Stop the spread

The videos were viral, and so could be their consequences: Masses of people congregated outside Manhattan and Hamptons bars, with neither social distancing nor masks in sight. An exasperated Gov. Cuomo was clear: Places may lose their liquor licenses. Municipalities could have their reopening progress halted, maybe even reversed.

We second that frustration. While grabbing a drink on a hot day in Astoria or on St. Mark’s Place or on Smith St. is fine, hanging out with others, unmasked, is not.

We’re under no illusion that each new case can be avoided. Some backsliding is likely inevitable as the city reopens. But it’s our collective responsibility to stop a small second wave from becoming a tsunami, and that means wearing masks and keeping distance.

It’s rich for Cuomo to lash out at the city and bar owners when he shares responsibility for the fix we’re in. For the better part of the last month, clear and consistent messages he previously propagated became miserably muddled: “Stay home — unless you’re among the protesting throngs. Socially distance — unless you’re out to protest. Wear a mask — most of the time.”

Mixed messages begat mixed drinks begat mixed behavior.

So what now? Restaurants should urge customers to move along and spread out after they buy their booze. Mayor de Blasio must loudly, clearly, quickly point the way to what outdoor dining and drinking will look like in real terms, to quell popular unrest.

And the governor should have a smidgeon of humility.