Governor Cuomo Receives Backlash For His Essential Worker Comment

New York’s Governor Cuomo has received mixed reactions for a comment he made on Wednesday, April 22, during an update on the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this update a reporter asked Cuomo what he would say to people and protestors that want to return to work. The reporter brought up some concerns of protestors that were interviewed prior to the update. Those concerns included people’s inability to provide for their families during this time of lockdown, while not receiving their government assistance such as unemployment checks and lack the savings to sustain themselves.

In his response Cuomo stated “You want to work? Go take a job as an essential worker." He went on to insist that it is possible to receive such a job.

Prior to that comment, Cuomo stated that economic hardships, emotional stress from being locked in the house and an increase in domestic violence are all bad but are not death; opening up the city and allowing people to return to work, will ultimately increase the number of deaths from COVID-19.

New York State makes up approximately half of the COVID-19 deaths in the U.S.

After several news organizations picked up the story there has been a wave of responses from the public. While some agree with Cuomo, many more seem to oppose the governor’s decisions and comment.

Was Cuomo’s response appropriate or does he simply not understand the struggles of the working class during the lockdown?