Carousel Spin Brings On Pandemic Memories of a Year Ago

Binghamton Mayor Richard David's traditional spin on the Recreation Park carousel to start the summer season May 27 provides an opportunity to reflect on all that has transpired over the past year when the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding.

The annual mayoral turn on the merry-go-round with some students that has been a tradition for decades was not possible leading into Memorial Day weekend of 2020.

The ride was, again, one of the events that was canceled last year due to safety concerns surrounding the unknown nature of how the coronavirus was spread.

A year ago, municipalities were quickly closing down playgrounds, and taping off equipment after at first telling parents they should just social distance with their children and consider wiping down equipment between children using it. Basketball nets were taken down to discourage people from playing ball and getting too close and all the area’s historic carousels were shut down.

Organizers of events that pressed forward were looked at with shock and a degree of fear and distain over the possibility of putting large number of people at risk of contracting a deadly disease.

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A May 26, 2020 article concerning an outdoor race in Pennsylvania (Susquehanna County Dirt Track Defies Pandemic Shutdown) reflected just how uncertain thing were and how, already, even the local population was split over the seriousness of a disease no one had heard of and certainly had no idea on how it was spread or could be prevented.

Protocols and guidance for those vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who are not continue to change.  Stay tuned to WNBF and check frequently here for the latest on news concerning the pandemic and recovery as well as locations for getting vaccinated around the region.