Even as Governor Andrew Cuomo partially blames indoor dining for the recent increase in COVID-19 rates across New York, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams still held a fundraiser for his mayoral bid inside an Upper West Side restaurant where some supporters were reportedly spotted mask-less before eating.
Adams—who declared a run for mayor on Wednesday—held the fundraiser inside Good Enough To Eat on Columbus Avenue Friday night before 18 supporters, according to the Daily News.
Before Adams offered remarks, supporters were spotted by the Daily News closely seated at tables, many not wearing masks as required before they can begin eating. When Adams arrived to speak to supporters inside the restaurant, attendees reportedly placed their masks back on. Adams offered remarks with a mask on, telling supporters they'll get over "a lot of obstacles. We're in a timeframe where everyone is going to try to trip you up, but we are focused on the mission. We're focused on bringing our city back for the men and women of this city of New York."
He added, "This is an amazing time. This is a great time. And this is a great city."
But after the Daily News reporter, Shant Shahrigian, asked Adams to comment on why he continued with holding a fundraiser as COVID-19 rates continued to soar across the city, Adams did not respond, instead chastising Shahrigian for "secretly" taking video of the interview.
"When you record people, you should let them know you're recording. So, you got this recorder in my face, just show me some respect. When you record me, say 'Eric, I'm recording your message,' and since you didn't do that, you didn't respect me," Adams said, before a restaurant employee told the reporter he "overstayed his welcome."
The timing of Adams' fundraiser came as Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Ingrid Lewis-Martin apologized for attending tightly packed birthday party—which had other Brooklyn Democratic power players in attendance—without wearing a mask, violating state guidelines that mandate masks be worn.
Indoor dining, which is now allowed to operate with 25% capacity, is a contributing factor to the bump in COVID-19 cases across the city, according to Cuomo. The seven-day rolling COVID-19 positivity rate average now stands at 3.01%, forcing the complete shutdown of public school buildings. Cuomo has full authority over whether to close down indoor dining, with Mayor Bill de Blasio offering support for such a move, and hinting on the Brian Lehrer Show on Friday that a shutdown is possible come the first week of December.
In a statement provided to Gothamist, Adams said the event did not violate any city or state COVID-19 health protocols.
“All health and safety best practices and rules were followed by participants at the event," Adams said in his statement. "As long as we can safely support our small businesses, New Yorkers should. As a former dishwasher, I can tell you I am sure the cooks, servers and staff at last night’s event appreciated the business at this difficult time.”
