Let's come together, while we're apart

“…[While] we may be asking New Yorkers to distance themselves physically, we're asking them to come together emotionally.” - Dr. Oxiris Barbot, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

During a week in which uncertainty continued to spread palpably through the air, Dr. Barbot offered us all an affirmation of certainty. As many of us shift routines, let’s be there however we can for those who will be hit the hardest.

Shutdowns of small- and mid-sized retail and service businesses across cities have left countless people in a dire situation — an instant loss of their livelihoods, without pay or health benefits. History has shown that such losses across diverse groups are linked inextricably to long-term wealth gaps, ultimately influencing future socio-economic security, mobility, and well-being — particularly for communities of color.

These might be the coworkers who worked with you at your last job. The people who serve your favorite meal at the restaurant down the street. The staff at your gym where you've built community and grown stronger. The folks at your local barbershop or salon who help you look and feel good. And the list goes on.

Our energy as individuals should drive collective action, and it can make a tangible difference, not just physically but emotionally — and economically — for the more vulnerable. Supporting income stability today for the disproportionately affected will have a far-reaching impact.

Let’s take this opportunity to care for our health and help offset the negative impact felt by those we rely on across our communities. They will face increasing challenges in the coming weeks, months, and well beyond.

Simple steps you can take

1. Purchase restaurant and store gift cards now, even if you expect to redeem them at a later date, and increase tips on takeout and delivery, as often these do get distributed amongst staff members.
2. Pay regular dues for recurring services, even if the services are temporarily not being rendered.
3. Reach out to your city, state, and federal representatives to seek urgent support for those disproportionately affected by furloughs, layoffs, and other economic hardship in the near term.
4. Be mindful of those you interact with throughout your day, and check in to see what else you can do to ease their burden.
5. Share resources that will help you and others stay healthy and connected. A few that I've found helpful this week: (1) App-based wellness, (2) Video meetups with distant friends, (3) Official updates locally, and (4) Music, music, music.

Now is the time for us to be there for each other. Because today we may be apart — but one day soon, we’ll come together again. And be all the better for it.