NYC Hosts ‘Homecoming’ Mega Concert in Defiance of Delta Spread

Concert celebrates city’s comeback with Springsteen, LL Cool J
Health experts split on path forward for big public events

Earth, Wind and Fire perform a soundcheck in Central Park, a day before the concert, on Aug. 20. Photographer: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

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By Yueqi Yang

August 20, 2021 at 8:35 PM UTC

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In late July, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled a mega concert in Central Park that’s set to be a “once-in-a-generation” event to mark the city’s comeback from the worst of the pandemic. That celebratory mode is now dissipating as Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are once again rising in the city.