Since the outbreak of Covid-19 much has been said about essential workers. Much should be said about the dedication they take while putting their lives at risk. I have several family members who are doctors and nurses. I have heard stories from them. A few contracted the coronavirus.
I have friends who are EMTs and members of the NYFD and NYPD.
Thank you. Everyone has gone way beyond duty. I also have a few friends who work to keep our mass transit system running. Thanks for helping us get from point A to point B. We know the risks everyone is taking.
Perhaps you read my shopping post, “Grocery shopping during Covid-19. Or anytime.” We know the risks drug store and supermarket workers are taking.
All of these folks are essential to our everyday lives, whether it be during today’s times or before.
But are there more essential workers? Can we redefine it? Yes. Last Sunday, I was at Central Park along Museum Mile. A sign read, “I didn’t think my job was essential. But everybody thanks me every day.” That quote was from a groundskeeper. He may not be part of the official list of essential workers. We know he’s not an emergency responder or providing us with our groceries. But he is essential.
The groundskeepers are keeping NYC’s legendary park in shape. We always need our parks to be well maintained. But in today’s times, that’s paramount. For safety reasons, we need parks to be clean. We always do. Today more than ever. With all our traditional sources of entertainment shut down, our parks offer a nice respite.
In addition to parks, some of NYC’s fine museums are partially or fully open with rules in effect to keep people safe while gazing at a Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet or Camille Pissarro.
Having been through the Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum and MOMA PS 1, I can attest that’s its employees are working hard. They have provided answers to many questions from visitors and are helping to keep our city alive in many ways. They are essential.
Thanks to our musicians for your Zoom streams. Many are at no cost. We’d all rather be watching you at the Garden. But thanks for zooming. I’m glad to have been able to listen to new bands this way. Here’s to Brewester Moonface, kind of Janis Joplin sound. I discovered them in Coney Island. And the gothic Weird Wolves. Found them online. The shot of the Wolves is a streaming show. The shot of Brewster was taken at the Coney Island Brewery on January 1 after the Polar Bear Plunge. Live music in the venue with fans is essential. One day it’ll be back. Thanks for giving us hope.
Today, I did my last haircut at Astor Hair. Sadly, Covid-19 is causing the close of this NYC legend. The barbers are essential.
I know I left out many others who are essential. I apologize.
Thanks to all.
Prior posts are here.
Pandemic Watch: Rediscovering NYC
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/11/16/pandemic-watch-rediscovering-nyc/
Pandemic Watch: Gloves
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/08/13/pandemic-watch-gloves/
Pandemic Watch: Back to the City
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/pandemic-watch-back-to-the-city
“Pandemic Watch: Facial expressions,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/939
“Pandemic Watch: What will we do with our masks and gloves at the end?”
Pandemic Watch, Staying in Shape,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/pandemic-watch-staying-in-shape
“Pandemic Watch: Community groups stepping up,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/15/pandemic-watch-community-groups-stepping-up
“Pandemic Watch: Have masks replaced fuzzy dice in windshields?”
“Pandemic Watch: How will we be entertained?”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/pandemic-watch-how-will-we-be-entertained
“Pandemic Watch: Communicating via video,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/03/pandemic-watch-communicating-via-video
“Single Life”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/pandemic-watch-single-life
“Pandemic Watch: Seniors and lifesaving phone calls during the pandemic or other times,”
“Pandemic Watch: There are places I remember.”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/pandemic-watch-there-are-places-i-remember
“Pandemic Watch: Creating a new fashion statement,”
“Pandemic Watch: Sitting on your stoop,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/26/pandemic-watch-sitting-on-your-stoop
“Pandemic Watch: What does a four-year-old think about our situation?”
“Pandemic Watch: Will my nephew ever know how good it was?”
“Pandemic Watch: What will happen when I get released on parole?”
“Pandemic Watch: We live in interesting times,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/pandemic-watch-we-live-in-interesting-times
“Pandemic Watch: Dressing during the Covid-19 pandemic,”
“Pandemic Watch: Yes, it is Monday,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/11/pandemic-watch-yes-it-is-monday
“How skills I learned as a teen in the scouts help during the Covid-19 pandemic, “
“How the Covid-19 pandemic causes us to rethink old habits,”
“Traveling on public transit and being outside during the Covid-19 pandemic,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/traveling-on-public-transit-and-being-outside-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
“Grocery shopping during Covid-19. Or anytime,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/grocery-shopping-during-covid-19-or-anytime
“I want to help restaurants during the pandemic. But…,”
“Masks and gloves,” https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/608
“Trashy Parks,”
https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/trashy-parks
Mitchell's thoughts, photos, etc. 
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