Scenes from COVID-19: New York City Through Photos

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Lone suitcase at baggage claim in the Chicago O'Hare airport. The flight came from New York's LaGuardia. Photograph by Michael Izquierdo.

In the midst of a pandemic, New York City appears to be asleep. The spread of COVID-19 has made The New School remote for the rest of the semester. Many New York City institutions have shut down as well, including all public schools, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library.

Most New York City colleges have switched to remote learning for the rest of the semester, and the majority of staff are encouraged to work from home if possible. Previously bustling school cafeterias and classrooms are now vacant; although food services remain open.  Dorms at New York University, Fashion Institute of Technology, and The New School are shutting down, with students scrambling to move out. Those who cannot leave can apply for an extended stay. 

As retail locations closed, the streets have thinned out as well. Bars, restaurants, theaters, and gyms were mandated to close as of March 16th, leaving New Yorkers with the options of exercising or staying inside. In the days leading up to these closures, city residents were unsure of what precautions to take. Some people emptied grocery and convenience store shelves; while others ate at their favorite restaurant one last time.
Each day, preventative measures have been taken by federal, state, and city officials in an effort to “flatten the curve,” the phrase used to describe the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s scientific reasoning for social distancing. With these practices being implemented, the look and feel of New York City has and will continue to shift. The New School Free Press remains dedicated to informing our community in these times of uncertainty and change.

Photos taken by The New School Free Press staff, ranging from Mar. 13-19th.

The New School Campus

Arnhold Hall on Friday the 13th, empty hallways when classes normally occur. Photograph by Rory Rucker.
An amp and music stands left behind in Arnhold Hall. Photograph by Rory Rucker.
Empty lobby of the University Center. Photograph by Emily Pavis.
University Center cafeteria. Photograph by Emily Pavis.
Univeristy Center cafeteria. Photograph by Emily Pavis.

Grocery Stores

Empty grocery store shelf with a sign that reads “All water gallons and packs of water limited to 1 per family. This is due to very limited supply.” Photograph by Ben Guess.
Empty CVS shelves formerly holding tissues. Photograph by Samantha Vogel.
Emptied CVS shelves. Photograph by Samantha Vogel.
Trader Joe’s produce section. Photograph by Emmet White.
Out of stock signs in a Kmart. Photograph by Emily Pavis.

New York Streets

Grand Street. Photograph by Emmet White.
Ludlow Street. Photograph by Emmet White.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Mar. 14th, just after it closed. Photograph by Emmet White

Travel From New York City

Almost empty bus from New York to Washington D.C. Normally this bus is packed, especially for a weekend trip. Photograph by Elia Griffin.
An empty Saturday morning terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport. Photograph by Samantha Vogel.
Near empty flight from LaGuardia Airport in New York to Chicago. Photograph by Michael Izquierdo.