Don’t penalize the businesses that have been following the rules.
I understand the need to keep New York from going back to the quarantine hell we experienced in March and April. I am one of the many SAG-AFTRA performers (and crew) who was put out of work by the shutdown. I also lost my job teaching at the gym where I taught for 22 years. Right now new restrictions are being put on restaurants and bars to close by 10pm, with indoor dining going back to 25%. The problem is not with the establishments that FOLLOW the rules. It’s the house parties, public gatherings, protests (no matter who you voted for) without masks, and people traveling into NY, NJ, CT and PA…these are the REAL CULPRITS.
I, like many, lost my livelihood and even my health insurance. Restaurants and bars are struggling even with the 50% capacity. Food establishments, and other businesses, including the film industry and gyms have been taking great precautions to keep their doors open and keep everyone safe. I have to take no less than 2 PCP tests for every project I work on. Some projects require hotel quarantines from 2 days to 8 days prior to working. Hearing that “gatherings of no more than 10” may be implemented sends a shudder down my spine. There is a difference between a “house party” gathering and a crew and cast for a film set. Masks and PPE are worn except when “rolling”. Takes are 3 minutes or less on average, and masks go right back on. We are separated in “holding”. Crew stays in “pods” so that they quarantine in small groups. My fear with this new restriction is that filming, gyms, restaurants, and bars will once again be victims for people who have nothing to do with any of the above who take it upon themselves to have house parties, street gatherings, protests and celebrations without masks.
Please, if you must gather, WEAR A MASK. Do not hurt the business who have fought so hard to obey by every rule.
Kama Linden is a singer-songwriter with 4 studio albums, the newest being, “Everything In Good Time”, releasing in Summer 2020. She is also an actress, fitness instructor, freelance photographer, and has a fitness book: “Healthy Things You Can Do In Front Of The TV”.
Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/…/everything-in-good-time/1517559501
Bandcamp:
https://kamalinden.bandcamp.com/alb…/everything-in-good-time
Spotify:
