New York Governor Strongly Criticizes Trump, Saying He Could Have Prevented COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York, raised the issue of responsibility for the COVID-19 pandemic against U.S. President Donald Trump.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to CNBC on the 6th (local time), Governor Cuomo said at a press conference that day, "President Trump could have recognized the danger of COVID-19 and suppressed the spread of the virus in the United States, which fell into the worst situation in the world, simply by wearing masks in public places," adding, "He spread the virus by not doing so."

Governor Cuomo pointed out, "President Trump said many things, but these words were not the necessary facts or truths," and added, "He wanted to deny COVID-19. He said it was like the flu or that it would disappear by Easter. He said it would miraculously disappear when the weather got warmer, but none of this was true."

Governor Cuomo said, "President Trump does not even try to wear a mask," and added, "Vice President Mike Pence tells him to wear a mask, and all health officials say to wear a mask, but he refuses to wear one." He mentioned, "I don't know if President Trump is trying to deny the existence of COVID-19 or why he refuses to wear a mask."

Governor Cuomo also criticized President Trump's remarks that the high number of confirmed cases was due to extensive COVID-19 testing. He said, "If you don't conduct COVID-19 tests, you cannot identify additional confirmed cases," and pointed out, "President Trump's remarks contradict the past statement that anyone who wants can get tested."

In addition, Governor Cuomo emphasized the importance of New York-style phased reopening policies. He introduced that currently, 817 patients are receiving COVID-19 treatment in New York hospitals, the lowest level since the COVID-19 outbreak. He said, "New York knows what the model to suppress the spread of COVID-19 is," and introduced, "518 new confirmed cases occurred in New York the previous day, which corresponds to 1% of all tested individuals."