The City that Now Hits the Snooze Button, Part 2

  New York is quieter, but still a city of contrasts. Some places—for example Jackson Heights, in Queens, near Elmhurst Hospital and the epicenter of the initial Covid outbreak in the spring of 2020—are carefully following the recommendations around social distancing protocols.

Little Italy—at least during the Feast of San Gennaro—didn’t seem to be aware that anything germy had been happening in the last 18 months. 

 

Streets and sidewalks were jammed with people—most of them not wearing masks; it was only inside bars and restaurants that Covid protocols were being observed. I’m neither Italian, nor Catholic, so I can only assume Mr. Gennaro was the patron saint of headstrong revelers and protects his followers accordingly.

Then again, if you live with a Ferris Wheel outside your bedroom window, it might be harder to keep protocols in perspective...

 

While in NYC, I had the opportunity to pat a lion, and see the “real” Winnie the Pooh; The New York Public Library’s “Treasures” exhibition puts over 250 rare objects from its collection on display, including the real Pooh and pals, a draft of the Declaration of Independence-- complete with cross-outs in Thomas Jefferson’s handwriting. Tickets are free, but you have to reserve them on-line and your visit has a timed entry. The treasures are well worth waiting your turn at the glass.

 

There was no line to pat the Lions.

The City that Now Hits the Snooze Button

 Recently, I returned from a trip to New York. Pre Covid, I would go twice a year to help my friend Philip (Hi Philip!) make the world a prettier place. We would work hard, play hard—and when I returned home it would take me a week to catch up on my sleep.

 

New York has been hard hit by the pandemic, and the changes are evident at street level. Blocks have been closed off during daylight hours so that families can have room to walk and play. Since people are hanging out outside more, neighborhood groups are beautifying the medians. Kids have chalked hopscotch grids on the sidewalk. It’s pretty cool.

 

The subways are much less crowded, most riders wear masks and social distance as much as is possible. While I was there, the City implemented a $50 fine to anyone not properly masked while in the system. But even before that, I observed that probably 97% of subway commuters complied with the requirement. Sidewalks are less crowded, but even so, more people are wearing masks than not. Having experienced Covid Hell in the early days, New Yorkers are clearly motivated to prevent a reoccurrence. 

It was rather disconcerting to be in the vicinity of the Empire State Building and not have the streets choked with tour buses and the sidewalks not teeming with people. Sidewalks and some street parking areas have now become alfresco cafes—most complete with seasonal plants and decorations. Some are super impressive to behold.

 

Most New Yorkers I observed had downloaded an official app that had both their ID and vaccine card on it. One manager came over to our table and offered to help me complete the process so I wouldn’t have to dig in my purse every time. Restaurants and bars are required to ask for proof of vaccination before allowing you inside seating—on pain of a $1,000 fine for the first violation, with escalating penalties and other enforcement actions for repeat offenders. 

New York ain’t playin’.