April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The number of Queens residents killed by the coronavirus is inching towards 4,000, according to city data released today. In total, 3,915 people have died from the virus in the World’s Borough as of yesterday evening, according to the city’s Department of Health. The figures consist of 3,002 people… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin A new COVID-19 testing facility opened at a pediatric urgent care center in Forest Hills on Monday. PM Pediatrics at 70-20 Austin St. is offering testing to adults and children through appointments booked in advance. Anyone interested in a test must be evaluated in advance to determine whether it… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The inmate population in New York City jails has dropped below 4,000 for the first time since 1946, following the release of approximately 2,000 prisoners as a result of COVID-19. Mayor Bill de Blasio and City officials have released inmates who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications —… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City will honor the healthcare workers and first responders fighting the coronavirus with a ticker-tape parade once the pandemic is defeated, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. “When that day comes that we can restart the vibrant, beautiful life of this city again, the first thing we… Read more »
April 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin Two Queens lawmakers are demanding that essential workers receive hazard pay for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and State Sen. Jessica Ramos sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and other state leaders on April 14 urging them to use a portion of the… Read more »
April 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin Three Queens Council Members have called on the governor to close New York City’s mass transit system for at least a week, only to have the suggestion quickly shot down by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Council Member Robert Holden penned a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and MTA… Read more »
April 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio has canceled all parades, concerts, festivals and events in New York City scheduled for June as the coronavirus pandemic continues to change daily life. De Blasio announced the cancellations at a press briefing from City Hall today– just a week after cancelling all city-permitted May… Read more »
April 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City is increasing its COVID-19 testing capacity by adding new test facilities to each of the five boroughs, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. In Queens, one testing site opened today at York College in Jamaica and the previously announced testing site at Queens Hospital in Jamaica… Read more »
April 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that he is cancelling all nonessential events next month — including parades, street fairs, rallies and concerts — amid the coronavirus outbreak. The mayor said that June events are also unlikely to take place, adding that he can’t envision thousands of people gathering… Read more »
April 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that he plans to slash billions of dollars from the city’s budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins July 1. He has proposed cutting $2.7 billion in funding to ease a loss of tax revenue that the city estimates to be $7.4… Read more »