Cuomo enlists celebrities Chris Rock, Rosie Perez to encourage New Yorkers to get tested, wear masks

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) enlisted two celebrity New Yorkers to help him spread the message that citizens should get coronavirus tests and wear masks as the state begins its gradual reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Comedian Chris Rock and actress Rosie Perez joined Cuomo at his daily briefing on Thursday to urge New Yorkers to follow social-distancing guidelines. 

Cuomo called the celebrities his “reinforcements,” noting that his three daughters at home with him during the crisis have told him he isn’t “cool” enough to get the message across. 

“They’ve had many helpful hints as to why I haven’t been able to communicate effectively or to the level I would like to. That I’m not cool enough, I think I’m cool,” he said. 

“One of them said I don’t have enough edge to communicate effectively, so I’m trying different ways,” he added. 

Cuomo’s celebrity guests, however, had praise for the governor’s effort leading the state during the crisis. 

Perez called Cuomo a “rockstar” and an “amazing leader during this crisis.” 

“He makes me proud to be from New York,” she said. 

Rock said he watches the governor every day, and that he brings him “calm” and “joy.” 

The celebrities also echoed Cuomo’s message, urging New Yorkers to follow guidelines and wear masks and get tested. 

Question: Have you spoken out to people not wearing a mask?

Chris Rock: “I give a nice side-eye.”

Rosie Perez: “I say, ‘Do the right thing.’ Put your mask on!” pic.twitter.com/nLHzsgWX49

— The Hill (@thehill) May 28, 2020

“In Brooklyn there’s a saying, ‘spread love the Brooklyn way.’ I want to extend that not just the outer boroughs, to the tri-state area, but to all of America and all of the world,” Perez said.

“Spreading love the Brooklyn way means respecting your neighbors, respecting your communities, and the way you can do that is by getting tested, wearing a mask. That says I love you, you love me. I respect you, you respect me back.”

Perez also dismissed the notion that wearing a mask is a partisan issue. 

“I don’t care who you voted for, I don’t care who you are going to vote for. All I care is we get out of this pandemic as quickly as possible, and as safely as possible,” she said. 

Rock similarly urged everybody “that can get tested” to do so as soon as possible. 

“If you love your grandmother, if you love your elderly mother, your elderly anybody, you should get tested,” he said. 

Chris Rock: “I took the test today. I just got tested to come out here. I got a 65. So just passed.” pic.twitter.com/GRjFLAWhzQ

— The Hill (@thehill) May 28, 2020