NYC Under COVID: Empty Streets, Full Fridges

New York State has hit 15,000+ COVID-19 cases, triggering a state of emergency that’s turned the city that never sleeps into a ghost town. Times Square’s neon glow now lights up empty sidewalks, while grocery stores see lines stretching for blocks as residents stock up on essentials.

Schools and businesses have shuttered, leaving Wall Street’s iconic trading floors silent – no ringing bells, just the hum of uncertainty. “It feels like a movie set where everyone left,” says CGTN contributor Kevin, capturing the surreal vibe of Manhattan’s deserted financial district.

New Yorkers are adapting fast: home workouts replace gym sessions, Zoom meetings overshadow subway commutes, and pantry shelves groan under canned goods. Yet, even with anxiety in the air, community spirit shines. Balcony singalongs and sidewalk chalk art remind the world: NYC’s heart still beats.

As one Brooklyn resident told us while waiting in a grocery line: “We’ve survived blackouts and hurricanes. This is just our next big remix.”

Reference(s):

How are New Yorkers living under the influence of COVID-19

cgtn.com