Rare passers-by share masks and antiseptics: how New York lives in quarantine

Always busy New York is almost empty due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the locals do not seem to be discouraged. The correspondent was able to verify this TASSwalking through the streets of an unusually quiet city.

Sleeping city

They say that New York is a city that never sleeps. But in the last days, these words are not true. In connection with the quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems that the metropolis has fallen into hibernation.

“Most of the residents of the metropolis have bought food and medicine in advance, not forgetting, of course, about toilet paper, and they are sitting at home - fortunately, this is exactly what the local authorities want from them,” the source writes.

Back in February, many New Yorkers were skeptical of news about the virus. Even after the first cases of the disease were discovered in the state in March.

As of today, according to official data, almost 16 thousand cases of infection have been recorded in this city, 192 people have died as a result of the disease caused by the virus.

In this regard, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, ordered the residents of the state to stay at home. This requirement does not apply only to medical workers, grocery stores and rescue services.

In turn, the mayor of Bill de Blasio insists on the introduction of the Shelter-in-Place regime.

Pros and cons of quarantine

Despite the fact that it is quite difficult to remain in self-isolation, the introduction of quarantine has its positive aspects. For example, in a city with crazy traffic there are now no traffic jams.

“Traditionally noisy and crowded with tourists, the city has become empty and quiet. In the unusual silence, the alarm sirens of ambulances are heard every now and then, ”the source said.

Fifth Avenue, where fashion boutiques, hotels and electronics stores are located, is usually crowded with tourists and locals. However, these days even here is empty.

"Where there used to be traffic jams even on weekends, now three or four cars are waiting for a green signal at traffic lights," the message says.

At the same time, subsequently quarantine, some large-scale problems of the city became apparent. For example, homelessness.

“It's not a secret for anyone that the problem of the homeless is quite acute in New York, and during the days of the epidemic it sometimes seems that there are even more of them on the streets than ordinary passers-by,” the author writes.

Homeless shelters are still functioning. However, in light of the spreading infection, not all of them manage to observe safety precautions. The number of infected with coronavirus among the homeless in New York is, according to the latest data, 30 people.

The representative of one of the charitable organizations named Ernest said that they are trying to raise funds to provide the homeless with an overnight stay. He emphasized that these people are at risk and may die. Therefore, Ernst noted, it is important to provide them with conditions for compliance with quarantine.

How do citizens behave in quarantine

Some locals took the opportunity to stroll through their beloved city without crowds. They, it seems, are not discouraged and are trying to help others avoid infection - for a short walk, a TASS correspondent was offered to use antiseptics at once by several people. And one of the local residents named Emonika asked why the man was without a mask.

“She immediately takes a package of protective medical masks out of her bag and hands over one of them, along the way explaining how to put it on correctly,” the author notes.

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The woman said that she has been living in New York for almost 30 years. She noted that it was very unusual for her to see the city so empty.

“I hope everything will return to the way it was before, because sometimes it is simply impossible to get through here. But now there is an opportunity to walk comfortably, - she added.

One of the main symbols of New York - Times Square - is dearly loved by tourists from all over the world. However, it is now empty as never before.

The square at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue is also traditionally crowded with people, and today you will hardly find anyone here. The empty area, according to a source, is photographed by only a few journalists and tourists.

But one thing on the square remains unchanged, it is street musician Robert Burke, nicknamed the Naked Cowboy. During the coronavirus epidemic, he acquired, in addition to a hat, underpants and boots, also a medical mask. The artist said that for him the situation has not changed much, since he often acts in this area in the morning shows when there are few people here.

“So for me, nothing really has changed - there is always the opportunity to earn a couple of dollars,” he said. - Do not be afraid, work hard, but also remember about safety - wash your hands, keep your distance. Then everything will be all right. "