At a press conference welcoming the arrival of USNS Comfort as a floating hospital at Pier 90, Mayor DeBlasio was asked why he’s left the NYC parks and playgrounds open while, across the Hudson, the city of Hoboken and Bergen County have closed their parks.

DeBlasio says he doesn’t think its a great idea right now for NYC.

‘The states have all been working together, there isn’t one uniform standard’, said DeBlasio.  ‘I don’t think taking away parks is a great idea, unless we have evidence that people aren’t following the rules in a really substantial way’ considering the 8.9M residents living in a ‘very small space’.

‘We know warmer weather is coming’, the mayor added, noting ‘we’ve given enough warning’ and that police are able to levy fines.

He added that the city will close playgrounds if they see social distancing noncompliance, and if there’s too much, they’ll close them all.

Since Friday, both Hoboken and Bergen County have closed down the park systems.  Ocean County has closed Mantoloking Bridge County Park, while towns around the state have park restrictions.  Shore towns have begun to either close or consider closing boardwalks and beach access.