MOS: Tourists in Times Square (6)

Times Square Area:

1. Mariana Rodriguez, Maryland, 25 -

• “I don’t really notice anything different [post pandemic] . Everyone is still really close around and none of our friends are wearing masks. We haven’t gone into any places so we don’t know if we’ll be denied since we don’t have the vaccine.” *at this point I took a step back
• “We’re here with my boyfriend, he’s actually riding bikes with this huge group around the city, I’m sure you’ll run into them. They’re all over the streets it’s around 100 bikers. They’re all on pedal bikes going on all the busy streets and over all the bridges”

1. Emma Rodriguez, Maryland, 18 -

• “I’ve been to New York City before and I honestly don’t think it’s that different now. I love coming to see all the views and people watching. It’s sort of difficult now though with all the masks, I miss when I would see people yell and scream, I love to watch all the New York City drama.”

1. Chris Walker, Canada, 51 — When asked what he’s noticed about post pandemic New York

• “Everything’s pretty accessible.. All things considered. We’ve gone to concerts, they check our vaccines and then we’re able to do what we want so it’s [their trip] actually been pretty cool.”

1. Kelly Walker, Canada, 60 -

• “Well everybody’s wearing a mask”
• “Some of the service has seemed slower just because there doesn’t seem to be enough staff. Like some restaurants are closing early so staffing definitely seems to be an issue, but it’s still a good experience overall.”

1. Sierra Rogers, New Jersey, 18 -

• “There are a lot of people out on the streets. I actually didn’t come into the city when COVID was really bad just because I really thought it was unsafe. But like now that I’m here it doesn’t seem to have slowed down. I mean at least not in Times Square.”

1. Sabrina Rey, New Jersey, 19 -

• “There’s not enough people wearing masks at all” *she said to me while sitting without a mask on*
• “We come into the city a lot just to shop and visit, I’m happy that bars and clubs finally reopened. I think it’s super important to sort of keep the city going.”

1. Troy Beckson, 36, Miami-

• “I haven’t been to the city since probably 2015 and I’m not sure whether it’s just early or because it’s Sunday, but I feel like no ones here”
• “I’m here with a couple of my buddies and we haven’t had any trouble with COVID restrictions, I mean we’re all vaxxed”
• “I kind of wish I was in the city during lockdown, it would’ve been cool to see all the empty streets”