Even New York, the city that never sleeps, lives in slow motion

New York City is almost completely deserted by its residents in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic.

The mayor of New York announced on Sunday the closure of New York public schools and then that of bars and restaurants, in turn depriving the financial and cultural capital of the United States of social life in the face of the threat of the coronavirus.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in the late afternoon the closure, from Monday until at least April 20, of some 1,800 schools in the city, attended by 1.1 million students – the largest school district of United States.

Then, in the evening, following the example of the Italian or French authorities, he announced that this flagship city of world tourism would sign a decree on Monday limiting the activity of restaurants, bars and cafes to take-away sales and deliveries to home – essential services for many New Yorkers – starting Tuesday 9:00 a.m.

Nightclubs, cinemas, small theaters and concert halls – which had not closed after Thursday’s ban on gatherings of more than 500 people and the extinguishing of fires on Broadway and in most museums – will also have to close at effective Tuesday.

“These places are an integral part of the heart and soul of our city”, lamented the mayor. “They are part of what it is to be New Yorkers. But our city faces an unprecedented threat, and we must react as if we are at war,” he added.

“We will get through this eventually, but until we do, we have to make all the necessary sacrifices,” he said.

And the photos of New York City, deserted by tourists and its inhabitants to travel around the world.

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