Life in the Time of Coronavirus

During the Covid-19 pandemic, much of my existence has been within a 3-4 mile perimeter of my home. I've been walking around Queens at 7am every morning getting exercise before anyone comes out, the covid-safe way. I've been able to get to know the area on a very micro level and have been documenting it all in my walks. Now, these photos remind me how much has changed in such time. I'm happy to have a photo diary to look back at. And it's been fun to be able to share the local NY experience of living in the epicenter zip code of the pandemic. The photos can't capture the swirling sound of ambulances that felt nearly constant for a few weeks, but they do show signs of survival and perseverance. 

I loved Jackson Heights before, but now I feel like the Grinch as my heart has expanded multiple times. I feel so lucky to live in a place where the community was out there ready to respond to neighbors needs. You will see many photos of people standing in lines waiting for food, but you will also see us volunteering putting together those bags of food. I also love all the signs and rainbows people put in their windows. We are #JacksonHeightsStrong and #NYStrong.

As time has gone by I got on my bike and then on the subway and got back into Manhattan, so my weekly covid story because a tale of two very divergent neighborhoods. Bustling diverse Jackson Heights with many essential businesses and lots of people getting through their days in attempted socially distanced ways and NoHo, where the residents and workers have decamped and thus most everything is closed and quiet. And then when the looting happened NoHo showed even more despair. Tomorrow June 22nd, re-opening begins, and I hope NoHo will be able to wake up the way Jackson Heights has and that we all will be able to find a new covid normal going forward.

But whatever happens, I'll be here, being present and doing what I can to help the city I love.

Click HERE to see my Facebook Album of Photos from the Covid-19 Pandemic