by Andrew Cuomo
The experts first told us that the virus could remain viable on surfaces for up to forty-eight hours. This caused us to clean subways, buses, and my entire house. Experts now say that surface transmission is rare. I am still dubious. I have seen the so-called experts go back and forth on too many basic issues. Cleanliness is important, but not to the point of obsession. And cleaning surfaces is helpful during flu season regardless.
Hand sanitizer is important. As the state of New York is now a manufacturer of hand sanitizer, I feel that I have some level of expertise. While the marketing agencies have done a great job creating the perception that hand sanitizer is a sophisticated product, it really isn’t. Hand sanitizer is alcohol. The CDC says it must be at least 70 percent alcohol to be effective. Alcohol is available and much less expensive than hand sanitizer, although it does tend to dry out your skin. For people who are concerned about such things, that’s why we have hand lotion.
Ventilation systems make a difference. While people don’t normally pay much attention to air filters, they should now. HEPA filters are the best for equipment that can handle ventilation. After that, a MERV 15 filter is best and a MERV 13 filter is acceptable. Consider using them in your home and office.
Congregate settings are a real issue, especially for people who are in the vulnerable category. The “super-spreader” phenomenon has not gone away. One person in a public setting can infect dozens. Remember, an individual can be asymptomatic and not even know they have the virus. In a closed environment, such as a home or a car, opening windows and allowing circulation is helpful. Always exercise caution when inside with others.
If you feel symptomatic, isolate yourself and get a test. Testing doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t cost anything. Just make sure it’s a site with a short turnaround. If you test positive, it is no fun calling all the people you have encountered over the past ten days and telling them they have to get a test because you may have infected them, but it is what must be done. Protect yourself and protect others.
Wearing a mask is common sense for everyone. Surgical masks are inexpensive and the burden is minimal. For people in the most vulnerable category, I have additional advice, and this is controversial, but it is my informed position. I advise my mother to wear an N95 mask when she leaves the house. I believe from all I have seen that a mask not only stops a person from spreading the virus but can be beneficial to prevent a person from inhaling the virus. It is true that a mask is most effective at stopping the spread from the person wearing the mask, but a mask can also protect a person from contracting the disease. Essential workers, including those in emergency rooms, have had a lower infection rate than the general population. That is a fact, and most experts will also agree that a mask protects a person from inhaling the virus, to an extent. This is not to say it is foolproof, as the mask has to be worn correctly and fitted around the nose and cheeks. Health-care professionals do not recommend that the general public use N95 masks because they think it is overkill and they think the N95 mask supply should be safeguarded for health-care professionals. I understand their point of view. However, we don’t currently have a shortage of N95 masks, and I am suggesting that vulnerable people consider using them. I make sure my mother has them. Now, what she does with them is a different story. I am only her son, and in our house “mother knows best.”
Declaring “New York State on PAUSE,” with secretary to the governor Melissa DeRosa, budget director Robert Mujica, and president of SUNY Empire State College Dr. Jim Malatras, on March 20, 2020.
Kansas farmer Dennis Ruhnke wrote to Governor Cuomo saying he had five N95 masks. His wife had only one lung, so he was keeping four masks, but he sent one for a New Yorker, along with a handwritten letter.
Delivering a press briefing commending members of the National Guard, March 27, 2020, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Unveiling the “Self-Portrait of America,” a wall of masks sent from citizens across the country, April 29, 2020.
Corning Tower in Albany was lit “NY Tough” in honor of health-care professionals and essential workers, April 23, 2020.
A desolate Grand Central Terminal during the early Monday evening “rush hour” on May 11, 2020.
Governor Cuomo demonstrating the three-step disinfectant process of a New York City 7-line subway train car on May 2, 2020.
Waving goodbye, April 12, 2020, after returning ventilators to the Pathways Nursing Home, where residents and staff made an unsolicited donation to New York State.
After seventy-five days, this is what sleep looks like. The governor and his daughter Michaela on their way back to Albany on May 15, 2020.
To encourage New Yorkers to get tested for the coronavirus, Governor Cuomo took a test via nasal swab during his daily briefing on national television, May 17, 2020.
Taking the helicopter to New York City, May 26, 2020, to re-open the New York Stock Exchange, which was shuttered on March 23.
Signing police reform legislation in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, joined by the Reverend Al Sharpton; Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the NAACP State Conference; Valerie Bell, mother of Sean Bell; Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; state senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; and state assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, on June 12, 2020.
Preparing for the final daily briefing, on June 19, 2020, which the governor would give from behind his desk, the same one used by FDR.
Day 112, the first day after the final daily briefing.
The governor’s mother, Matilda Cuomo, with her favorite son and Chris.
At home with Michaela, Cara, and Mariah—and Captain.
Dedicated to the people of New York.
We’re going to make it. We are tough. You have to be. This place makes you tough, but it makes you tough in a good way. I love New York because New York loves you. New York loves all of you. Black and white and brown and short and tall and gay and straight. New York loves everyone. It always has, it always will. At the end of the day, my friends, even if it is a long day—and this has been a very long day—love wins.
Always.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I WOULD ESPECIALLY LIKE TO THANK the incredibly talented team at Crown—Gina Centrello, David Drake, Gillian Blake, and Libby Burton—who worked closely with me to transform these reflections into print, as well as Bob Barnett for his wise counsel. American Crisis would not have been possible without their efforts.
BY ANDREW CUOMO
American Crisis
All Things Possible: Setbacks and Success in Politics and Life
Crossroads: The Future of American Politics (editor)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ANDREW CUOMO is the fifty-sixth governor of New York, serving since 2011. He is the author of All Things Possible: Setbacks and Success in Politics and Life and the editor of Crossroads: The Future of American Politics.
Facebook.com/GovernorAndrewCuomo
Twitter: @NYGovCuomo
Instagram: @nygovcuomo
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