Red and white beat in the heart of New York City as the Empire State Building honors those risking their lives to fight the coronavirus.
The iconic landmark lit up with siren-like colors to recognize first responders and medical workers battling the epidemic in the deadliest location.
As of Tuesday morning, New York has reported 914 deaths.
Watch the display below:
New York's Empire State Building was lit up like an ambulance siren on Monday night in tribute to medical workers fighting coronavirus.
— CNN (@CNN) March 31, 2020
The Empire State Realty Trust said the lights symbolized "America’s heartbeat and a siren of red and white". https://t.co/sK9NGk0fgE pic.twitter.com/SuZa16b8EG
Anthony E. Malkin, Chairman, and CEO, of Empire State Realty Trust, released a statement commenting on the display.
“The Empire State Building has always served as an international symbol of hope, of challenges overcome, and of New York City itself,” said Malkin, adding, “With iHeartRadio, the radio network of America, she provides comfort and inspiration to New Yorkers, America, and the world.”
The building will play iHeartMedia’s Z100 with a light show to Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind,” through April 2.
Each light show will begin with an interview showcasing personnel courageously battling the coronavirus.
Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia, also released a statement.
“New Yorkers always find a way to unite and encourage one another during challenging times,” said Poleman, adding, “Our hope is to continue to provide some comfort to our listeners through the healing powers of music, as we show our country’s resilience and strength with a music-to-light show through New York icons Z100 and the Empire State Building.”
New York City is enforcing strict guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday the city will fine residents who violate social distancing rules up to $500, as IJR previously reported.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) reported President Donald Trump is being “very helpful” to the state, as IJR previously reported.
Trump tweeted his response to Cuomo’s comments.
“New York Governor Cuomo says President Trump has been ‘very helpful.’ … Thank you, everybody is working very hard!” Trump tweeted.