New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has canceled all large events requiring a city permit through the end of September in an effort to stave off a surge in coronavirus cases.
De Blasio announced the cancellations - which will affect dozens of treasured events including the West Indian Day Parade and the Feast of San Gennaro - on Thursday, explaining that the city wants to prioritize open spaces for regular public use.
The mayor gave an exception to the Black Lives Matters protests that have become a mainstay on New York City streets over the past six weeks, insisting the 'historic' demonstrations must be respected.
'As New York has begun its reopening process, accessible open spaces are more important than ever,' de Blasio said.
'While it pains me to call off some of the city's beloved events, our focus now must be the prioritization of city space for public use and the continuation of social distancing.'
The announcement was met with mixed reactions on social media as many residents acknowledged the need to prevent crowds from spreading coronavirus while sharing sadness that their favorite events wouldn't go on.
A few critics spoke out to condemn de Blasio's decision to exclude protests from the ban, saying that if they're allowed to continue other events should be able to as well.
Mayor Bill de Blasio canceled all events requiring a budget limo jersey city events permit through September 30 on Thursday. 'While it pains me to call off some of the city's beloved events, our focus now must be the prioritization of city space for public use and the continuation of social distancing,' he said
Among the events canceled was the famed Feast of San Gennaro (pictured in 2019), which draws a million people to the Little Italy neighborhood of Lower Manhattan each year
The West Indian Day Parade (pictured in 2019) has also been canceled this year. Ahead of de Blasio's announcement the parade organizers said they were still coming to a decision as to whether it would be held as planned on September 7
De Blasio gave an exception to the Black Lives Matters protests that have become a mainstay on New York City streets over the past six weeks, insisting the 'historic' demonstrations must be respected. The mayor is seen painting a Black Lives Matter mural on Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower on Thursday morning
The cancellations came as residents flocked to reopened Coney Island on Thursday - in a sign that the city hit hardest by coronavirus in its early months is finally seeing some normality
Through September 30, the city will not issue a permit for any event spanning more than a one-block radius or that interferes with the Open Streets or Open Restaurants program.
The ban also includes stage/video events that require amplification, street fairs, and events in parks that may unreasonably diminish public use.
The city plans to refund or defer fees paid in connection with a denied permit.
Events that do not intrude in Open Streets or Open Restaurant areas and will take up less than one city block can still apply for a permit.
