New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) says law enforcement officers do not have the choice to disregard his limits on private gatherings aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Cuomo has implemented new limits at private residences to help fight the spread of coronavirus. The new restrictions dictate that no more than ten people can gather in homes.
However, several upstate sheriffs have said that they will not enforce the new limits.
During a press conference on Monday, Cuomo was asked for his response to the sheriffs’ announcements that they would not enforce his restrictions. He said, “This is an emotional time, political time. Everybody has their own strongly held opinion.”
“Right. You have a strongly held opinion that says, ‘COVID is all an overreaction to hoax. I’m not wearing a mask, I’m not following these rules.’ You have sheriffs upstate who have said, ‘I’m not going to enforce the law,” he continued.
“I believe that law enforcement officer violates his or her constitutional duty. I don’t consider them a law enforcement officer. Because you don’t have the right to pick laws that you think you will enforce, and you don’t enforce laws that you don’t agree with. Right. That’s not a law enforcement officer. That’s a dictator.”
Finally, he said, “God bless you. But don’t ask me for help.” He also claimed the sheriffs are just being “political” by declaring that they will not enforce the restrictions.
Watch the video below:
Cuomo’s comments come as COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing around the country. On Sunday, the country added 141,034 new cases and 843 deaths.
While the country is experiencing a new surge, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging Americans to avoid Travel ahead of Thanksgiving.
“Travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Postponing Travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year,” the agency said on its website.
Additionally, the agency recommends that Americans who plan on traveling for a gathering get tested for the virus, wear a mask, practice social distancing, bring their own food, and bring their own silverware, cups, and plates.