Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson and Queens Chamber of Commerce Encourage New Yorkers to Visit Asian-American Owned Small Businesses

Mayor de Blasio Facebook Page Photo

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio, Speaker Corey Johnson, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Flushing Chinese Business Association, Administration officials and community leaders joined together on Thursday to declare Flushing, Queens open for business. Together, they encouraged New Yorkers to visit an Asian-American owned small business in their neighborhood.

“In hard times, New Yorkers know to stand by their neighbors,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’re in Flushing today to embrace Asian-American owned small businesses and say to all New Yorkers: New York City’s Chinatowns are open for business!”

“It is important to support the Chinese community in New York City. Unfortunately many businesses and restaurants in Chinatown, Flushing and Sunset Park are suffering because some customers are afraid of the coronavirus. But those fears are not based on facts and science. The risk of infection to New Yorkers is low. There is no need to avoid public spaces. I urge everyone to dine and shop as usual,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

The Mayor also met with business owners to hear about how fear of the Coronavirus has impacted them. The Flushing Chinese Business Association estimates that business is down up to 40 percent in the neighborhood, despite there being no known cases in New York City.

“As the world grapples with coronavirus, the de Blasio administration is waging the battle with facts, not fear,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Raul Perea-Henze. “Thanks to the work of our agencies, New York City is prepared for coronavirus and open for business. We stand with the Asian-American community and small business owners who make our neighborhoods prosperous and vibrant, and urge all New Yorkers to support these local institutions and reject stigma.”

“Discrimination on the basis of race and national origin will not be tolerated in New York City” said Carmelyn P. Malalis, Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. “New Yorkers should not have to refrain from living their lives because of fear of discrimination. The New York City Commission on Human Rights encourages all New Yorkers to continue to enjoy all the vibrant offerings of the City’s Chinatowns, and if you experience or witness discrimination to report it by calling 311 and asking for Human Rights.”