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In March 2020, New York Citybased comedian Bryan Yang had a few jokes about COVID-19 in his set.
Yangs wife is a nurse, and they took precautions to avoid contracting the virus.
Still, they both got it later that month, just as the pandemics first wave hit the city.
At one point, he could only breathe with the assistance of a CPAP machine.
Now he cant fathom performing stand-up indoors.
Oh my god theyre letting me out of the hospital after two weeks.
Covid is no joke.
It almost killed me.
Thank you EVERYONE from the bottom of my heart for the messages they made me feel so good.
So happy to be going home.
I cant believe it.
Then,in August,the SLA clarifiedthat no bar or restaurant could have advertised and/or ticketed shows.
Cuomos office never responded totheir list of demands and detailed proposal.
It didnt make a bit of fucking difference.
If Cuomo actually looked at what hes doing, hes driven everybody underground.
If it were just for the love of comedy, I would say, Grow up.
Weve got a pandemic on our hands.
That translated to under 30 people in the rare event of a sellout.
I have friends of friends who own locations whove had straight COVID violations, like no masks.
The decision wasnt an easy one.
You look at the numbers, 80 percent of people who contract COVID have zero symptoms.
Out of those who contract it, its a global 3 percent death rate.
So thats great odds.
I mean, its ruined a lot of peoples lives, those who were killed or permanently affected.
But its also ruined a lot of peoples lives on the other side of the coin, like mine.
The question comes up: Is it worth even one life to continue?
Life is priceless, thats a fact.
But its one thing to go by caution, and its another thing to go by fear.
He acknowledges that comedy clubs arent essential businesses but is furious at Cuomos stance.
Its a slap in the face, he said in December.
To treat us that way, like we dont matter, thats what hurts.
You expect more from people that you elect to office to not make you feel like theres no hope.
It was a huge church.
The pastor was behind it.
I think were doing good.
Things look better than they did in mid-December, now that COVID-19 vaccines are beginning to roll out.
No comedy clubs were included.
In early December, New York City Council passeda billthat will bring back outdoor shows starting March 1.
In the meantime, rents, mortgages, and utility costs have to be paid.
Crews said she believes the near future is promising, while acknowledging the havoc 2020 wreaked.
Hopefully, well be able to stave off the bill collectors.
Its a lot to hope for for 2021 being a much brighter, better year for all of us.
We cant get lives back we can get our economy back.
Until then, people in the scene are going to do what they feel they have to do.
The sad part of it all is that we all want to do the right thing, Italia said.
Were just not able to.
It turns a blind eye to what draws people to New York.
Thats why people come to the city, he said.
The past 11 months have left him with few options to survive.
What Ive experienced, he said, its a fucking struggle right now.
