The Big Apple and the Big Sigh: Counting COVID's Toll in NYC
Ah, New York City. City that never sleeps... except for maybe that whole spring of 2020, when everyone was curled up in their apartments hiding from a microscopic menace. You know what I'm talking about: COVID-19. It hit the Big Apple harder than a rogue bagel delivery guy on a busy Friday.
So, the question remains: exactly how many folks did COVID take from this fair city? That's a question that's got even the pigeons scratching their heads.
The Official Tally: A Number to Sober You Up Faster Than a Cup of Cold Coffee
According to the NYC Department of Health, as of April 18th, 2024, the official COVID death count sits at a sobering 40,258. Ouch. That's a lot of people who won't be enjoying a slice of cheesecake in Katz's Deli anymore.
But Wait, There's More! (Because in NYC, There Always Is)
Now, some folks like to play detective with data, and they've come up with this fancy term: excess mortality. Basically, it means more people died than usual during the pandemic. Not everyone who died in that time period can be confirmed as a COVID case, but hey, the numbers tell a story. Estimates for excess mortality in NYC range up to around 50,000.
So, What's the Real Number?
Truth be told, it depends on who you ask. The official count is a good place to start, but the true number might be higher. Finding the exact number is trickier than finding a decent parking spot in Midtown.
The Short Answer is... We Don't Know for Sure
But hey, that shouldn't downplay the fact that COVID hit NYC hard. Let's remember those we lost and keep each other safe. Here's to a future where the only thing spreading in New York City is laughter... and maybe the delicious scent of halal carts.
Stay safe out there, folks!
