mr. de Blasio, or the time when they fought over whether to euthanize a single deer in Harlem. On more serious issues, Mr. Cuomo has overruled the city on a ban on plastic bags, enforced his will on subway repairs and recently demanded the de Blasio administration rein in Medicaid costs.
The sniping has continued during the coronavirus outbreak.The sniping has continued during the coronavirus outbreak.
In mid-March, Mr. de Blasio began calling for a shelter-in-place order, similar to an order that had been issued in the Bay Area. Mr. Cuomo chafed at the mayor’s suggestion, saying he disliked the phrase, before unveiling — several days later — what was in effect a shelter-in-place order by another name: New York State on Pause.In mid-March, Mr. de Blasio began calling for a shelter-in-place order, similar to an order that had been issued in the Bay Area. Mr. Cuomo chafed at the mayor’s suggestion, saying he disliked the phrase, before unveiling — several days later — what was in effect a shelter-in-place order by another name: New York State on Pause.
Other mixed messages have included Mr. de Blasio’s call in early April for city residents to wear face coverings in public; Mr. Cuomo, who has not worn a mask in public, suggested such a move might engender “a false sense of security.” (On Sunday, Mr. Cuomo announced an order to employers to provide masks to any worker interacting with the public.) The two men have also differed on the timing of closing of city playgrounds and the cancellation of elective surgery.Other mixed messages have included Mr. de Blasio’s call in early April for city residents to wear face coverings in public; Mr. Cuomo, who has not worn a mask in public, suggested such a move might engender “a false sense of security.” (On Sunday, Mr. Cuomo announced an order to employers to provide masks to any worker interacting with the public.) The two men have also differed on the timing of closing of city playgrounds and the cancellation of elective surgery.
On Saturday, their grievances had spilled over into the lives of untold numbers of parents, teachers and other school employees, all suffering whiplash from their contradictory pronouncements.On Saturday, their grievances had spilled over into the lives of untold numbers of parents, teachers and other school employees, all suffering whiplash from their contradictory pronouncements.
“Keeping school buildings closed is the right decision — regardless of who is responsible,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the city’s teachers union. That sentiment was echoed by Mark Cannizzaro, president of the union for principals, who called the day “very unfortunate” and said it had “led to some confusion among members and families.”“Keeping school buildings closed is the right decision — regardless of who is responsible,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the city’s teachers union. That sentiment was echoed by Mark Cannizzaro, president of the union for principals, who called the day “very unfortunate” and said it had “led to some confusion among members and families.”
Robin Broshi, who lives in Manhattan and is a mother of two public school students, said “emails were flying” all day Saturday among parents who were trying to make sense of the competing announcements. Some posted on Facebook, seeking more information from peers.Robin Broshi, who lives in Manhattan and is a mother of two public school students, said “emails were flying” all day Saturday among parents who were trying to make sense of the competing announcements. Some posted on Facebook, seeking more information from peers.
“It was very disappointing but very on brand that even in a crisis of this magnitude they couldn’t get on the same page,” Ms. Broshi said.“It was very disappointing but very on brand that even in a crisis of this magnitude they couldn’t get on the same page,” Ms. Broshi said.
Rebecca Katz, a former senior aide for Mr. de Blasio who has been critical of both the mayor and Mr. Cuomo, said the governor had “done an excellent job communicating throughout this crisis” but that his dealings with the mayor revealed a stubborn character flaw.Rebecca Katz, a former senior aide for Mr. de Blasio who has been critical of both the mayor and Mr. Cuomo, said the governor had “done an excellent job communicating throughout this crisis” but that his dealings with the mayor revealed a stubborn character flaw.
“His biggest weakness is his lack of self-control when it comes to taking pot shots at de Blasio,” she said.“His biggest weakness is his lack of self-control when it comes to taking pot shots at de Blasio,” she said.
The schism between the governor and the mayor is so pronounced that the two men have not appeared on the same stage since March 2, a day after the first case of coronavirus in the state — a woman from Manhattan who had traveled to Iran — was announced.The schism between the governor and the mayor is so pronounced that the two men have not appeared on the same stage since March 2, a day after the first case of coronavirus in the state — a woman from Manhattan who had traveled to Iran — was announced.
Mr. Cuomo’s actions had the effect of putting the mayor’s leadership into question, said city officials. One reason City Hall officials gave Mr. Cuomo’s staff such short notice of the decision to close schools was that they were worried that he would once again contradict or subvert them.Mr. Cuomo’s actions had the effect of putting the mayor’s leadership into question, said city officials. One reason City Hall officials gave Mr. Cuomo’s staff such short notice of the decision to close schools was that they were worried that he would once again contradict or subvert them.
“He’s concerned about being made to look ineffectual,” said one person familiar with the mayor’s decision-making process.“He’s concerned about being made to look ineffectual,” said one person familiar with the mayor’s decision-making process.
The lack of coordination with Mr. de Blasio was probably jarring for the live national television audience now tuning in regularly to see Mr. Cuomo, who has struck a more beneficent tone in his daily briefings, praising adversaries like President Trump and scolding those seeking to politicize coronavirus. Indeed, just moments before he rebuffed the mayor, Mr. Cuomo had said, “We’ve kept politics out of this crisis.”The lack of coordination with Mr. de Blasio was probably jarring for the live national television audience now tuning in regularly to see Mr. Cuomo, who has struck a more beneficent tone in his daily briefings, praising adversaries like President Trump and scolding those seeking to politicize coronavirus. Indeed, just moments before he rebuffed the mayor, Mr. Cuomo had said, “We’ve kept politics out of this crisis.”
”I’ve worked very hard to do that, I’ve worked very hard to keep myself out of the politics,” Mr. Cuomo said on Saturday. “I have no personal politics.””I’ve worked very hard to do that, I’ve worked very hard to keep myself out of the politics,” Mr. Cuomo said on Saturday. “I have no personal politics.”
Such a statement, of course, probably provoked guffaws in certain quarters in Albany, where the governor’s taste for political combat — particularly with Mr. de Blasio — is as well known as his fondness for muscle cars. (He pulled up at a Sunday morning event in his vintage Pontiac GTO.)Such a statement, of course, probably provoked guffaws in certain quarters in Albany, where the governor’s taste for political combat — particularly with Mr. de Blasio — is as well known as his fondness for muscle cars. (He pulled up at a Sunday morning event in his vintage Pontiac GTO.)
Still, while Mr. Cuomo has basked in positive reviews about his steady and sympathetic response to the contagion, Mr. de Blasio has fielded persistent questions about whether his deliberate decision-making process has hampered the city’s coronavirus response. Top city health officials threatened to resign when the mayor hesitated to close schools, bars and restaurants.Still, while Mr. Cuomo has basked in positive reviews about his steady and sympathetic response to the contagion, Mr. de Blasio has fielded persistent questions about whether his deliberate decision-making process has hampered the city’s coronavirus response. Top city health officials threatened to resign when the mayor hesitated to close schools, bars and restaurants.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mr. de Blasio has seemingly taken notes from Mr. Cuomo’s approach to the president, tamping down his politically charged rhetoric, even thanking Mr. Trump, whom he has previously accused of betraying the city he grew up in. At the same time, he has moved his own daily briefings from late afternoon to the morning, conveniently positioned just before the governor’s news conferences typically take place.Mr. de Blasio has seemingly taken notes from Mr. Cuomo’s approach to the president, tamping down his politically charged rhetoric, even thanking Mr. Trump, whom he has previously accused of betraying the city he grew up in. At the same time, he has moved his own daily briefings from late afternoon to the morning, conveniently positioned just before the governor’s news conferences typically take place.
It was just such timing that resulted in the discordant messages on Saturday. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., when Mr. de Blasio announced that New York City’s public schools would remain closed, senior aides to the mayor and governor communicated about the move.It was just such timing that resulted in the discordant messages on Saturday. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., when Mr. de Blasio announced that New York City’s public schools would remain closed, senior aides to the mayor and governor communicated about the move.
The governor’s office said that while they knew that Mr. de Blasio wanted to discuss the issue of school closure, they said that it was not made clear that the mayor would imminently announce that city schools would be shuttered through June.The governor’s office said that while they knew that Mr. de Blasio wanted to discuss the issue of school closure, they said that it was not made clear that the mayor would imminently announce that city schools would be shuttered through June.
Freddi Goldstein, the mayor’s press secretary, disputed that assertion, saying that the mayor made clear his intent to keep schools closed.Freddi Goldstein, the mayor’s press secretary, disputed that assertion, saying that the mayor made clear his intent to keep schools closed.
In any case, the governor’s office maintained that such short notice did not allow for such a major policy move to be seriously discussed or refined. And the governor was not pleased.In any case, the governor’s office maintained that such short notice did not allow for such a major policy move to be seriously discussed or refined. And the governor was not pleased.
City officials say that officials from Mr. Cuomo’s office contacted them in the middle of the mayor’s news conference. “They said we couldn’t do it on our own,” said one city official who added that the governor’s office said that the decision was “not coordinated.”City officials say that officials from Mr. Cuomo’s office contacted them in the middle of the mayor’s news conference. “They said we couldn’t do it on our own,” said one city official who added that the governor’s office said that the decision was “not coordinated.”
Mr. Cuomo then made clear that the decision to close or reopen city schools could not be done “without coordinating that decision with the whole metropolitan region.”Mr. Cuomo then made clear that the decision to close or reopen city schools could not be done “without coordinating that decision with the whole metropolitan region.”
Asked if the mayor’s announcement on schools was invalid, the governor was blunt. “He didn’t close them,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And he can’t open them.”Asked if the mayor’s announcement on schools was invalid, the governor was blunt. “He didn’t close them,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And he can’t open them.”
Mr. de Blasio’s communication director, Wiley Norvell, soon shot back on Twitter, suggesting the governor’s actions were about “politics or machismo,” and citing the opinion of health experts that schools should remain closed. “It’s about what’s best for kids and parents,” Mr. Norvell said.Mr. de Blasio’s communication director, Wiley Norvell, soon shot back on Twitter, suggesting the governor’s actions were about “politics or machismo,” and citing the opinion of health experts that schools should remain closed. “It’s about what’s best for kids and parents,” Mr. Norvell said.
Ms. Goldstein followed suit, writing on Twitter that Mr. de Blasio had been proven correct in calling for a shelter in place over the governor’s initial objections. “Schools will remain closed, just like how we eventually — days later — moved to a shelter in place model.”Ms. Goldstein followed suit, writing on Twitter that Mr. de Blasio had been proven correct in calling for a shelter in place over the governor’s initial objections. “Schools will remain closed, just like how we eventually — days later — moved to a shelter in place model.”
Dani Lever, the governor’s communications director, said that the state’s “decisions are not based on politics but based on data and science,” adding that they “will continue to be made on a regional basis which is acknowledged by all experts as the best governmental policy.”Dani Lever, the governor’s communications director, said that the state’s “decisions are not based on politics but based on data and science,” adding that they “will continue to be made on a regional basis which is acknowledged by all experts as the best governmental policy.”
By Easter Sunday, both men — perhaps moved by the holiday spirit, or just wary of bad press — were striking less noxious tones.By Easter Sunday, both men — perhaps moved by the holiday spirit, or just wary of bad press — were striking less noxious tones.
“I don’t think if you literally look over the whole course of this thing, you are going to find very many times where there was substantial disagreement,” Mr. de Blasio said. “You are going to find on a vast, vast majority of the moves that were made, agreement on the nature of the timing of what was done.”“I don’t think if you literally look over the whole course of this thing, you are going to find very many times where there was substantial disagreement,” Mr. de Blasio said. “You are going to find on a vast, vast majority of the moves that were made, agreement on the nature of the timing of what was done.”
About two hours later, when Mr. Cuomo’s daily news conference went live, the governor also offered a more gentle analysis about the challenges of working with local governments, including New York City’s.About two hours later, when Mr. Cuomo’s daily news conference went live, the governor also offered a more gentle analysis about the challenges of working with local governments, including New York City’s.
“Sometimes,” he said, “it’s less coordinated than we would like.”“Sometimes,” he said, “it’s less coordinated than we would like.”
J. David Goodman contributed reporting.J. David Goodman contributed reporting.