New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned fans from attending NFL games within the state due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But now that his state’s team, the Buffalo Bills, made it to the playoffs, Cuomo said he wants to attend the game.
Cuomo’s coronavirus restrictions have prevented the Bills from hosting fans in the team’s stadium.
He reiterated this week that infection and hospitalization rates in the state will continue to determine whether the Bills can open the stadium up to the public — even in January when the team hosts a play off game.
“Large gatherings should concern everyone,” Cuomo said, according to the New York Post.
New York State health commissioner Howard Zucker said officials are particularly concerned about tailgate parties near the stadium before and after the game.
Cuomo, however, hinted that he might attend the game despite his own restrictions.
“I want to attend a Bills game,” he said. “I’ve attended them in the past.”
Cuomo’s strict restrictions have triggered backlash among many New Yorkers.
After he shut down indoor dining last week, despite a lack of any scientific evidence to suggest that open restaurants pose a significant public health threat, several New York City restaurant owners imposed lifetime bans on Cuomo.
“He can eat at some s—- roadside diner outside of Albany but he will not be served anywhere in New York City, known universally as the world’s greatest dining destination! If he has to use the restroom he can go pee on my street-corner,” bar owner Larry Baird said.
“He can dine at Gracie Mansion if wants hospitality in Manhattan,” another member added. “He ain’t getting it here!”
Other members of the group said Cuomo’s restrictions are incoherent.
“Completely schizophrenic behavior,” one group member said. “How they are coming up with these rules is beyond any logical reasoning.”
