People who want Governor Andrew Cuomo to "un-pause" New York more quickly demonstrated in front of the Binghamton State Office Building.

Participants in the rally chanted and delivered brief speeches on Hawley Street early Friday afternoon. Some brought their children to the event.

Most of those who showed up to protest Cuomo's policies aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus ignored recommendations to wear masks and stay at least six feet apart.

The Binghamton man who organized the demonstration, Christopher Davis said: "We are here to tell Cuomo that he needs to stop making decisions based on New York City for all of upstate, all of New York."

Christopher Davis of Binghamton at a downtown Binghamton demonstration on May 1, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Christopher Davis of Binghamton at a downtown Binghamton demonstration on May 1, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

The protesters cheered as those driving cars and trucks honked horns in support.

Cuomo has indicated that he is preparing for a gradual reopening of regions of the state when COVID-19 trends suggest its safe to do so. He expects initial steps could begin on May 15.

The Binghamton rally was one of several similar demonstrations held in upstate cities Friday.

The event to "Reopen New York" was held at the Binghamton Governmental Plaza on Hawley Street. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The event to "Reopen New York" was held at the Binghamton Governmental Plaza on Hawley Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

Top Ten News Stories of 2019

More From KISS 104.1