New York City does not wish to repeat its spring 2020 COVID outbreak, when daily deaths peaked over 700. Its block-by-block ‘surgical controls’ are withstanding the pressure, according to Washington Post. Yet behind the scenes officials are wondering, are NYC block-by-block lock downs feasible? That’s given the push back from some businesses and residents.
NYC Block-By-Block Lock Downs Are Feasible, But Unpopular
New York City initiated a one-billion-dollar-a-year track-and-trace project employing 4,000 people in June 2020. Micro-managing the outbreak at city block level enabled it to avoid city-wide curfews and closures. The system maps outbreaks in yellow, orange, and red zones which are areas of concern according to recent test results.
Red zones are the hot spots the city ring fences with orange zones, and then buffers with yellow ones. And this is curtailing the ripple-in-the-pond effect common with viral outbreaks. Positive cases are asked to self-isolate, in paid-for hotels if necessary. And there’s a medicine, food and other necessities delivery service on tap. But business is hurting and that’s the problem.
Businesses and Employees Taking Strain in Red and Orange Zones
However small businesses, especially feel ‘caught in crossfire’ regardless of the fact of being COVID compliant. Randy Peers, chief executive and president of Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce says the city should focus on violators instead.
Official policy is businesses must shut in red zones, with the exception of grocery stores and other essential businesses. Mass gatherings are illegal. No more than 10 people may meet at a place of worship.
This policy has been largely successful in stamping out virus hot spots according to Washington Post. This demonstrates NYC block-by-block lock downs are feasible in principle. However holding resident support, now that’s another matter. Because resistance is building among New York’s affected small businesses, and religious groups who are asking why us.
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