More than two months after New York went on PAUSE, the state is finally starting to reopen again. For the first time since late March, COVID-19 deaths in New York fell below 100 in a single day, down from over 800 at the peak of the outbreak. The reopening plan is a gradual one, with an emphasis on data benchmarks that must be met, including hospitalizations and death rates.
As a Brooklyner, I am cautiously optimistic. It is a relief to know that the worst of the first wave of the pandemic is weeks behind us, but NYC’s population density and reliance on public transportation makes us particularly susceptible to a second wave. Until there is a viable vaccine, millions of Americans are vulnerable to catching and spreading the virus, and so, we must all be cautious, no matter where we live.
In the meantime, Governor Cuomo continues to send out daily NYS Coronavirus Update emails, which include a “Deep Breath Moment” which shares something positive happening in New York or the world at large. In April I shared some of Cuomo’s deep breath moments, and here are more moments to celebrate as we recover from the first wave of the pandemic and work to protect ourselves from a second.
(graph from gothamist.com) 
In May, Governor Cuomo Shared Even More “Deep Breath Moments.” Here are some of them.
- Restauranteur Luca Di Pietro and his team have delivered more than 64,000 meals to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his for-profit initiative, Feed the Frontlines NYC, Di Pietro has raised more than $1.46 million to buy meals for healthcare workers to make their days a little easier—and a little more full of lasagna.
- The Albany small business Yamaguchie started using their 3-D printers to manufacture face masks, asking customers for donations to cover the materials, and helping keep their community safe—and stylish.
- On May 8, Northwell Health celebrated the discharge of their 10,000th COVID-19 patient, 31 days after the health system experienced the peak of the pandemic’s surge in New York.
- The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens now offers a virtual exhibit with stories and photographs from the trailblazing musician’s life.
- On May 9, Albany presented a Virtual Tulip Festival in place of its annual event which normally draws tens of thousands of people. Various musical artists give at-home performances in a more-than 5 hour long YouTube video. The tulips themselves are featured beginning at the 1 hour 14 minute mark.
- Since Christian Siriano’s fashion house started making face masks in March, the designer and his team have donated more than 50,000 masks to local first responders. You can donate to the efforts here.
- On May 11, Tina Fey hosted #RiseUpNewYork, a coronavirus relief benefit which raised more than $115 million for the Robin Hood Foundation. The hour-long benefit can be watched in full here.
- Although the elderly have been especially vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, many elderly people have survived their bout with the virus, including the 106-year-old Queens resident Frances Abbracciamento who celebrated her 107th birthday in May.
- James Madison High School in Brooklyn celebrated their 750 graduating seniors by hanging portraits of the 2020 graduating class on the fence around the school. Read how other 2020 graduates are being celebrated around the country.
- SUNY alumni have come together with various initiatives to aid their communities during the pandemic. One of their efforts, Food for the Frontline, is providing meals for healthcare workers and other essential employees in New York state. As of May 15, they have raised nearly $50,000 and delivered 9,000 meals.
- The Susquehanna SPCA brought some four-legged friends for a window visit with residents and staff at the Chestnut Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Oneonta, New York, to brighten their day with doggy smiles (and someone in a cat suit).
- On May 19th, an EMT and paramedic got married in Times Square during a live-streamed ceremony which aired on Good Morning America. Read how other couples are celebrating marriages during the pandemic here.
- Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old British vet who raised millions for the U.K’s National Healthcare Service, will receive a knighthood in recognition of his achievements. Read more about Capt. Sir Tom Moore here.
- The New York Public Library has released an “auditory love letter to New Yorkers” with Missing Sounds of New York, their collection of audio tracks that evoke a crowded city park, noisy neighbors, rush hour traffic, and other hustle-and-bustle soundscapes of the New York that was—and will be again.