These Comments From Governor Cuomo Made Many In WNY Upset

Governor Andrew Cuomo made a big announcement on Wednesday during his press conference.

Many parts of Erie County will be moved to the orange restriction zone (those who were already in the yellow restriction zone) and the rest of Erie County moved to the yellow restriction zone, except for Evans and Eden, which are also orange zone restricted. Those go into effect Friday for businesses and Monday for schools.

Gyms, hair salons, barbershops and other high-risk, non-essential businesses must close and indoor dining will be a no-go as well. Schools must be remote learning.

Another story from the press conference were comments that Governor Cuomo made when discussing Western New York's COVID-19 rates, which are currently the highest in the state.

According to WGRZ, Cuomo said in his 'personal opinion':

"Western New York never lived the full pain of COVID's wrath, said Cuomo. Western New York read about New York City. They read about Long Island. They watched it on the TV news, but the numbers were never as bad in Western New York."

The Governor added:

"What caused so many people in New York to change their behavior? It was the fear. Why do you guys wear the masks now? Oh, 'because you said we have to' — 'there's a law that says.' No. You wear the masks because you're afraid of COVID and because you're concerned about other people, but because you think it's real. Because it is real for you. Western New York never felt that same level of reality."

Those comments did not go over well with many people across Western New York, including elected officials.

"It's disheartening to hear someone who is on TV or the radio every single day, and is supposed to be representing all New Yorkers, tell us that what we've been through isn't enough and that we're dumb and not listening," said Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo.

 

"To say that we're not taking this seriously is just incorrect in my opinion," said Rebecca Wydysh, Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature.

Here are some of the tweets made after the press conference.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz addressed the comments during his press conference held immediately after the Governor's, according to WGRZ.

"I think the governor was just talking about a comparison of what New York City and downstate was dealing with, said Poloncarz. We did not deal with that. But that doesn't and shouldn't limit the pain that people in our community have felt because of the loss of a loved one or someone who's dealing with the serious aftereffects of COVID-19."

You can read the full story at WGRZ.