New Yorkers appeared to be ignoring coronavirus social distancing guidelines on Sunday, flocking to Central Park in groups to enjoy the warm weather despite being the worst hit place in the world.
Images from the afternoon where temperatures reached 61 degrees, show people walking around with less than the recommended six feet between them, and reclining back on the lawns in close huddles.
Many New York City residents were noticeably not wearing face coverings, even though authorities have repeatedly warned that COVID-19 is spread via respiratory droplets that enter the body via the eyes, nose and mouth.
Although tourism has ceased around the round due the deadly outbreak that had infected at least 741,866 and killed 39,155 Americans as of Sunday, the Manhattan tourist hotspot looked lively amid strict stay-at-home orders.
New Yorkers in Central Park don’t seem too concerned about masks and social distance during lockdown on Sunday
New Yorkers have been ordered to wear face coverings in the busy city that had been hard hit by the virus but many were not
City dwellers lapped up vitamin D and walked their dogs but were dangerously close to one another as the weather reached 61 degrees
The bike lines were as busy as ever on Sunday with some opting not to wear a face covering in an effort to prevent infection others
Fancy seeing you here: Central Park was the popular spot for joggers on Sunday despite quieter locations to get a workout
The US is the worst country in the world when it comes to the recorded infection rate and most infections have been recorded in New York.
The shocking display came after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday signed an order that makes it mandatory for people to wear a face mask when in close proximity. They must cover their mouth and nose if they cannot stay six feet apart from the nearest person.
It was also despite more than 500 people dying from the disease on Saturday alone, the number is down 43 the previous day.
Cuomo said the state is believed to be on the other side of the curve as he indicted the infection rate was on the decline.
But the sun-seeking behavior of city dwellers on Sunday threatened to undo the hard work of simultaneous global lockdowns that have recently been extended to prevent further illness and deaths.
With hospitalizations spiraling out of control last month, Central Park became the site of a field hospital after buildings ran out of space to house victims.
The park – which measures up about 1.3 square miles – has also been lined with refrigerated trucks where dead bodies were temporarily stores after morgues reached capacity.
While many made an effect to stay safe and keep others in good health, many more seemed oblivious to the orders
The 1.3 square mile park was packed out on Sunday with some people at risk due to no face covering in the crowded vicinity
Some New Yorkers are seen perched on park benches, walking with pets and enjoying a takeout drink in the sunshine
Families are seen coming into close proximity with strangers as they all flocked to the popular tourist destination amid the pandemic
Older people are said to be especially at risk of getting seriously ill from the virus that has effected most of the planet
While children were initially believed to not be at risk, guidelines have gotten stricter as some have been very sick or even passed away due to the virus
Families were seen taking a spin around the park on Sunday. Some appear in front a sign warning to keep a good distance
Over the hill: New York Governor Cuomo said on Sunday that the state is over the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak
On Sunday, some people appeared to stepping out for some light exercise or to walk pets, while others seemingly used the sunny day as an opportunity to be social.
It goes against Cuomo’s latest advice not to fizzle out efforts now.
‘We showed that we can control the beast and when you close down, you can actually slow that infection rate, but this is only halftime,’ Cuomo said in a daily briefing.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has urged people in the city to report others who are not complying with social distancing guidelines. He said take a snap and text it to 311-692. It’s similar to other places in the world – such as Dubai, UAE where residents have been asked to use a police app to report those breaking the social distancing rules.
However some people claimed that asking people to ‘snitch’ on fellow citizens was it was ‘un-American’.
Cuomo also said Sunday that officials are preparing to launch a state-wide antibody testing survey this week to help determine the true scale of the outbreak.
African Americans are said to have be disproportionately affected by the outbreak. Experts believe is it connected to socio-economic factors such as access to healthcare, pay gaps, frontline work, multi-general housing and a culmination of issues that mean black people are more likely to have underlying health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Experts are also reporting that black people may be more likely to be deficient in vitamin D – which helps with respiratory function. Melanin is the pigment in skin that acts as a natural defense against UV rays but it also blocks the absorption of vitamin D.
Perfect day for a picnic: Many in the city found it difficult to stay at home in line with orders. Two people are pictured ignoring social distancing orders while enthralled by their phones
A spring blossomed, joggers were seen heavy breathing as they dashed past other outdoorsy types on Sunday in NYC
Sun seekers brought blankets and deck chairs to the park on Sunday, lapping up the delightful spring temperatures
The city residents were clearly too tempted to venture outside rather than stay indoors all day but it appeared many got carried away with their daily dose of vitamin D
Meanwhile New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has pleaded with President Trump for a bailout.
He continues to ask Trump to push for a $7.5billion federal bailout for New York City, which has taken a multi-billion dollar blow to its bottom line due to the coronavirus.
De Blasio made the case for the $7.5billion last week, which is the amount of tax revenue that the city projects it will lose because of the pandemic.
‘That lost revenue should be replaced dollar for dollar by the federal government. The federal government can do it,’ he said.
‘No New Yorker is responsible for this horrible crisis, but New York has borne the brunt, we have been the epicenter. When you look at the impact here, anybody with a heart would recognize that the federal government has to come to the rescue,’ de Blasio said.
He said that the $2.3trillion CARES Act stimulus package contained just $1.4 billion in ‘indirect aid’ to New York City.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has urged people in the city to report others who are not complying with social distancing guidelines
