New Yorkers who don’t social distance will face a $500 fine

Mayor Bill de Blasio said New Yorkers will face fines if caught violating rules of social distancing. Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

By Victoria Merlino

New Yorkers who break social distancing rules will now face up to a $500 fine, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.

De Blasio said he does not want the city to fine New Yorkers during the economic crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he told reporters that the NYPD would be forced to penalize people who continue to gather in parks, playgrounds and other areas. 

“If you ignore that order, [police are] going to say, ‘If you ignore it, we’re going to have to fine you,’” de Blasio said. “If anyone doesn’t listen, they deserve a fine at this point.”

Fines will range of $250 to $500, he said.. 

De Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have implemented strict social distancing guidelines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing New Yorkers to stay in their homes as much as possible and maintain a distance of six feet from others in public. All non-essential businesses and gatherings are also closed. 

De Blasio expressed concern over overcrowding in parks, but has been hesitant to close them. Last week he ordered the Parks Department to take the rims off 80 basketball hoops across the city to try and discourage large gatherings and group sports.