Curious what goes on in NYC during corona times? I learned first hand what is open, closed, ambiguous and inspiring when I moved to the city. A (somewhat optimistic) look during Phase One and Two of reopening is below:
Now is the time to stroll or bike the streets of NYC. With lack of tourists, you can finally take time to appreciate the beauty of Manhattan streets or popular attractions without tourists.
Several blocks throughout the city are closed off between 8am and 8pm for pedestrians and bikers only. They are not in a row though, just random blocks scattered throughout the city.
Citi Bike is adding to its fleet after ridership numbers continue to increase. It began when 18,000 free memberships were offered to critical workers. There’s no mention of how often the bikes are cleaned, so I’ve seen riders bring them own sanitizing wipes.
The streets of Manhattan are not empty like they were in March and April. Many New Yorkers opted to rent cars when the reopening started. That being said, there are considerably more parking spaces and less traffic than normal times.
There are signs everywhere about social distancing, wearing a mask and covid testing options. Billboards, electronic stations, banners and murals with the guidelines are placed even in the most unexpected places.
In addition to warning signs, NYC residents have banded together and inspirational sayings are everywhere. “We’re in this together!”
The hawkers of NYC have adjusted to the times. Instead of selling hats and knock-off designer bags on the sidewalks of Manhattan, these guys are now offering sanitizers and masks.
Retail stores are still very much closed, if not boarded up completely. Walking on the main shopping blocks, there are only a few stores that are open even in Phase Two. Without tourists, many store owners don’t think it is worth it to open.
Soho is where most of the looting happened in May. Because of this, rows of stores are boarded up. It looked like a ghost town in early June, but recently artists have flocked to the area to spice things up. Almost every plywood board has been painted, some masterfully. It feels like a museum walking through the streets.
Most people wear masks, but a lot don’t. It is mandatory at indoor establishments, but I’ve never seen it enforced walking around.
Manhattan and Brooklyn have outdone themselves with cute sidewalk bars set up ready for thirsty passerbys.
In Phase One, cocktails were offered to go, with no clear direction on where to drink said cocktail. Classic “you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here” scenario. Locals would walk with drinks, or sit and enjoy on benches or in parks. Though there’s no open container law, officers are definitely looking the other way on this one.
Parks and squares are open to the public, the smaller community gardens are not. Stoops are a popular spot to gather now too.
Since gyms and fitness centers are closed, workout enthusiasts have taken to the parks to get their blood pumping. In the mornings, certain Hudson piers have unofficially become gyms.
Many of the sidewalks and stores have markers, the subway has stickers and some of the parks have spray painted circles to indicate where to sit/stand 6 feet apart.
When restaurants were given the green light for outdoor dining in Phase Two, they were allowed flexibility for table arrangements. Overnight restaurants used all resources available to create new dining spaces. They vary from informal caution tape markers to fences and tents.
Rents are much lower than they were pre-Covid. Just a general look at Craigslist and Rent.com indicates that most people fled the city thinking they would be back soon but instead have left for good or are subletting at a discounted rate. This means a lot of furnished apartments are available as well.
There are some uniquely NYC attractions, shows and museums that have been canceled or remain closed until at least the fall. This includes outdoor entertainment such as the summer concert series and Shakespeare in the Park.
Though New York City was the epicenter of COVID-19 in the spring, the number of hospital admissions and positive cases have plummeted. All of my fingers are crossed that the city will continue to make a healthy and safe return to the new normal soon.
