Summer Youth Programs Make Coronavirus Comeback, De Blasio Says

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Bill de Blasio kicked off his daily presser with the return of a two-word theme: "young people."

They've been cooped up, hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and deprived of tradition outlets like pools, community centers and summer programs, de Blasio has said numerous times in recent weeks — and Friday proved no exception.

De Blasio said Friday with coronavirus numbers holding steady that the city can bring back some programs that have long shaped the summers for young people citywide.

"If our young people see we believe, they will believe," he said.

The Summer Youth Employment Bridge Program begins next week for 35,000 youths, de Blasio said.

The program was first in danger from coronavirus, then amid budget talks. But now it will give youths ages 14 to 24 a chance to keep busy over the summer, get their first job and draw a paycheck for themselves, de Blasio said.

The city is also starting "Play Streets" that will offer a slate of sports, activities and crafts, he said. They'll be expanded with additional 1.5 miles of Open Streets citywide, he said.