Virus and the City

ATTENTION: An essay I wrote and posted here has been removed. It will be back in one form another, but for now, I apologize to those who have come here to read it. (And thank you for stopping by.)

This was a little unnerving. As I came out of the ASPCA hospital on Saturday, I saw an EMS (Emergency Medical Services) truck accompanied by two NYPD vans. What did that mean?

Virus and the City

This is my view down Christopher Street after getting off the subway. Normally Christopher Street would be hopping on a Saturday night and I’d be grumbling about having to ping pong my way down the street to get home. As you can see, it’s empty for the most part. There was a small party of people behind me with balloons though. But to look down the street and to see my way was completely free and clear was eerie. I want lots of people in my way again!

Virus and the City

Here is the Times Square subway stop, just at the beginning of rush hour, when it would normally be packed. Everyone at work commented on how empty the subway was this morning, and it wasn’t for me. But it was coming home. Where is everyone? Do they all have cars? Are that many people staying home??

Don’t take the subway??

They’re recommending people over 60 stay home. I’m 63. What am I supposed to do, not go to work?? AND, don’t take the subway. What am I supposed to do, walk crosstown and up 90 blocks?? Twice a day?? It’s actually a walk I’d love to take but that would probably take me at least an hour. It’s not practical. EXCEPT. It takes me that long by subway. I must be over-estimating my walking speed.

They also say don’t go to events with more than 250 people. Again, in NYC you’re going to be among over 250 people just hitting the street.

A very old phone booth at the 42nd Street library! Sigh.