A Look At a 'Dystopian' New York City
Story By Ronnel Grant
It has been almost two months since the first Covid-19 case has been confirmed in New York City. Since then there has been protective measures placed to “flatten the curve.” These preventive actions has put the city that never sleeps to a near stand still. What does it look like when the financial center of America also becomes the epicenter of nation wide pandemic?
Photograph taken of Times Square During the government issued city shut down. The normally overcrowded streets are empty. The few individuals are covered in protective gear like gloves and face masks. Photo By Ronnel Grant
Since the middle of march, New York has had the more Covid-19 cases than any other state. In fact as of late April, New York State has approximately 29 percent of the total cases in the United States. New York City homes more than 50 percent of all the confirmed state cases.
With New Yorkers urged to stay inside, the overcrowded city has been reduced to a shell of its former self. Shoulder to shoulder, rush hour subway traffic is but a memory now, as the MTA faces one of its biggest crisis. Business Insider Reports that The MTA’s ridership has plummeted 93%, An unsustainable decrease for any organization.
Businesses are limited to essential operation. With practically all commercial stores, entertainment and miscellaneous businesses closed, New Yorkers have little to zero reason to enter Manhattan. Manhattan with a native population of roughly 1.6 million can see up to 4 million people on a week day. The City more than doubles as Tourist flock to popular destinations, like the iconic Red Ticket stairs.
Times Square, which usually is filled with people enjoying a meal or just relaxing is now bare and desolate. Even traffic on the road has significantly decreased. Taking a picture in the middle of the street is something now more than plausible. Gersh Kuntzman reports that, “The total number of vehicle miles traveled in the five boroughs is down by 71 percent.”
Times Square, Once full of life now only serves as a Segway for essential employees as they head towards their jobs. While those who still have their jobs report to work, others are forced to stay home from as businesses shut their doors. The national unemployment rate skyrockets. New York City has large entertainment and retail markets which have suffered incredibly since the pandemic. Many small business struggle to receive proper financial aid. Small business make up to 98 percent of New York City’s economy.
New cases have seemingly begun to decline in New York. This has prompted discussion as to when and how the City will begin to open its economy. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed reopening the state regional. With New York City being the most impacted region it will likely be the last region to resume regular activity.
Photograph taken in the middle of Broadway. A task which is typically unachievable on a weekday. All theaters and stores have been closed. a lone police car is stationed on the street. Photo by Ronnel Grant