Opinion: Attacking COVID-19, a virus that discriminates: What we owe forgotten essential workers

New York is in stasis during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, yet not all residents are heeding the guidance of local, state and national public health experts to help prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. Last week, photos surfaced of a crowded group of passengers on the No. 2 train during 6:00 p.m. rush hour.

While some of the riders wore masks, it was unavoidable for straphangers to maintain adequate social distancing because for these riders, it was the only feasible mode of transportation to jobs that required them to physically be there. And why, you might ask, reading this from the safety and comfort of your home, would there be such images of fellow New Yorkers unable to emulate your example of staying at home? In Manhattan, the most affected community is Washington Heights and neighboring communities.