NY Dentists Can Reopen; AG Probing NYPD Clash With Protesters

NEW YORK, NY — New Yorkers who've been waiting patiently to get their teeth cleaned since the coronavirus pandemic got some good news Sunday — dentists statewide are allowed to reopen Monday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said dentist offices will join numerous other industries in having to abide by strict safety measures to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. This includes social distancing, staggering staff, requiring people to wear face coverings (except when undergoing a dental procedure), removing objects that are frequently touched and cannot be regularly cleaned (such as toys, magazines and pens), and even encouraging people to wait outside or in their vehicles before their appointment.

"The reduction in New York's new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, intubations and other metrics represent tremendous progress from where we were," Cuomo said. "We have gone through hell and back — we are on the other side and it's a lesson for all of us, and we need to stay vigilant as we reopen different parts of the state so that we don't backslide."

Cuomo confirmed over 1,100 more coronavirus cases, bringing the state total to about 371,000. He said 56 people died of the virus Saturday and there were 191 new hospitalizations.

The governor on Sunday also weighed in on the anti-police brutality protests that have gripped the nation since videos spread of the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.

After New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an investigation into videos that appear to show two NYPD vehicles plowing into protesters in Brooklyn, Cuomo said the state Attorney General would look into the incident as well and submit findings within 30 days. Cuomo called the videos "disturbing" and "inexplicable." If the attorney general's review finds improper police conduct, there will be ramifications, he said.

"Don't pull any punches," Cuomo said. "Tell the truth."

Cuomo called the clash between protesters and police an "ugly night," and said more protests are expected Sunday night. He acknowledged the protests stem from chronic, endemic racism, but stressed "violence never works."

"Burning down your own house never works and never makes sense," he said.

"It dishonors Mr. Floyd's death," Cuomo added, noting Floyd was never charged with a crime before his death at the hands of a Minnesota police officer.