With COVID-19 spreading its reign of terror across the globe, it is making everyone to social distance, cancel events, and panic shop. New York is the epicenter of this virus in the United States although lawmakers are taking major steps to curb the spread of coronavirus. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive order put the state under a “pause”. This involves closing non-essential services and retailers. People are encouraged to work from home with limited exceptions by about May 15.
Going out in New York
For situations where you can’t socially distance, you have to cover your face with a mask. Additionally, you have to maintain a distance of six feet away from other people. Violation of this order comes with a possible fine. Grocery stores have to ensure that shoppers are wearing masks before entering their stores. This is the best way to keep everyone safe from coronavirus.
How coronavirus is affecting events in New York
Parades and public events
The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival usually takes place in May for people to indulge in culinary delight. The west side of Manhattan turns into a street fair for everyone to sample various foods. June is known for some of the most popular events in New York including Price March and Puerto Rican Day Parade. However, all city permitted events are canceled to keep New Yorkers safe through June.
There is hope that the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks will light up the sky regardless of the lockdown. You can as well book your slot to various events during the remaining part of the year when the situation improves. Luckily, you can check out cheap event space in NYC online without compromising social distancing.
Performing arts
The city’s major centers for performing arts are also taking measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. Broadway has canceled all 32 plays and musicals through June 7. The Lincoln Center has also suspended all performances through summer at various locations including:
- Metropolitan Opera
- New York Philharmonic
- New York City Ballet
Carnegie Hall suspended the 2020-2021 season and Shakespeare in the Park canceled the 2020 season. Shed and the 92nd Street Ycanceled all performances and talks. Apart from the Brooklyn Academy of Musicis on hold, other summer stalwarts are canceled including Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Governors Ball, and Celebrate Brooklyn!,
Museums
All museums in New York City are closed. There is hope that the Metropolitan Museum of Art opens in the summer if the situation is put under control. Luckily, you can browse the museum collections online. When bored during the lockdown, you can visit your favorite museum on twitter using the hashtag #MuseumFromHome.
Sporting events
All the sporting events that were scheduled in New York are currently on hold. A Utah Jazz player tested positive for coronavirus leading to the suspension of the 2020 season. This triggered other leagues including NHL and MLB to suspend or postpone games. Sports lovers have to bear without Nets and Knicks games for the moment. The pandemic is also causing changes in NYC-area teams including the Mets and Yankees.
Art and design
The cancelation and postponement are also affecting various major arts and design events in the city. May is usually a period for the NYCxDesign event but this is postponed to October. Additionally, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House this year is postponed towards the end of this year. Frieze New York is canceled.
City parks
The parks in the city are open although facilities within including dog run, playgrounds, basketball courts, and nature centers are closed. Some of the closed parks include:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Wave Hill
- Queens Botanical Garden
- New York Botanical Garden
Fortunately, Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center is currently open. But, the community gardens are only accessible by maintenance staff. The beaches in the city might be partially or entirely closed during the summer by the Parks Department. The governor waived entry fees to state parks to allow residents to go outdoors and enjoy some sunshine. However, everyone has to maintain six feet distance away from others and washing hands with soap and water or sanitizer thoroughly.
Why book a ticket to an event ticket
Medics are doing everything possible to curb the spread of the virus. Hopefully, the situation is put under control soon to allow social life to normalize. Amid the anxiety brought by the virus, now is a wonderful time to book a ticket to your favorite New York event. Doing this now allows guaranteeing yourself a slot at the event before tickets are sold out. Some of the events to look forward to during the remaining months of the year include:
- WWE Friday Night SmackDown Ohio on June 12
- WWE Live At Madison Square Garden on June 27
- Janet Jackson: Black Diamond Tour New York City on July 14
- Yoga SOULFest NYC on October 17
- Labor Day Weekend Ozuna in New York City on September 04
Conclusion
Now is a good time to book a ticket to your favorite New York event when social isolation is finally over.
