'New York is dead. Don't come back! ': Those who left the city are not expected to return

In California, there was a message to the New Yorkers who now live in Los Angeles: “New York is dead. Don't come back. " Previously, a similar message was posted in Florida, writes NBC New York.

The billboard, located on Sunset Boulevard, carries the same message as the recent aerial advertisement over Miami: Those who left New York in the midst of the pandemic should not return.

“This is a love letter to all those who are ready to redouble their efforts and join forces to revive New York,” said Graham Fortgang.

Together with Samara Bliss, he started this action in his art studio in Williamsburg. They call it a message to everyone who left due to the city closure, when people had to sit in small New York apartments and the streets were empty. Some then directly said or implied that New York was dead.

“We affirm that he is actually alive and well, and that there are people on the streets doing arts, singing and dancing, the city's cultural fire has not gone out,” Bliss said.

On the subject: Leaving New York: why people with money go to other states

A similar ad appeared in Miami over the weekend.

The artists said they plan to continue the "New York is Dead" campaign directly in the metropolis itself. They will put billboards around the city and run metro ads. They hope this will inspire pride in those who stayed in New York despite the hardships.

The artists' campaign attracted a fair amount of attention, and Fortgang said he hoped the message would resonate with Americans.

“Over the past couple of months, New York has really managed to get rid of 'excess fat'. The city seems to have become smaller, but the real New Yorkers remained, ”he said.

On the subject: Pandemic, crime, prices: why people are fleeing New York

Some residents of the city agree with the message of the advertising campaign.

"This is true. In the sense that if you think so, I would prefer you not to return, because we still do not intend to die. Most of you people who return are likely to bring COVID with you, so it's best that you just stay where you are now, ”said Chaunice Johnson.

However, others have taken a more lenient stance towards those who fled New York since the start of the pandemic.

“I think that everyone is welcome in New York. We have all sorts of people, so come back, it's a great city. This is the best city in the world, ”said Dennis Huderski.