Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Reporter's Notebook: Virus Leaves New York City Streets Eerily Empty

Celia Mendoza

   NEW YORK - As I was gathering material for a live televisionreport, I
   saw a group of tourists who were celebrating St. Patrick's Day. They
   couldn't dine at arestaurantso they were sitting outside, eating
   take-out food. The street near Times Square, usually bustling with
   people, is empty. An unusual sight for a New Yorker like myself. A bit
   haunting, even. This is the new normal in the time of coronavirus.

   I see a woman dressed as Minnie Mouse and a man dressed as the Nintendo
   character Luigi chase a few potential customers walking the streets to
   see if they can snap a selfie and maybe score a tip. Then the iconic
   "Naked Cowboy" strolls by - wearing a mask! The buff, long haired man
   is a fixture in one of New York city's most popular tourist spots. Wow!
   Even he has changed his habits, heeding the warnings from city
   officials who say the number of COVID-19 cases are increasing fast.

.