New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) is no longer willing to rely solely on the federal government to help his city with the resources it needs to combat the coronavirus.
“We have learned the hard way that we cannot depend on the federal government in the future,” de Blasio said. “I hate saying that but I think it’s quite evident.”
De Blasio reiterated New York City cannot depend on the nation to produce resources that are already not being produced enough, as he says.
Watch his comments below:
De Blasio noted until the federal government can supply the city with what it needs, it will depend on itself.
“Until that day comes, New York City, we will protect ourselves,” de Blasio said.
He explained the reserve will include face shields, surgical gowns, test kits, and ventilators. The city will also purchase what it needs for the future.
New York has become the state with the most reported coronavirus cases. As of Tuesday afternoon, the state is reporting more than 247,000 coronavirus cases and over 14,000 deaths.
De Blasio has been vocal about the federal government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
He has placed blame on President Donald Trump for failing to provide enough federal assistance to the city, as IJR previously reported.
He asked Trump, “My question is Mr. Trump, Mr. President, are you going to save New York City or are you telling New York City to drop dead?”
De Blasio reported New York City could not reopen until July or August.
Protests have erupted in some states as Americans are demanding governors reopen the economy and Trump has tweeted his support for people to “liberate” several states, as IJR previously reported.
The United States is the country with the most coronavirus cases. As of Tuesday afternoon, the nation is reporting more than 804,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 43,000 deaths.