Likely tied to a recent bulge in visitors on Roosevelt Island, many maskless, coronavirus infection rates again jumped dramatically. And new threats from crowds of cherry blossom lovers may sustain the trend.
With coronavirus infection rates leaping over 25% to 2.31%, this week, Roosevelt Island lags behind dozens of other communities in controlling the now yearlong outbreak. In the week ending April 13th, 9 out of 389 tests were positive.
And Roosevelt Island also showed a worrisome decrease in testing.
All statistics are provided by the New York City Department of Health.
As we reported earlier, residents complained bitterly when visitors enjoying the fresh air during spring break removed their face masks on arrival. Families donning masks required for Tram and subway riders pulled them down or removed them in public areas.

RIOC‘s Public Safety Department reportedly refused to act.
The current city rate of infections is 5.34%, and in Manhattan, it’s 2.49%.
Overall, Roosevelt Island, which for months was among the five best communities in infection rates, is no longer in the top twenty-five.
In other local news…
- This Week’s Roosevelt Island Community Updates Beyond the TramDiscover this week’s Roosevelt Island community updates beyond the tram, from public safety and hospital news to festival highlights and neighborly stories.
- How Queens News Impacts Roosevelt Island Routines and Community LifeExplore how queens news impacts Roosevelt Island routines and community life, from public safety updates and election changes to housing assistance and local celebrations.
- What’s New Across Western Queens: Safety, Community, and Spring at Our DoorstepExplore what’s new across Western Queens this week, including safety updates, casino developments, real estate, and local dining—news that shapes Roosevelt Island life.
- A Full Week Across the River: How Roosevelt Island and Queens Lives IntersectA full week across the river shows how life on Roosevelt Island connects with Queens—covering public safety, legal updates, G train disruptions, and neighborhood events.
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
As the Dust Settles
The way the wind cuts across the river this time of year. The way older buildings hold heat but never quite hold air. I told myself that was why my chest felt tight again on certain mornings. Age, perhaps.










