Lawmakers Urge New York Governor To Shut Down Subways To Stop Coronavirus Spread, “The Subways Are Fueling The Crisis”

written by: @dawnnnyy_

Four New York City Council members are pushing Governor Cuomo to temporarily close the city’s transit system for a necessary deep clean.

“We believe that drastic measures must be taken to stop the spears of COVID19 in our transit system,” Council members, Robert Holden, Eric Ulrich, Mark Gonaj, and Peter Koo wrote in a letter to Cuomo.

According to CBS New York, “the letter cites the high rate of coronavirus deaths among MTA workers.”

To date, COVID-19 has killed 68 employees.

MTA workers lack adequate protective gear. Meanwhile, the subways are overcrowded due to “reduced service, and homeless people camping.”  

Complaints cited in the letter claimed that one mask and one pair of gloves were given to workers for the entire workweek.

The MTA, however, rightfully has concerns about this ordinance. In a statement regarding the issue, MTA warned that shutting down mass transit would be dangerous and may lead to more deaths. They also noted how their services help many essential personnel get to work every day.

“We’re moving the medical professionals and first-responders who are saving lives every day. The private taxi industry doesn’t have the same capacity as the biggest transit system in North America,” MTA spokesman Shams Tarek said.

In response to this, council members are suggesting that the city and state partner with for-hire-vehicle services to provide rides to essential workers for the week they wish to close.