11 Questions On The New York Coronavirus Experience

We are seeing drastic shifts and changes in the world. I talk about my personal experiences and opinions on living the Coronavirus life at the epicenter of New York City. Will New York recover from this? How is the US handling Corona? Should one stay in New York during these troubling times? Continue reading for some raw and honest thoughts.

1. Can you give me your name, age, and occupation? 

Ling Ling Chen, 25, Pianist/Musician

2. To start off with, how are you doing in this unprecedented and scary time? 

I am doing ok! During the start of everything, I was relatively nonchalant, minded my own business and kept as calm as I could but as things progressed a lot of my plans and future goals had to be re-evaluated therefore I had to process what mattered to me the most. Now I’m attempting to take control of my anxieties and trying my best to take steps that will solve my problems.

3. What has been the scariest part of this situation for you?

I wouldn’t say it has been particularly scary. I’m more or less at peace with this crisis and that it could go on for a very long time, alas it is completely out of our control. I’m anxious about the uncertainty of my future and my mental health. I’m more concerned about whether society will follow the social distancing rules to prevent further unnecessary deaths. Many questions have been on my mind: How am I able to afford rent? How am I able to transition into a different career during these turbulent times? How can I adapt to the affected music industry? My visa expires soon, with the USCIS closed, can I stay in the US? Well, ultimately the clearest answer to all these questions was to leave New York under my current circumstances. This was probably what scared me the most, the inevitability and end of my stay in the big apple.

4. I know you’re not a doctor, but in your opinion, why has New York been hit so hard by this virus? 

I think it is of course due to the population size and density understandably but also thanks to the lack of initial testing. The US has demonstrated inadequate health care given to minorities and the poor and it is clear that Corona has not been distributed equally by race and ethnicity in this city. People who cannot easily access good health care thanks to money, time, location, or trust may be more likely to stay at home undiagnosed and spread the virus. This virus has definitely exploited the weaknesses in health as well as health care and should force us all to rethink change and the future of these shortcomings. 

5. Is there anything about this crisis that readers might find surprising? Whether that’s something specific to New York, something that you’ve experienced, anything at all. 

I’d have to say, the growing number of people ignoring government advice. There have been groups of people still enjoying the sunshine at markets, not wearing masks, going on dates, congregating at parks and some even hosting house parties. The lack of awareness in these certain individuals has highlighted the prospect of responsibilization. Why do certain people dodge their responsibility in these difficult times? It’s one thing to be indifferent to statistics and warnings, and another to experience shame for contributing to the suffering and death of others, as hospitals run out of resources, beds and respirators. Corona has certainly emphasized people’s ability to relate emotionally to other humans.

6. What would you say to the thousands of Californians who are going to the beach, breaking social distancing rules, and even protesting at the Governor’s office? 

Please stop being selfish and adhere to the advice given. The consequences of lockdown are better than the consequences of coronavirus spreading unchecked with an unjustifiable amount of deaths. I believe many people don’t care about others dying if they’re convinced they won’t die from it or won’t get it. Them being inconvenienced is worse than others dying. I think that’s a problematic perspective. Just like you, I also want this lockdown to end but not too soon and with proper measures and precautions established before it does.

7. New York has survived 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis and recession. Do you think that New York is going to be able to recover from this?

New York and humans across many different continents, generations and cultures have survived multiple tragic events time and time again. I think we will recover from this fine and become stronger. Even if it will take some time, it’s important for people to understand that the whole world is experiencing this together, not just New York. It is through these tough times where we can all learn, grow and be more well prepared in the advent of another crisis.

8. What’s one positive thing that you have seen come from this situation, if anything?

The solidarity and camaraderie between everyone. During these stressful times it has been nice to see people come together to help each other, support the community, be charitable and give back. 

9. Being from Australia, how would you compare how they are handling this versus how we are in the US?

I have to commend the way that Australia has and is still handling the pandemic in comparison to the US. Australia was quick to take restrictive measures and imposed strict social-distancing rules as well as focused on ever expanding widespread testing. Even now, Australia has introduced testing for asymptomatic cases to be absolutely sure that they capture every case. Travel ban on domestic flights and international flights were put in place quickly which really slowed down the rate of cases increasing. I think the US could have prevented the severity of this situation had they taken the same precautions.

10.  Why did you decide to stay in New York, rather than going back home?

Initially I decided to stay in New York as I had invested 3 years here and fell in love with the roughness of the city, the diversity, the people, the mentors and friends I’ve connected with as well as the opportunities that New York had to offer. I suppose I fell trap to the sunk cost fallacy while trying to stay optimistic about the situation but inevitably I reflected and decided to be realistic. I ultimately chose to return back home to Australia instead to be with my family, be in a more financially stable position and have more control over my career aspirations without being limited to my visa restrictions.

11. I know there have been an awful amount of cases of racism against asians and Asian-Americans during this crisis. Have you experienced any of that?

In my personal experience, I haven’t had any incidents of racism towards me but I suppose I also haven’t interacted with many people since I’ve been cooped up at home. As a Chinese Australian I have no doubts in the future that even after all this dissipates, the attitude towards me will change a little due to my ethnicity and background. I can say that I’ve witnessed a bit more bias against Asians during the unfolding of the pandemic. There seems to have been a shift in behavior where people are blaming Asians for the Coronavirus pandemic. Interactions and trust has dwindled, unfortunately I’m certain this will affect Asian businesses such as grocery chains, nail salons etc. Paradoxically, I’ve also witnessed some Chinese people talk about Westerners in a devilish and racist light when Chinese Officials started to blame the US army for the Coronavirus. This goes to show the absolute power and influence media can have on the populace.

Interviewed by Andrea Tulcan.