Protests Break out in the middle of the Pandemic

After nearly three months of lockdown in New York City—marked by the ever-present uncertainty of COVID-19 and a suspended sense of normal life—the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer ignited a wave of public outrage. Against the backdrop of infections, deaths, isolation, and collective anxiety, people took to the streets, masked and resolute, to protest police brutality. Though the demonstrations were largely peaceful, the atmosphere was fraught; storefronts were boarded up in anticipation of unrest, instances of rioting and looting occurred, and the city imposed a curfew. The visual and emotional character of New York shifted overnight.

The city’s phased reopening began soon after, hinting at fragments of pre-pandemic life returning. Subways and buses resumed service, yet remained strikingly empty as riders adhered to mask mandates and practiced social distancing. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s daily sanitation of train cars offered reassurance, but certain stations increasingly became shelters for the unhoused. Riding the subway during what was once the rush hour felt dreamlike—an uncanny mix of silence, caution, and lingering fear.

It would not be until January 6, 2021, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the testing results and distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines, closing one chapter of uncertainty while opening the next.

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Return

On May 25, 2020, amid the COVID-19 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.