An Update From New York

Thanks to everyone for expressing concern during this challenging time. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

There is some good news to share. New Yorkers are taking social distancing very seriously. The streets aren’t completely empty, but there aren’t many people walking around. It’s easy to avoid other pedestrians when you’re walking around, and just about everyone makes a conscious effort to do so. 

The stores that are still open, drugstores and supermarkets, are relatively empty, as well. It’s not difficult to avoid fellow shoppers. 

The shortages aren’t as bad as they used to be. I went to the drugstore yesterday (a short walk away). They had toilet paper, paper towels, and bottled water on the shelves. Last week, you couldn’t find any of those items. You still will have a hard time finding hand sanitizer or liquid hand soap, but I expect that the supply chain will catch up with those items before too long.

I am very fortunate to be able to work from home. I don’t go out unless I absolutely have to. I have been going outside about once every two days to run an errand, but that’s it. I have considered going on late night jogs, but I’m not fully convinced that it’s worth the risk.

Despite the high numbers of infections reported in the city, I believe that the social distancing is working. We haven’t seen positive results yet, because it take the disease weeks to develop, but I saw report yesterday that indicated that a slowdown in new infections is on the horizon. Again, I can’t stress enough how diligently New Yorkers have committed to self-isolation. It’s an impressive collective effort.

Before I go, I would like to pay tribute to the brave and dedicated people who keep the city running through good times and bad. Obviously, we rely heavily on the services of our police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Without them, the city would collapse into anarchy. I would like to thank also the garbage haulers for their tireless work at all hours in all types of weather.

Thank you to the people who keep our grocery stores and pharmacies running. These are mostly customer facing jobs, which at this time presents considerable risks. Thanks to the truckers and warehouse workers who keep those supply chains moving as smoothly as possible.

Thanks to the people who keep the power and water running, and who keep our internet and telephone connections active so we can work and communicate through isolation.

Finally, a huge thank you to the brave and overworked doctors, nurses, technicians, and hospital staff who are fighting this war on the front lines. I read yesterday that twenty-three of the deaths in Italy were doctors who caught the coronavirus while caring for patients. This is a deadly serious emergency. Our healthcare community is fighting the virus bravely with limited resources, and they are putting their lives at risk in the process. They deserve all of our support and gratitude, and all that they really want us to do is to stay home.