Morton’s story is a common one in the Bronx, which has been hit harder by the virus than any other place in the New York City metropolitan area.

Data released by city health officials Monday revealed that the virus has killed at least 155 people living in the zip code that covers the complex.

Despite its locale, Co-op City also has some small-town feel, the kind of place where residents spend their working years, retire, and never leave.

We are essential workers for the city of New York,” councilman Andy King said while handing out face masks to residents waiting in a line to enter a Dollar Tree store.

The three community centres run by JASA, a New York organisation serving seniors, were shut down, not only making it harder for many of the 12,000 Co-op City residents 60 or older to get meals but also halting an important part of their lifestyles.