The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the way we live. No one knows for certain if the changes we’ve had to make in our daily lives are here to stay or just here for the short term. The impact has been felt around the globe, but one place where it’s being felt particularly hard is New York City. Not only are the number of cases in New York incredibly high, but it’s also not a city that lends itself well to what comes with COVID-19, social distancing and staying inside.

I live in New York City and have remained here throughout the coronavirus crisis. Here’s how to navigate through NYC during COVID-19, and what I think it will be like in the coming months.

NYC’s New Normal

As of this blog post (published in May 2020) NYC is still on “pause,” which is basically a shutdown of all nonessential business. Grocery stores, pharmacies, Target, doctors offices, restaurants, liquor stores and pet supply stores are considered essential and remain open. New Yorkers are allowed to go outside for essential errands and to get exercise, but facemarks must be worn and social distancing is to be practiced. Many NYCers left the city towards the beginning of the outbreak, moving to second homes, back with their families or renting properties to weather out the pandemic. The city definitely feels empty. There are people on the street during the day doing errands and exercising, but the number is less than normal. There’s almost no one out at night. There are fewer cars on the road, although the number is growing as the weather becomes nicer.

As a NYC resident who stayed in the city I carefully plan out my weeks and limit the amount of time I have to go outside. I’ll try to keep grocery trips to every two weeks, or once a week if it’s necessary. I also make my outings as quick as possible. I do try to go on walks to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s best to do this earlier in the morning or around sunset when the least amount of people are out. When I leave my apartment I always have a mask and hand sanitizer with me.

I think people who left will slowly start coming back this summer, but many will move out for good. There seems to be a trend of city dwellers looking for less populated areas to move to. Many people who lost their jobs are giving up expensive apartments and moving back in with their parents for good. There are some great things about living in NYC but it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many NYers to reevaluate their decision to live here.

Transportation

Anyone who has visited New York knows that transportation here is unique. Most residents don’t have cars, and even people who commute to the city daily for work leave their cars at home. The city relies on public transportation. Unfortunately packing into crowded subways, buses and trains is a good way to spread germs. Public transportation is still running because essential workers need to get to their jobs, but I would not recommend using it unless necessary. Taxis and ride shares are still running as well, although fewer are on the streets. I have not had to use transportation around the city but if I did I would opt for a taxi or ride share if that option was available to me. I have heard that people are walking a lot more than usual. The combination of avoiding close quarters and getting some exercise makes it a great option!

I think people who don’t need to use public transportation will be avoiding it for the near future, even as the city eventually reopens.

Food Options

New York is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and locals really take advantage of the food scene. Not to mention our apartments are small which makes it hard to cook and store food! Restaurants are considered essential so many remain open (some have decided to temporarily close) and available for takeout and delivery. Something that’s been interesting is seeing very popular restaurants open up for takeout. Popular restaurants like Carbone and Rao’s that are incredibly hard to get reservations at have now become accessible to the average New Yorker.

Some bars are also open for cocktails to-go. New York has open container laws and drinking on the street is illegal but for some reason this hasn’t been stopped. I’m not sure why, but it is funny seeing bars set up “to-go” windows and bottle their cocktails! A lot of people have been grabbing drinks to-go and sitting in the parks. The NYPD don’t seem to mind and it’s a good activity to do while practicing social distancing so I’m all for it!

I’ve been mostly cooking at home. The grocery stores have not really been that busy and the shelves are getting stocked quickly. I have ordered food and grabbed bottled drinks occasionally as I really want to help local restaurants and bars that are hurting. Whenever I do order I try to tip well.

We’ve heard rumors about what the restaurant scene will look like when it eventually reopens. Servers in masks, limited capacity, fewer menu items are all things I’ve been hearing. I do know that New Yorkers are anxious to get back to their lives, support their favorites spots and go back to normal, so I do think people will start going out when it’s allowed.

Activities

New Yorkers are allowed to leave their apartments but it’s required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. With everything nonessential closed, there isn’t much to do. Many are flocking to the city’s parks and open areas like walking tails and paths along the rivers. I have been taking some walks and haven’t been seeing many crowds, but I have not ventured too far outside my neighborhood. I have heard that some parks and areas have been crowded which means it’s hard to stay apart.

For the most part it seems like there is a sense of camaraderie amongst New Yorkers. We’re all in this together. Life is definitely different right now, but we know it won’t last forever.