NYPD to enforce social distancing on subways: Mayor De Blasio

People close together on a subway at Grand Central Terminal.

Police officers will kick riders off the subways spread out on cars to stop the spread of coronavirus, Mayor de Blasio said Monday.

“I understand people are trying to get somewhere, but no one should be getting on a crowded train. Spread out throughout the train, wait for the next train,” de Blasio said on NY1. “But the PD’s going to go out there, if they see any overcrowding, they’re going to literally split it up, pull people off the train, move them along to different cars, whatever it takes.”

De Blasio said subways may get more crowded when trains break down or there are other delays and disruptions, on top of the reduced service during the pandemic. He said the city was discussing the issue with the MTA.

New Yorkers who congregate in crowds and don’t practice social distancing measures during the pandemic could be slapped with $500 fines per incident if they ignore warnings from cops and other city personnel, de Blasio said this weekend.

“The goal here is just to get people to comply for their safety and everyone’s safety,” he said Monday.

De Blasio said New Yorkers should call 311 to report people gathering in crowds or ignoring social distancing measures implemented by the city and state.

“Unless people really, really honor social distancing, we’re going to have to tighten even further the rules,” he said.