Any New Coronavirus Restrictions A 'Balancing' Act, Mayor Says

NEW YORK CITY — A high-stakes "balancing" act is underway between city and state officials weighing new restrictions in New York City as coronavirus positivity tops 5 percent, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday.

De Blasio chose his words carefully Friday while on WNYC's "Brian Lehrer Show." He said the city's average positivity rate — which now stands at 5.43 percent — remains cause for real concern.

City officials are working with their state counterparts to see what additional health measures — such as closing playgrounds like in Los Angeles County —should be in place, he said.

"I don't want to rule in or rule out anything because we're having those conversations with the state," he said. "And obviously, ultimately, they make the decision on most of this."

De Blasio said they're "balancing" the potential need for restrictions with their impact on businesses and workers toiling without the protections of a federal stimulus.

Many protections afforded by a stimulus in the spring — especially expanded unemployment benefits — have lapsed and, so far, congressional talks have went nowhere.

De Blasio repeated advice issued by the city's Health Commissioner Dave Choksi — all New Yorkers over 65 or with health conditions that make them vulnerable to coronavirus should stay inside as much as possible.