The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt around the globe, but none more so than in New York City. With a population of over 8 million people, the city was home to the earliest, most deadly outbreaks of COVID-19 seen in the western world. Thousands of people were sickened, and thousands more died from the disease. Even as life slowly began to return to normal, a unique sense of silence and momentary peace descended on the city, as its famous energetic pace ground to a halt and the energy of the city changed in ways that many had never seen before.
So, how does this sudden change affect the people of New York, and is it possible that the city saw a different, better version of itself in the wake of the pandemic? Here, we take a look at the impact of COVID-19 on New York City and whether it could be argued that the city experienced a better version of itself in the aftermath.
The Impact of COVID-19 on NYC
The impact of COVID-19 has been felt strongly in New York City, with huge numbers of people becoming ill and hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs due to business closures, meaning the economic hit has been considerable. However, one of the most notable impacts can be seen in the city’s noise levels and air quality. The city has felt eerily quiet, with the usual hustle and bustle of the streets replaced by silence, as fewer cars and people outside has caused a noticeable drop in noise pollution. Similarly, air quality has also improved substantially as emissions from cars, trains and other sources have reduced due to the lack of people going out and about.
Less Crowding
Another major impact of the pandemic on NYC has been the reduction in overcrowding in not just the streets, but many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions too. Reports have shown that Central Park and Broadway, two of the city’s most iconic destinations, have seen far fewer visitors than usual, with the already-hectic pace of the city slowing to a crawl. Though this reduction in visitors has been a major blow to the city’s tourist industry, it can also be seen as a positive, with the lack of people allowing for a more peaceful, relaxed experience for those who remain.
Reinforced Work-Life Balance
The flexibility to work from home has been one of the biggest positives of the pandemic for many New Yorkers. This has created a better work-life balance for those who took advantage of it, allowing them to spend more time with family and friends, pursue hobbies and interests, or even just relax and reconnect with the city. It has also been beneficial for the environment, reducing the amount of emissions due to commuters traveling to and from work.
Decreased Crime Rate
Though still much higher than average, crime rate in New York City has dropped significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. This has been attributed to the displacement of much of the city’s homeless population due to the lockdowns, as well as an overall reduction in people outside, meaning criminals have fewer targets to choose from. This has been a welcome reprieve for many New Yorkers, who have been able to enjoy the city’s streets in the relative safety that its crime rate normally makes difficult to achieve.
Ultimately, it is difficult to say whether COVID-19 created a better version of New York City. The pandemic has had a huge impact on the city both socially and economically, and it is still too early to say whether its positive effects will outlast its negative ones. However, it can be argued that the pandemic has allowed many to experience the city in a different, more nuanced way, one that is quieter, more peaceful and with a focus on appreciating the city’s beauty rather than simply enduring its hustle and bustle. Though the pandemic has been a terrible experience for many, for others, it may be that it has allowed New York City to show a better side of itself.
