Rising Covid Rates in NYC

On September 29, 2020, New York City officials announced a big rise in positive Covid-19 cases in the city. Mostly in Brooklyn, Queens, and some Jewish communities, this is because they have ignored wearing a mask when out in public.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news conference that the daily rate in virus cases was 3.25%. That has been the highest daily rate since June. This is very scary especially since everything is now basically open. It will be a big turning point for NY and NYC if stuff gets shut down again. Everyone is just now getting used to the new normal. Going back to having to stay at home for a couple of months is going to be devastating to many people. 

This second wave is concerning many. It took NYC a long time to finally open everything up again and closing down major businesses and schools will cause a major change again in people’s lives. Parents will have a hard time dealing with kids at home having to do school because kids get tired of being inside for too long and may require extra attention. 

In a New York Times article, it says, “... in nine of the city’s 146 ZIP codes, as well as all nonessential businesses. Indoor and outdoor dining in restaurants in those areas will not be allowed.” This will be devastating to the owners of the nonessential businesses. Depending on how long these businesses will be closed this will be difficult for the owners because they won't have a way to make money to pay for rent or buy food. 

On October 4, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio called an emergency crackdown. A New York Times article mentions, “... he intended to impose new restrictions in 20 hot spots in Brooklyn and Queens that have been experiencing rising positivity rates.” De Blasio said under new restrictions that he would be closing both private and public schools in 9 of the city’s towns; indoor and outdoor dining would be prohibited in those 9 towns as well. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday, September 5, 2020, that he wouldn’t approve the closing of the businesses in the 9 parts of the city that got hit hard. The New York Times article titled Cuomo Imposes Tight Virus Rules on Areas Hit by Spikes Across State,  says, “Mr. Cuomo also detailed an array of new rules that would shut down schools, restaurants, bars, and gyms in portions of Brooklyn and Queens, as well as in Rockland and Orange Counties and in Binghamton.” The governor has also put hard restrictions on parts of NYC and the northern suburbs. 

The people of NYC are scared about this second wave. They don’t want to be locked in their homes again like the first wave. The first wave was a  huge turning point for the US, especially in New York. New Yorkers have just recently gotten used to the new normal. Having to go back to quarantine will be devastating to many. 

Rubenia Aguilar