As one who works there daily (at least through March 13), it's no surprise to me. Packed subways and commuter trains. Streets jammed with pedestrians. Huge lines queued up at lunchtime hour at restaurants and food trucks. Crowded elevators. Then you have three major airports bringing in people from all over the world. Up until Trump did the travel ban from China, nearly 10 jumbo planes an hour on average came into the NYC area from China.
So not surprised this is the hardest hit area.