When the first COVID-19 surge hit NYC, the world watched as the city became the epicenter of the virus for the United States. Things got so bad for a time that relief agencies set up expanded treatment centers in Central Park to help manage the patient overload
We got through that difficult time together. It wasn’t always easy, and many people lost loved ones along the way. Even then, it was comforting to know that the city had your back if you were enduring difficult times.
Some people decided not to stay in NYC when the surge struck. They used their means or opportunities to move away, with thousands going to various communities throughout the United States.
Now that those vaccination programs are active, are people coming back to the city? Are these efforts helping us to stay safe?
NYC Exerts a Gravitational Pull on Its People
Although the people who fled the city in 2020 often fell along class and race lines, we also know how strong the love for NYC is with every resident. Some communities, especially Brooklyn Heights and SoHo, saw their residential population drop by over 40% because of COVID-19 activities.
When a neighborhood has a block where the median income was $90,000 per less, very little movement occurred.
With pre-pandemic routines arriving soon, former NYC residents are asking themselves a lot of questions. Should I move back to the city? Is it still the right place for me?
For many professionals and families, the answer has been a resounding “no.” Although you can still find the stories of people who are ready to come back, many found that rural or suburban life was better for them. They rediscovered their love for gardening, baking, or having a home with more than two rooms to enjoy.
There’s also the shaming aspect that happens on social media. If you fled because of the coronavirus, some individuals say that you’re no longer a real New Yorker.
Even with those challenges, many people who left have moved back to the city. The actual number of returns is challenging to track, but we do know that rental costs are starting to rise once again.
Are the Vaccinations Having Their Intended Effect?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use effectively prevent the illness. This treatment option is seen as an essential tool to stop the pandemic.
The recommendation is for everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available for you to use.
Research into the use of mRNA vaccine effectiveness is reassuring. The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech inoculations offer the same real-world protections as the clinical trials showed. Even if you only get one dose of a two-shot regiment, you get at least some short-term protection against the coronavirus.
Although the Johnson and Johnson vaccine does show the rare potential for having blood clots for up to several weeks after getting the shot, the benefits are seen as outweighing the risks.
We also know that large-scale clinical trials found that vaccination programs prevented most people from developing COVID-19.
That means as 2021 progresses, vaccination campaigns will help to reduce the chances of spreading the virus to vulnerable populations. With fewer infections happening, the coronavirus may have less time to develop problematic mutations.
This progress means that NYC might be opening for business again by the end of the year. We’re all looking forward to what 2022 offers!
What Does This Information Mean for Today?
If you moved from New York City because of COVID-19, it might be time to consider coming back. Whether you stayed in an Airbnb, crashed with family or friends, or lived in your vehicle to maintain your health, the world is changing for the better with today’s vaccination programs.
As your trusted NYC movers, we offer the professional services you need as you come back into the city. We can also help you relocate into a new home with our local moving services or provide temporary and long-term storage for certain belongings.
We also provide a full range of commercial moving services for your convenience.
If you stayed in NYC throughout the pandemic, we would applaud your courage and tenacity. It hasn’t been easy to manage the various restrictions, lockdowns, and quarantines.
When you had the opportunity to leave and chose to take it, we’ll be waiting to welcome you back with open arms. Once you’re a New Yorker, you’re always one.
