Cate Corcoran

As other areas in New York State begin to reopen, New York City remains on lockdown despite some easing of restrictions.

Brooklynites are meeting up with friends outdoors while observing social distancing despite confusing messages from officials.

Unemployment claims reached 2.4 million in the last week, bringing the total since the shutdown to nearly 39 million claims, or 14.7 percent

Some private mortgage lenders have voluntarily started offering relief to COVID-stressed homeowners that parallels federal programs.

So far the city has met three of seven required benchmarks to reopen, as experts debate the likely extent of the economic fallout.

Large numbers of people in Brooklyn are out and about without masks, and a whistleblower warned another mortgage-related financial collapse could be coming.

The state order to stay at home has been extended to May 28 for New York City, although other areas upstate are beginning a partial reopening.

Coronavirus may be with us forever, more aid is needed, real estate has defrosted slightly, and the virus could change home design for years to come.