Statement from Senator Borrello on Governor Cuomo’s Lifting of Orange and Yellow Zone Restrictions

“I was encouraged by the Governor’s announcement today that New York State’s post-holiday surge in COVID cases is on the decline and restrictions on most of the state's orange and yellow zones are being lifted. This is positive news for our businesses, schools, churches and others who have been negatively impacted by these designations.

“I am hopeful that this move signifies that the Governor recognizes that we need to accelerate our sagging economy and put New Yorkers back to work. We’ve paid a high price for our months of lockdown, and arbitrary and ever-changing restrictions. Our businesses are struggling, our students have fallen behind and our state and local governments have enormous budget gaps. The human toll has also been devastating, with crime, addictions and mental health issues creating added stresses on our families and communities. Through it all, hardworking, everyday New Yorkers have sacrificed, endured and hoped for better days ahead. Their perseverance is inspiring.

“While this is a move in the right direction, more needs to be done. As I noted yesterday when we unveiled the Senate Republican plan for helping our devasted restaurants and hospitality operators, the damage to our economy and small businesses is significant and requires proactive financial and regulatory relief as well as more rollbacks of restrictions that haven’t put us further ahead in this pandemic fight. Today’s progress needs to continue.”

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