Maya Wiley Statement On New York City’s Current COVID Crisis

“New York City is facing a troubling second wave of COVID and the time to act and protect our people, our businesses, and each other is now. New York City cannot repeat the mistakes we made this spring, when we moved too slowly and ended up as a national epicenter for COVID. There are a number of steps New York City should take immediately as we enter a new, dangerous phase.

First, as long as the data shows they are safe, schools must stay open. While many students have opted for virtual learning, students in both situations need to be priorities. Thus far, our City’s schools are not a center of transmission and students are benefitting from in-person learning. No artificial trigger, unrelated to schools, should change that.

Second, as transmission rates continue to rise we must pause indoor dining, close gyms, and generally restrict activities that are known virus spreaders. This is a painful decision, and must be matched with income replacement to protect workers and small business owners along with incentives to ensure these businesses can recover.

We can’t allow New Yorkers to be pitted against one-another. This discussion should not position parents against restaurant owners, or students against working families. New Yorkers must stick together this winter and together we can get through this.”