Local governments in New York could be fined up to $10,000 per day if they fail to enforce laws designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said rising case numbers in certain hotspots mean local officials are not doing their job. He blamed large gatherings at bars and restaurants.
“Enforce the law: the gathering law, the business operation law, the mask compliance law ," he said. eenforce the laws because the numbers are still going up.”
At least 20 zip codes in the state have increased infection rates. As of Friday, that includes Nassau, Westchester and Rockland counties.
Cuomo said the state Department of Health will send warning letters to municipalities about the fines.
“That means by definition, compliance is not where it needs to be," he said. "That's the way the virus spreads.”
