Protests Break out in the middle of the Pandemic
On May 25, 2020, amid the COVID19 Pandemic and Citywide lockdown, George Floyd, an African American man was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A video capturing a white police officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for an extended period attracted widespread outrage and anger leading to local, national, and international protests. Various police precincts around the USA have been frequently criticized for their treatment of black citizens. On May 28, 2020, protesters gathered in Union Square Park in Manhattan and marched to City Hall. While mostly peaceful, there were conflicts between protesters and police. Conflicts between protesters and police would worsen and on June 1, 2020, an 11 PM curfew was implemented in York City. Between May 29 through June 09, 2020, an estimated 450 businesses in NYC were looted or damaged. The protests continued through the month of June.*
On June 08, 2020, the first phase of reopening in New York City begins. Business safety protocols were put into place, 50% capacity, travelers self-quarantine for 14 days. New York City would continue to monitor the data on COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Phases continue to be implemented based on the COVID-19 infection and hospitalization data.**
Phase 1 – Construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, manufacturing, wholesale supply chain, and select retail industries.
Phase 2 – Professional services, retail, administrative support, and real estate/rental leasing.
Phase 3 – On-location restaurants.
Phase 4 – Arts, entertainment, recreation, and education.
TURN ON YOUR SOUND
Sound is an equal part of the experience
New York City announces reopening in phases and parts of life as we know show signs of returning. The subways and buses have been running but are almost empty, signs to mask up and distance from others are prevalent, and most people are masked up in some form. News of the MTA sanitizing train cars daily is reassuring for riders. Many homeless have taken refuge in certain subway stations. A very surreal experience to ride the subways, especially during rush hour.
© 2023 Masashi Ohtsu all rights reserved
After almost three months of lock down in NYC, the unknown looming factors of COVID-19, and life as we know it on pause, the George Floyd murder ignites the anger of the people. After months of infections, death, and isolation, and uncertainty, people gathered, with masks on, and marched together in the streets of NYC to protest the violent actions of the police. Although mostly peaceful, due to riots and looting, many storefronts are boarded up and a curfew is implemented. The whole look and spirit of New York City changes.
The Spring season seems to be in full bloom, the COVID skies seem more clear, and the clouds are lovely. The trees and flowers in the parks seem more vibrant, fuller, and bushier than usual, and alcohol to go is allowed to be sold by establishments.
***COVID-19 vaccine testing and distribution won’t be announced by the CDC until January 06, 2021.
*”George Floyd protests in New York City took place at several sites in each of the five New York City boroughs, starting on May 28, 2020, in reaction to the murder of George Floyd. Most of the protests were peaceful, while some sites experienced protester and/or police violence, including several high-profile incidents of excessive force. Looting became a parallel issue, especially in Manhattan. As a result, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the city was placed under curfew from June 1–7, the first curfew in the city since 1943. The protests catalyzed efforts at police reform, leading to the criminalization of chokeholds during arrests, the repeal of 50-a, and other legislation. Several murals and memorials have been created around the city in George Floyd's honor, and demonstrations against racial violence and police brutality continued as part of the larger Black Lives Matter movement in New York City…”
Wiki:
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Floyd_protests_in_New_York_City
**https://www.dwt.com/blogs/employment-labor-and-benefits/2020/05/new-york-phase-one-reopening
https://www.nytimes.com/article/new-york-phase-reopening.html
CDC Museum COVID-19 Timeline:
***https://www.cdc.gov/museum/timeline/covid19.html
© 2023 Masashi Ohtsu all rights reserved