NYC Will Fully Reopen July 1, De Blasio Says

NEW YORK CITY — New York City plans to fully reopen on July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

De Blasio made the bold proclamation Thursday during a jocular appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

"Our plan is to fully reopen New York City on July 1," he said. "We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength. Because look, what we're seeing is people have gotten vaccinated, an extraordinary number, 6.3 million vaccinations in New York City to date."

The plan — or, really, prediction — depends on a continued turnaround from the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 positivity in the city recently dropped below 4 percent and total vaccinations have outpaced the population of whole states. And Gov. Andrew Cuomo has started to lift the restrictions, such as a curfew for bars and restaurants.

De Blasio's actual authority to reopen New York City is minimal — Cuomo actually holds the cards. He acknowledged the state and federal government's power during his Morning Joe appearance.

"Look, the federal government, state government always have a say, but I'm saying as leader in New York City, we're ready to come back and come back strong," he said. "All of the indicators show it. We're focused on the data and the science."

De Blasio later elaborated on the plan during his daily briefing. He said the city is setting a "goal" for a full reopening.

Stores, bars and restaurants, cultural events, theaters and more will be 100 percent back in the summer, he said.

"This is going to be the summer of New York City," he said.