Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

New Yorkers left confused over lighting up of Empire State Building

'Our signature white lights will be replaced by the heartbeat of America with a white and red siren in the mast for heroic emergency workers on the front line of the fight'

James Crump
Tuesday 31 March 2020 17:43 BST
Comments
Empire State Building puts on light show to honour emergency workers during the coronavirus pandemic

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Empire State Building has paid tribute to emergency responders amid the coronavirus pandemic, with a light display planned to look like a siren.

While some found the display a heartwarming gesture to those tackling the virus, others found it unsettling.

The official Empire State Building Twitter account tweeted early Monday evening that the event was going to take place.

“We’ll never stop shining for you. Starting tonight through the COVID-19 battle, our signature white lights will be replaced by the heartbeat of America with a white and red siren in the mast for heroic emergency workers on the front line of the fight,” the account posted.

But many were still caught unaware when at 9pm the building started flashing, causing some momentary panic.

Twitter user @thisisnique tweeted in reaction to a video of the tower: “It’s almost like they want to spread panic,” and user @Nayleta added that “just living in NYC right now is anxiety inducing. Empire State Building: hold my beer.”

Others praised the message the lights sent out, but were less impressed with the outcome.

“The intention is great, but the effect is terrifying,” tweeted @tdciago, and @Ann_Isik suggested the lights were “impressive, though I wouldn’t like to be living in an apartment close by, in self-isolation with a flashing red light and siren to put up with!”

User @lksriv praised the project but suggested it just needed a bit more thought, saying that “it looks like a red siren. I see it from my apartment and it sends the wrong message. I love the thought and the intention behind it. But please think of a different color and cadence to bring us all together.”

The display was praised by some with @42rebelheart​ tweeting: “Chills. Thank you to all emergency workers fighting for us.”

New York is currently struggling with the outbreak, having reported the most cases of Covid-19 of any state in the US.

Figures from the Johns Hopkins University show that New York has seen at least 1,200 deaths related to the virus.

According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, upwards of 164,785 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the US. The death toll has reached at least 3,173.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in