What does May 1 mean to you? Especially outside the U.S., the 1st of May is known as International Workers’ Day or (International) Labor Day. [Some might still hear echoes of “Workers of the world unite!” when thinking of May 1.] Indeed, there’s a lot to say about the history of this day, but for years now, people (again, mostly outside the U.S.) associate this day with the beginning of warm weather (but not quite summer just yet), and the revival it usually brings–picnics, BBQs, and the like.
This year, here, in the NYC area, May 1 was a beautiful, sunny, and warm weekend day. And yet, Covid-19 managed to cast a shadow on this particular day, too, as it has done with each and every holiday and celebration so far.
Garden State (NJ) reopened its state parks on May 1. Parks like Liberty State Park allow people to take long strolls, while also easily social distancing. So, like others, this past weekend I got out of the house and went to the park, for some much-needed air.
Here are a few images:
I have to say, while in Liberty State Park and also in general, I try to capture the coronavirus pandemic, without getting into people’s faces. Many people wear masks and keep a safe distance from others, but some don’t. And I can’t help but wonder why….
This May 1 was a beautiful day that allowed us to come to life in more ways than one. What happens next, guess we’ll have to wait and see.
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Stay safe and well,
Alina Oswald 
Good to hear you managed to get outdoors for some fresh air, Alina.
In Australia, we’ve been told that healthy people wearing masks doesn’t protect you. The mask is meant to be for anyone who coughs or sneezes so the droplets don’t hit surrounding people. Also the mask is meant to remind you not to touch your face, especially if you’ve touched any potentially contaminated surfaces.
I had to go out Monday for the first time in about 4 weeks (since I last went to pick up medications) and I didn’t wear a mask, but I did wear some latex gloves and cleaned my debit/credit cards after each use. I’m one of theose people who’s always taking their glasses off to clean the smears and scratching my nose or forehead, so in theory, I’m someone who should wear a mask, but I decided to opt for the gloved hands instead.
I suspect our strict social distancing and people staying at home or working from home in Australia had a very positive impact. We had our borders (even state borders) closed very early on. I think D.T. should have closed borders and put in place lockdown and social distancing earlier, but some people don’t seem to listen to the experts it seems.
Stay well and safe, Alina 🙂
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Hi Vicki,
Always great to hear from you! Thanks for sharing. I hear you, my face starts itching and my nose running the moment I put my mask on, lol! And I do wear glasses, too, which makes the entire task of putting on/wearing mask even more difficult. [sigh]
I have the feeling that in Australia (and other countries) people follow the rules much more than many do, here. Still, I’m surprised to see that a lot of individuals here in the NYC area do follow rules. I do wear mask and gloves when going grocery shopping and do clean my cards and keys afterwards, too. It doesn’t make for a pleasant experience, but, hey, it is what it is. In the NYC area we have to wear masks and follow social distancing rules when inside the grocery stores, as well as when out in public and around other people. Yet, this is not really enforced. Joggers in particular don’t keep their distance at all and don’t wear masks. They basically bulldoze through crowds if they have to, and you have to avoid them, but that’s difficult when joggers come from behind and you don’t see them until the last minute. Again, it makes for a stressful (or at least unpleasant) experience for the rest of us who’re just out for a short, relaxing walk (there’s nothing really relaxing about it). The times we live in…. But, like you, I do believe in listening to experts’ advice and doing all we can to stay safe.
Thanks again and you stay safe, too. 🙂
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