Pandemic Reflections, Two Years On
COVID-19. It feels like it became COVID-20, then COVID-21, and now COVID-22. Here we are, recently marking a milestone none of could have ever contemplated: the two-year anniversary of the pandemic’s arrival in the United States.
I recognize that even reading that line might be tiring. It’s hard to fathom that 24-months have passed. And sometimes, it isn't. So much has happened and changed that it feels impossible that it could have all have been compressed into that window of time. And there are moments that feel like we've been living this for a long, long time.
The first of my 'weekly updates' emails was shared as the lockdown began. New York City announced changes on Friday the 13th with schools and many businesses shutting down beginning the following Monday, March 16th. Over the course of that weekend, we worked with our board of directors to fashion the Foundation's response which included seven actions - among them: adding one year of funding for all of our grantee partners, "Plus One" as we called it; offering still somewhat unknown Zoom accounts to grantee partners; and advocating for easing of grant restrictions - which resulted in the COVID-19 Pledge that more than 800 foundations across the country signed.
But it was our NYC nonprofits that made the real difference: continuing to support, work in, and serve communities during an incredible time of need despite the uncertainty and so much being unknown. 2020 will be reflected upon as a moment where unprecedented change was propelled on many fronts: health, race, equity, climate, technology, politics, and more.
I was recently reflecting on the 'early days' and it brought up some memories:
Realizing which workers were really “essential.”
Being warmly welcomed in a bank branch wearing a face covering bandana that made me look like a bank robber.
Wiping down groceries dutifully after watching YouTube videos on how to do it properly.
Leaving mail in the hallway for an additional day to make sure it was safe to handle.
Hoarding toilet paper, disinfectant, masks, and hand sanitizer (or hand sensitizer as my Mom says).
Seeing kids and their families try to adapt to remote learning.
Witnessing the transformation to online shopping by the number of Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and FreshDirect trucks on the road.
Adding furry friends - pandemic pups and corona kitties – to our homes to keep us company.
Seeing many New Yorkers flee the city - temporarily or permanently. (I was the only one in my building for seven months).
Learning new acronyms like WFH, PPE, KN95, and PCR.
Thanking frontline workers each night at 7pm by cheering, sounding noisemakers, and clanging on pots and pans.
As we start year 3, I hope that the cheering can continue for a different reason—moving to a better, more livable phase of COVID reality. May we all continue to be nimble, flexible, and face the unknown with a sense of strength and peace.