Sun seekers are sick of social-distance shaming
It’s the quarantine walk of shame.
People looking to beat the coronavirus lockdown blues with a bit of fresh air say they’re instead being pelted with tongue lashings and sinister stares by social-distancing die-hards as tensions reached a boiling point over the sunny weekend in the city.
On Saturday, the NYPD doled out dozens of summonses to park-goers for not spreading out and photos purportedly showing people crammed into the grassy area on the Christopher Street Pier in the West Village added fuel to the fire. The neighborhood started trending on Twitter as critics took aim.
“Shame on my fellow NYC residents who were hanging out like Floridians in the West Village today,” Russell Drew wrote on Twitter. “It’s easy to stay at home when it’s March and miserable. Much harder to stay at home when it’s May and marvelous.”
But while many folks stepping out are adhering to proper protocols — such as maintaining 6 feet of personal space, wearing masks and washing hands frequently — some say they’re still getting chewed out.
Sarah Javed of Midtown was with her husband and two kids, ages 3 and 1, drawing with chalk in an empty parking lot when she was accosted by a stranger.
“A lady across the street yelled at us for being outdoors and threatened to call the cops,” Javed, 30, tells The Post. “We said ‘do it,’ [but] they never came, so I assume they ignored her.”
The social-distancing shamer was yelling at the family for not wearing masks, despite the fact that “nobody was within 100 yards of us,” Javed says.
On April 17, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a mandate requiring everyone over the age of 2 to wear masks in public when social distancing isn’t possible. So, to Javed, she wasn’t putting anyone at risk, she says.
Joggers are another target for the outdoor whistleblowers.
“As a runner I . . . sense disapproval from some with whom I share the trail,” says Jill Gaebler. “I want everyone to feel comfortable when enjoying the outdoors, but also believe we need to have more understanding with each other during this crisis.”
For now, criticism lives largely online, where people flock to vent.
“In my experience, the fiercest shaming happens on here,” user Christoph Schilling wrote.
One Twitter user urged their followers to stay home last week.
“I am BEGGING ya’ll to please stop going outside so I can shake my ass in the club . . . I NEED y’all to do this ONE thing,” they wrote.
It’s no surprise that the confusion surrounding safety has emerged as public health info continues to be updated and changed.
The New York State Department of Health actually says it’s smart to go outside, as long as you take distancing measures.
“Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, garden, ride a bicycle or visit a park are healthy ways to stay active, spend time with your family, and reduce stress and anxiety while engaging in social-distancing strategies,” the DOH Web site states.
People should: maintain 6 feet of distance; avoid playground equipment and bike sharing; refrain from touching their eyes, nose and mouth; and always wash their hands for at least 20 seconds immediately after coming back inside.