Oblivious of the health peril that had already crept into the hospitals of NY, I was happily taking these photos a few miles away. Yes, you heard it correct- right when doctors were treating the first suspected coronovirus case in NY East Coast, I was roving the streets of NY with my photographer taking photos.
The first case in NY was admitted to the hospital on February 3rd and February 6-8th I was in NY for Fashion Week. I was aware of this respiratory virus that had already affected China, Singapore and Iran by early Feb, but little did I know that it had already made it's way to the Big Apple. Now, that I have been reading more articles about this deadly virus, it came to my knowledge that the first case in NY was reported on Feb 3rd. At that time even the medical practitioners weren't sure if it was the coronavirus cuz one, there were no tests being done and two, we all were under the impression that we won't cross paths with this virus. Thanks to all the downplaying of this virus by our Government.
Unfortunately, US now leads the entire world with over 370,000 plus confirmed cases as I am writing this post, NY being the epicenter of this pandemic. The second case of NY was confirmed on Feb 25th and it was the scariest moment of my life. I felt like my heart was in my throat and I was suffocating. The second confirmed case was an attorney who lived in NJ but traveled everyday to NY for work. He would get off at the Grand Central Terminal every morning and board the train from there back to NJ. When this case was disclosed, people who would commute via the Grand Central station were advised to quarantine and monitor their health.
For a minute, I went into complete silence. The virus had reached us and the earliest confirmed case traveled too and from the Grand central terminal where I was taking pictures exactly 17 days ago. I did not how to react. I had sat on the steps inside the station, touched the stair railings, leaned against the wall, put my handbag on the floor, I had done all that is now considered a sin in light of the way this virus spreads. What did that imply- was I infected and had infected all those who came in contact wth me post that? My head felt like a big gong and all these questions, concerns and fear like a mallet hitting hard against the gong.
I knew the only way to alleviate all that stress was by calming myself down. I reached out to my physician out of concern and narrated the whole situation to her. She asked me a few questions and it was a sigh of relief when she informed me that I was past the incubation period and as I had no symptoms I was healthy. But that doesn't mean I am safe? This virus primarily spreads through droplets but there are other ways it could spread and it is still under scrutiny. We are taking all precautions and utmost care while handling stuff that comes from outside. The NY episode was alarming and a lesson that we should not take things for granted. Every single day is a blessing and we all need to do our part in keeping ourselves, our loved ones and our society safe. SO STAY HOME AND SAVE LIVES!