Despite all the cheerleading from Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio New York is still near the top in the US for new Covid-19 infections.

While I’m no fan of the New York City mayor his accusation that Cuomo is opening the state up too early in order to placate Albany lawmakers looking into his numerous scandals may have some validity.

While both pols are pushing for more supply of the vaccines, there still is no science available to suggest that a vaccinated person cannot still spread the disease. The vaccination only reduces the body’s response so that it is less likely to result in a hospitalization.

Another complication is whether the vaccines provide any immunity to the variant strains of the virus that are rampant in the state.

According to New York State Health Department data, daily Covid-19 cases are averaging about 50,000 people per week since mid-February. This despite more than 8 million New Yorkers being vaccinated.

De Blasio has urged Cuomo to allow local leaders to make decisions on reopening plans in the state. But since these two are locked in a battle over the governor’s potential resignation, there will be no truce anytime soon.

Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday blamed both variants and states lifting restrictions.

“The variants are playing a part, but it is not completely the variants. What we’re likely seeing is because of things like spring break and pulling back on the mitigation methods that you’ve seen,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Sunday 

“Now, several states have done that. I believe it’s premature .. because when I’ve said many times to you that when you’re coming down from a big peak and you reach a point and start to plateau, once you stay at that plateau, you’re really in danger of a surge coming up,” he added.