The NYC Culture and Corona: How New York is Faring Mid-Pandemic
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus quickly brought big changes to the Big Apple. Social distancing and a total lockdown did not come naturally to a city known for bustling crowds and unforgettable events.
As New York continues to make strides towards reopening, there are plenty of reasons for hope. Although we'll typically fight anything negative you have to say about our city, cultural adaptations and resiliency through losses are positive proof of our stereotyped "stubbornness."
The Losses
With often crowded living situations and work places, and a large homeless population lacking medical protection, the arrival of COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the city. As it stands, New York City makes up over half of the state's cases, and two-thirds of its death count.
Among the lost are some of the prominent artists and talents who called New York City their home. Hal Willner, of Saturday Night Live, and rock 'n' roll stylist Jimmy Webb are mourned by family, friends, and fans.
The death toll alone cannot account for the feeling of lifelessness present in the city. The loss of jobs, events, and nightlife has fundamentally changed the way New York operates on a day-to-day basis. As residents become adjusted to their new, mandated lifestyle, we've seen a shift in NYC's DNA.
The Culture
Without traffic-jammed streets and noisy sidewalks, the city can feel almost unrecognizable. In order to keep citizens safe, there are strict guidelines regarding distancing and face-coverings, all enforceable by law.
In order to meet these requirements, people have been getting creative. There has been a revival of rooftop restaurants, picnics, and jam sessions as quarantined socialites crave fresh air and safe interactions. And though Broadway shows and concerts have had to take a step back, we are already looking forward to the new wave of art that emerges from these unprecedented times of fear and self-reflection.
Although the empty streets can be unnerving, don't take it as a sign of a lack of culture. Instead, it is indicative of the New York values we are most proud of: our commitment to protecting each other, be it our healthcare workers or our most vulnerable populations.
The Future
On June 22, New York City was able to enter its second phase of reopening. Employees have been able to return to work, and salons, car dealerships, and barbershops have resumed providing the services they love so much.
We still have a long way to go before being back to "normal." The healing from all the losses and disappointments that arose from this era alone can feel like a tremendous burden. But if there's one thing we can learn from this event, it is how to better love and protect each other. We hope to see NYC emerge from this pandemic ready to protect the unprotected, and improve the institutional failings that had weakened us more than we knew.
It won't be easy, but no matter what happens, we're confident in this: New Yorkers are always up for a challenge.
Broadway Suites
If you're searching for a workplace safe-haven in the midst of this economic and social insecurity, Broadway Suites is your solution. We would love to provide a safe, clean, and affordable office space so that you can continue all of your great work. Contact us today!