Spokesperson Evan Thies stated the incoming New York mayor will return from his abroad trip on Dec. 8, and described it as a household journey with out authorities or political employees.
Simply hours earlier than Adams confirmed his journey, which was first reported by the New York Post, he joined outgoing Mayor Invoice de Blasio for a Metropolis Corridor briefing about issues associated to the Omicron variant, which he referred to as “a vital second in our battle with Covid-19.” The 2 additionally spoke at size Sunday night time concerning the metropolis’s dealing with of the pandemic.
“How we select to reply as a metropolis — we present our resolve in opposition to this virus to one another and to the remainder of the globe. I feel the globe is watching New York,” Adams stated as he Zoomed into the press convention.
The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa however has unfold rapidly into Europe and has additionally been detected in Canada. The Biden administration on Monday started imposing bans on journey from eight counties in southern Africa. The ban doesn’t apply to U.S. residents, and Ghana isn’t on the checklist.
Adams, who would be the second Black man to function mayor of New York, stated he acquired his Covid-19 booster shot a number of days in the past and inspired New Yorkers to observe go well with. He additionally promised to proceed de Blasio’s “playbook” on vaccines — although, within the last days of the election, Adams pointedly distanced himself from the sitting mayor’s risk of monetary penalties for municipal employees refusing to get vaccinated.
By the point a reporter requested about his upcoming journey plans, Adams had already left the decision. De Blasio merely stated he ought to be vaccinated and Well being Commissioner Dave Chokshi suggested him to get examined earlier than and after his journey and put on a face masks in flight.
The upcoming trip marks at the least the third time Adams has traveled overseas since profitable the Democratic main in June. He vacationed in August within the swanky French Riviera vacation spot of Monaco and headed to the Dominican Republic earlier this month, following a political convention in Puerto Rico. He stated he paid for the latter journey out of pocket, however POLITICO subsequently reported he was flown to San Juan on the personal jet of crypto-billionaire Brock Pierce. Thies stated Adams coated his personal flight via a journey agent, however declined to offer a receipt.
Adams vowed to maintain up the tempo of his transition appointments throughout his travels, making certain he’s practically able to announce two of a very powerful positions within the administration — faculties chancellor and police commissioner.
As he left the occasion, somebody requested him if he had any fears. He responded: “I’m not afraid of something. I’m an ex-cop. I’m prepared to guide my metropolis.”
Erin Durkin contributed to this report.
