"New Yorkers have a lot to be proud of this morning.  Our police officers, firefighters, emergency management personnel and health professionals have worked incredibly hard to get us through the night safely.  And New Yorkers got together to help and care for each other, as they always do.

"All of Staten Island, as well as sections of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan have had power restored and Con Ed believes that more areas will come on line soon.  We ask that people conserve energy in areas where power has returned. Despite this progress, today will also present challenges that we will have to meet.

"In order to make the day go as smoothly as possible, I am asking essential City personnel, especially those in the public safety and health-care areas, to report to work this morning. Non-essential City employees should stay at home.

"Although the financial markets are scheduled to open, New Yorkers should use their best judgment as to whether they go to work.  As I said last night, there are worse things than taking a summer Friday off from work.  It is important that everyone is aware that while there will be limited bus and ferry service, the subways won't be operating and there will be traffic delays since traffic lights will not be working everywhere.  In addition, summer school and related testing will be cancelled.

"911 remains operational but we ask that people only use it for emergencies.

People can call 311 for updates throughout the day."