Today's MOZEN: AMBIVALENCE

Downtown Nyack, NY

It's been a long 3+ months. COVID-19 has done it's best to knock the crap out of us. In many cases, and in many ways, it sure has. And, perhaps, the hardest part is that it ain't over yet!

To slow the spread of the virus, we have been required to avoid direct contact with others outside of intimate social circle and those who are at the highest risk, i.e. the elderly and infirm. This has caused not only isolation fatigue (after all, we ARE social animals) but great harm to our economy, particularly within the small, local business community like the one we have here in Nyack, NY. It is tragic to see so many places that simply didn't make and many more that won't.

However, keep in mind, the really important number is the number of deaths caused by the virus. It's over 100,000 and growing. And, the best way the great majority of the medical experts tell us to combat this scourge is by SOCIAL DISTANCING and WEARING A MASK when you can't.

New York, under the strong leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo, has taken a leading role in reversing the course of the disease. And, despite being racked with cases early, we are on a steady course to recovery. Hospitalizations and fatalities are showing a good downward trend. With that happening, the Governor has moved our region into the so-called Phase II where, under strict guideline, businesses can begin to reopen. However, he and others warn that, if we don't stick to the plan, we will be right back were we started and will have lost our hard fought gains.

This past weekend (6/12 and 6/13), Nyack decided to facilitate the reopening of our local eating establishments by closing the area around the intersections of Main St. and Broadway to vehicular traffic from 3 pm until 10 pm. This allowed them to bring tables and chairs out on to the street, increasing their serving capacity (indoor dining is still not allowed).

So, being as anxious as anyone to resume an almost normal life as well as to my part to support my local businesses, I decided to stroll into town to partake in the festivities.

What I found filled me with a great sense of ambivalence.

The atmosphere was electric. Mother Nature was on her best behavior and provided spectacular late Spring weather for both days. So, there were LOTS of revelers on the street. Music was playing and people were literally dancing for joy. Restaurant tables were packed with diners with more still were waiting to be seated. The whole thing kind of reminded me of a more tame Bourbon or Beale Streets. In fact, I thought that going forward under the right circumstances (i.e. no more virus!), it might be something the town should consider doing on a regular basis.

However, I also noticed things that made me cringe!

Any sort of Social Distancing became a thing of the past. People were on top of one another. Because of logistics, I knew that would become inevitable. However, what disturbed me the most was the amount of people who were simply NOT WEARING A MASK! Every single reliable medical study has demonstrated that wearing a mask in public is the single most effective way to slow the spread of the virus. PERIOD. Yet, I saw HUNDREDS of people who had not the courtesy or respect for their fellow citizens to protect them by wearing a mask. Furthermore, it's against the law!

Another thing I found almost as disturbing was that there didn't seem to any authority figure at all even attempting to enforce the protocols. Now, I know that a big police presence might seem a little heavy-handed. However, a village official on a loud speaker could have easily been insisting that people abide by the protocols and, if they couldn't, would they please leave the gathering.
Perhaps, a booth might have been set up to distribute masks (made by The Nyack Mask Makers Organization?) for those who may have forgotten them.

Look, I was not born in Nyack but this is my home -by choice. I have lived here for over 30 years because it's the best little town in America and embodies just about everything that I stand for. So, of course, I want it not only to survive but to thrive. I'm sure that most of my readers feel the same way. But, the only way to insure that is to do the right thing - or, we will have lost everything we struggled so earnestly to gain.

FOLLOW THE PROTOCOLS - HAVE RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND WEAR A MASK IN PUBLIC - BE HEALTHY - STAY SAFE.

F LoBuono