The surge of the Delta variant has prompted New York City and state officials to take swift action. This week, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recommended that residents of the city wear masks when inside with crowds, even if you’re vaccinated.
De Blasio said, “We want to strongly recommend that people wear a mask in indoor settings, even if you’re vaccinated.” The mayor added, “This is particularly true of course if you might be around anyone unvaccinated.” De Blasio emphasized, “Vaccination, vaccination, vaccination, that’s the ballgame.” He offered a $100 financial incentive for people to get their shots. City workers won’t have a choice, and will be mandated to get vaccinated. Additionally, all new government hires will have to show proof of vaccination or else they can’t start their jobs.
There will be folks who are comforted by the masks and enhanced efforts to get people vaccinated. However, we may witness unintended consequences. Afraid of catching the new Delta variant strain, many people may refuse to return to the city for work.
If large numbers of people elect to stay home, and not venture into the Big Apple, the ecosystem of restaurants, bars, barbershops, retail stores and an array of other businesses could be severely adversely impacted. Small mom-and-pop shops, as well as national chains, are already reeling from the long shutdown and hanging on by a thread. With far fewer people working in the city and less businesses around, there could be a downward death spiral, as more people continue to move out and additional business closures occur.
Source: Forbes