On Thursday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo invited two Hollywood legends and Brooklyn natives comedian Chris Rock and actress/dancer, Rosie Perez, to his daily press conference to explain the importance of face masks, social distancing and getting tested for COVID-19.
According to CNN, Rock discussed why it is important to get tested after opening up about his testing experience. “I got the test today, I just got tested to come out here, I got a 65 so, just passed,” he said jokingly. Rock also stressed the idea of getting “tested as soon as possible”.
Social distancing was another topic the comedian elaborated on comparing it to a pharmaceutical drug. “So social distancing is what was the prescription, and we need to take the whole dose or else it’s going to get worse,” Rock said.
Rock also added the importance of going in groups making the testing experience a “festive occasion.” Rock said, “They need to posse up and get tested. Like the whole crew is getting tested. And the family should get tested. And if you love your grandmother and you love your elderly mother, your elderly anybody, you should get tested.”
In addition to Chris Rock, Rosie Perez also spoke in regards to the stopping the spread of COVID-19. She stated it was a privilege to “partner up with the governor” and help “New York’s most impacted communities have the resources they need to stop the spread of the virus.”
She also added the only way to “spread love the Brooklyn way” to the community is by getting tested and wearing the proper face coverings.
During the press conference, Governor Cuomo announced that he is signing an executive order that allows businesses in the state of New York to reject access to those who aren’t wearing masks, CNN reports. The reason behind this order Cuomo says is to stop people from jeopardizing the health of others. “Not wearing a mask is not ok. And that has to be the culture and that has to be the attitude. You don’t have a right to jeopardize my health,” he said.