Kelly Kreth

Alejandro Mendez lost his life to coronavirus in late April, after an entire career spent serving as a doorman for our 500-unit complex on the Upper East Side. We rightfully honor first responders and healthcare workers, but all over New York City, there are people like Alex who remain on the job and are risking their lives without hazard pay or protective gear.

With gyms closed—even ones in buildings—and meeting in person with a trainer not an option, lots of New Yorkers have come up with efficient –and even wacky ways—to get their workouts in at home. Some New Yorkers are finding they have the time to try new things or exercise more than ever during the coronavirus shutdown. Here’s what they're doing.

If you don’t have a washer and dryer in your New York City apartment, you may be spending your coronavirus quarantine stressed about the best way to deal with dirty socks and undies. And even if you are lucky enough to have a laundry room in your building, you may be too scared of being in a close quarters to use it. Here's some advice on how to get your clothes clean without freaking out.

Let’s face it: While we all felt somewhat virtuous for repurposing the plastic bags we got from stores, in reality we weren’t doing our planet any favors. Maybe this bag ban could be an opportunity to change our ways. But first, we need to get through the coronavirus pandemic.

Gabriella, a native New Yorker, enjoyed sharing an artist’s space in Bushwick. But when she became a single mother, she moved to Morningside Heights to be closer to her family, and so her son could enjoy living in a spacious apartment. Here’s Gabriella’s story.

Nadine has lived in the East Village for 38 years and has seen a lot of change, including major new stores and a new entrance to the L train. She says, "while these new things certainly can make my life easier in many ways—transportation and affordable wares—there are indeed downsides." Her neighborhood feels more anonymous and more like a mall.