Reflections on Pandemic Recovery in New York City
Five years ago, the streets of New York City were quiet. Buildings were closed, and sirens filled the air. People would clap at 7 p.m. to cheer for essential workers. Fast forward to today, and the city feels alive again. Last year, around 65 million tourists visited, with more than 300,000 people strolling through Times Square daily.
Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, notes that while it’s great to see crowds, we’re still missing about 15% of the usual international visitors. New businesses are opening, and the lessons from the pandemic remain fresh in our minds.
Harris mentions that the pandemic helped people realize the value of being in bustling areas like Times Square. “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen new restaurants open here,” he said.
However, getting everyone back to the city has been challenging. Many have grown comfortable at home, where they turned to fitness equipment like Peloton bikes and embraced DIY haircuts. Interesting enough, about 20% of American households adopted a pet during the pandemic, highlighting how many sought companionship.
People also spent much more time online, learning to enhance their video call setups and adapting to platforms like Zoom. This shift has changed work and education, perhaps for good. In fact, Mark Ein, chairman of Kastle Systems, believes the hybrid work model—where employees work at least one day a week from home—is here to stay. Right now, 33% of Americans have remote jobs, while 43% work in a hybrid setup, but many companies still push for a full return to the office.
For students, the impact has been significant. Traditional snow days have turned into remote learning days, but challenges remain. Many students are struggling with anxiety and depression, partly due to disconnection from classmates and teachers. NYC Schools’ First Deputy Chancellor Daniel Weisberg remarked that while remote learning didn’t work for younger kids, some older students adapted well.
Judy Ramirez shared her concern for her daughter, who has been struggling in school. After years of separation, places like Elmhurst Hospital, once overwhelmed during the pandemic, now focus on mental health screenings. Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, notes the stigma around depression has faded. Many now see it as a serious issue, prompting more people to seek help.
As New York City navigates this recovery, one thing stands out: resilience. Harris reminds us, “No matter what comes our way, New Yorkers are strong. There’s no challenge we can’t face together.”
The pandemic has reshaped our lives in ways we are still coming to understand. But as we look ahead, the importance of connection and community ties may be the greatest lesson of all.
For more context on the current state of health and wellness in urban settings, you can check this report from the CDC.
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