Manhattan COVID-19 News Roundup, May 26, 2020

Hoylman Wants to Extend Changes to Liquor Laws

Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Midtown West, Chelsea, West Village) announced a bill Monday that would let restaurants and bars sell alcohol for take out and delivery for two years following the coronavirus pandemic, CBS New York reported Monday.

Since the emergency began, existing liquor laws banning such distribution have been suspended to help bars and restaurants stay afloat financially.

“We need to do everything we can to allow small businesses like restaurants and bars to survive and thrive after the pandemic is declared over,” said Hoylman. “I view this legislation as a lifeline…To help these small businesses get back up on their feet to make a profit and employing people and contributing to our neighborhoods.”

Johnson Joins Women’s Caucus in Solidarity with Barbot

Council Member Corey Johnson (Credit: Jeff Reed)

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Midtown West, West Village, Chelsea) joined the City Council Women’s Caucus Thursday to criticize Ed Mullins, President of the Sergeant Benevolent Association police union, for allegedly using misogynistic language during a spat with Health and Mental Hygiene Commisioner Oxiris Barbot over police access to protective equipment.

In a press release, Johnson called Mullins’ language “offensive, inappropriate, and demeaning,” noting that the interaction sets a harmful precedent for the harassment of women of color.

He continued. “We are all public servants, and as such, we expect better decorum and civility from the President of a police union as we continue efforts to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Johnson. “Dr. Barbot, a Latina woman, has been on the front lines leading the DOHMH during an unprecedented, traumatic time in New York City’s public health history. Her position as a leader is unprecedented, but her work on the front lines mirrors the experience of women across the country.”

Despite Change of Plans, Brewer Honors Fallen on Memorial Day

Though the traditional Memorial Day vigil at 89th Street and Riverside Drive’s Soldiers and Sailors Monument was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D) told the West Side Rag that she would still visit the site to pay her respects Monday.

Instead of the usual Memorial Day Vigil, the nearby Riverside and Rehabilitation Center held an event to commemorate those who died due to the COVID-19 virus.