NYC to honor essential workers with Hometown Heroes Parade July 7

NEW YORK - New York City will honor all essential workers who saw the city through the coronavirus pandemic with a ticker-tape parade on July 7, announced Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Following through on a commitment he made in April 2020, the mayor said the time is now to highlight the work of all health care workers, first responders, educators, municipal workers, transportation workers, grocery and bodega workers, and delivery workers.

"We need a day to celebrate the heroism of everyday New Yorkers," de Blasio during a briefing on the pandemic from City Hall. "Wednesday, July 7 the Canyon of Heroes will be that moment. A parade that you will remember for the rest of your life."

Floats will make their way up the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan where the time-honored tradition of hosting parades has been held for soldiers, athletes, heads of state, and more.

Good Day New York anchor Rosanna Scotto was the first to publicly suggest the parade. She brought up the idea in an interview with Dr. Anthoy Fauci in April 2020.

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The last time New York City held a ticker-tape parade was on July 10, 2019, for the U.S. Women's Soccer team after their victory at the FIFA Women's World Cup. The first parade was held more than 130 years ago.

"It's going to be something you'll want to be a part of," de Blasio said.

The city is working out details for a ceremony that will also be held.

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As of Monday, there were 193 new reported COVID cases over a seven-day rolling average. The percentage of people testing positive is the lowest it's ever been at 0.59% over a seven-day rolling average.