by: T. Logan Keown

It’s 7 p.m. on a Fall 2019 Saturday evening in Syracuse, New York, and Milanne Wischmeyer is with friends getting ready to go out while listening to “Juice” by Lizzo. Exactly one year later, she’s lucky if she changes or does her makeup after work.  

Early in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape outside everyone’s front door. Some states in the U.S. have started allowing nightlife destinations to reopen, but there are drastic changes. New York State mandates social distancing, no dancing, and capacity limits on bars, clubs and restaurants. Some people choose to stay inside, but some choose to go out, perhaps chasing a sense of togetherness in a socially distant world.

Scenes of downtown cityscapes are emptier. Important restrictions are in place for bars and restaurants: physical distance must be maintained between tables, customers in different parties, and employees; individuals must wear face coverings except when customers are seated with their party of 10 or less; and capacity is limited to 50%. Even though the state allows the 50% capacity, it may not be enough to support bars and restaurants. 

“I feel bad for all of these local businesses that are struggling to keep their doors open,” says Milanne Wischmeyer, a Central New York local who is choosing to go out despite the changes. “My favorite bar, Wunderbar, a safe, queer space, is struggling financially because of the restrictions.”

The impact of COVID-19 created economic turbulence for bars and restaurants, especially those who rely on nightlife. According to a study published by Statista, only 35% of New Yorkers say they are very or somewhat comfortable with eating in an indoor area at a restaurant.

Wischmeyer is understanding of the restrictions and changes due to COVID-19, but still misses dancing with her friends and the carefree normalcy of the pre-pandemic world.

 Dancing and socializing are a staple of nightlife. Bars and clubs are open, but there’s no dancing. Adherence to guidelines put in place by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, along with other entities such as the Liquor Authority and Department of Health, do not permit social interaction outside of the same seated party.

“The major difference is the dancing is gone,” remarked Jack Hall, a friend of Wischmeyer. “Now, if I go out, it’s one or two friend and we try to be really careful about everything.”

Hall and Wischmeyer are both unsure of what exactly should happen to recover fully from the COVID-19 pandemic, but they both agree that community safety is the priority.

New York State has put in place multiple initiatives to help stop the spread while also allowing businesses to reopen.