New York without chinstrap or protocols: the day after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted

The most anticipated day for New York has arrived. After recording more than 33,000 deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the world’s most famous cities has once again breathed without a chinstrap and the short distance between people is already appreciated.

“We have reached 70% vaccination. This is the national goal, and we reached it ahead of schedule. What does 70% mean? Means that we can go back to the life we ​​know“Governor Andrew Cuomo had said of his state, which was the first epicenter of the epidemic in the United States. In April, the mayor of the city, Bill de Blasio, said that the metropolis will fully open on July 1. Not only were they successful, they were ahead of schedule. So far, the only places where you still have to continue to wear a mask are health facilities, nurseries and some means of public transport.

It is still hard to believe that we can walk freely in the streets without chinstrap, that entering a closed place does not take the temperature and that the crowd is welcome. The summer weather with days of full sun and the peak tourism season around the world brings out post-pandemic life.

While Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement went into effect Monday and there was a huge fireworks display to celebrate the return to normalcy, a few can still be seen on the streets wearing chin straps. Some wear it in their hands, others take it off in the open, but it’s not quite gone yet. It is to be expected that over the course of the days there will be almost no trace of these.

Social distancing is also not noticeable. You don’t even see places with little capacity. Bars and restaurants in the five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island – no longer have time or capacity limits: There is no temperature control at the entrance, nor is it necessary to wear a mask.

The same is true of tourist sites such as museums, monuments and hotels which already like to welcome international visitors. You can already see selfies, photos and videos all over the place. The arrival of tourists is slow, gradual, but hopeful.

According to forecasts from local entities, it is estimated that the number of international visitors who stay longer and spend more than domestic travelers will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2025.

Vaccination is still active

Governor Cuomo noted that New York State has met the anxiety target of vaccinating at least one dose to 70% of adults. Vaccination stations, known as Columbus Circle, Penn Station, and Grand Central Terminal, are still open and fully operational. The authorities are encouraging the vaccination of the majority of the population to obtain collective immunity and thus appease a minority who disapprove of the vaccination campaign. Anyone residing or not in the city can receive their dose in one of the pharmacies open 24 hours a day.. Tourists only need to present their passport.

The countless shows

If the stages again received artists from March, the capacity of the public remained limited. On June 20, the iconic Madison Square will officially reopen. The first group that will rock New York will be Foo fighters. To be part of the show, it will be necessary to accredit the vaccine against COVID-19, which is why it is known as the fully vaccinated show. Infobae will cover the show.

Dave Grohl, Head of Foo fighters, announced that the group would perform in the famous theater at full capacity. “We have been waiting for this day for over a year. New York, get ready for a long night, with screams for Foo’s 26th birthday, ”he anticipated.

The New Wall Street

The most famous financial district could remain empty, although there is already more movement of people than a few months ago. The iconic facade on the corner of Wall and Broad is still occupied by the Stock Exchange, of course, and what little movement you see is touristy.

The offices are still left without their employees who, depending on the arrangements of each company, could return in person from August.. Even though the US bank Morgan Stanley on Tuesday urged its employees to return to work in person after the restrictions were lifted in New York. Big Apple companies will be able to work with 100 percent of employees in person, no social distancing or testing, as long as everyone is vaccinated.

Life is gradually returning to what we used to know: this time with great learning.

KEEP READING: