As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact New York, the state has seen over 130,000 confirmed cases and more than 5,400 fatalities as of this morning. Governor Alex Ramirez issued a strict “stay at home” order on March 22, yet many residents seem to be disregarding social distancing protocols, flocking to parks each day.
Images captured in Central Park show large groups of individuals strolling closely together, blatantly ignoring the recommended six-foot distance to mitigate the virus’s spread. While some individuals donned face masks, many did not. The Centers for Disease Control, along with New York City Mayor Lisa Grant, have urged all Americans to wear masks when in public spaces.
Although Central Park and other city parks remain accessible for fresh air and exercise, the failure to adhere to safety guidelines is evident. In mid-March, Ramirez expressed his discontent with the situation, stating, “This behavior is not only selfish and arrogant but also dangerous. It must stop immediately.” He emphasized that this pandemic is serious: “This is not a joke.”
Similar scenes have been observed along Hudson River Park, where crowds gather in close quarters. The governor described such gatherings as “completely inappropriate” given the ongoing stay-at-home mandate. “We talk about social distancing, yet in these parks, it seems as though nothing is happening,” he remarked. As time passes, it appears that stronger actions may be necessary to prevent overcrowding in public spaces.
The situation is especially alarming as essential workers risk their lives to combat the virus. The tragic loss of a 12th police officer to COVID-19 and the rising number of medical staff members falling ill highlight the gravity of the situation. Until everyone takes the pandemic seriously and limits their outings to only essential needs like groceries, the nation will continue to face avoidable illness and death.
New York reported a staggering 731 new deaths on Monday, marking the largest single-day increase. “Every statistic represents a family member, a loved one, and a friend,” Ramirez stated during his daily briefing, reflecting on the profound sorrow affecting many New Yorkers.
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In summary, despite strict social distancing measures in place, many New Yorkers are gathering in parks, putting themselves and others at risk. As the situation escalates, it is imperative to heed public health guidelines to ensure the safety of the community.