By Katrina Tiktinsky
New York City celebrated an enormous moment of progress on June 12th, as the COVID-19 related mortality count hit zero for the first time since March.
Following a period of strict regulations and a cautious initiation of the phased reopening process, New York has transformed from the global epicenter of the virus to a model for pandemic response. Governor Cuomo initiated a shelter-in-place strategy, issuing a prolonged stay-at-home order to limit social contact. This measure effectively flattened the curve of infections, unburdening hospitals in NYC and the larger tri-state area.
The city has suffered over 200,000 cases, over 50,000 hospitalizations, and around 20,000 mortalities from the novel coronavirus. New York’s battle with the pandemic is not over, but the success embodied by this week’s milestone points to hope for the country at large, should other states follow similar safety measures.
As the federal government pushes aggressively for what experts warn would be a dangerously premature reopening of the country, New York has ideologically differentiated itself. The city has taken a steady approach, recognizing that the economy cannot thrive without healthy citizens. Wear your mask, keep your distance, do your part.
