Across New York City, coronavirus cases doubled since June, but Roosevelt Island has, so far, bucked that trend. Department of Health statistics look positive for the future, too, although some weakness remains.
By David Stone
According to reported tests for the week ending July 11th, not a single positive result came from residents in Zip Code 10044, that is, Roosevelt Island.
It’s a rarity. Of the city’s 178 Zip Codes, just four others showed 0% of infections. 191 were tested, down by about half from springtime levels.
And it went against the grain because, since mid-June, city coronavirus cases jumped from a low of .54% to 1.34%. That’s more than double.

Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Cases
Exceptions stand out locally with reports of passengers ignoring face mask rules on Red Buses, but the vast majority show more neighborly consideration.
And while RIOC’s support for anti-infection efforts dropped precipitously after last year’s change in administration, residents and organizations were generally excellent.
The CBN/RI Senior Center reopened with care, and Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance resumed performances with precautions firmly in place. No known coronavirus cases resulted from either.
But then…
The single note of concern is relatively minor. Roosevelt Island’s fully vaccinated rate, at 64%, remains significantly lower than most nearby areas in Manhattan and Queens. Neighboring Zip Codes are almost all well above 70%, several above 80.

Click here for testing sites nearby.
Find out where vaccines are available nearby, including Duane Reade at 425 Main, next to the subway, here.
Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- NYC Yellow School Bus Shortage Disrupts Back-to-School PlansA potential NYC yellow school bus shortage could affect back-to-school transportation and schedules as classes begin. Learn how families, schools, and city officials are responding.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Suspected in Hunters Point High-Rise: FDNY RespondsA lithium-ion battery fire is suspected in the Hunters Point high-rise incident that prompted a major FDNY response, with a second Queens fire following at Ravenswood. Officials are investigating both events.
- NYPD Shooting on Brooklyn Bridge: What Happened and What Comes NextA look at the NYPD shooting on Brooklyn Bridge: what happened, how the investigation is unfolding, and what NYC commuters can expect as reviews continue.
- Gloria Steinem’s Passing Sparks Personal Tributes on the Upper East SideGloria Steinem’s passing on the Upper East Side was marked by personal tributes and quiet remembrance, reflecting how a national figure’s legacy unfolded in a local community.
- Upper East Side Response to Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Scrutinized by City CouncilCity Council scrutinizes the Upper East Side response to Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, focusing on communication, prevention, and public health protocols in dense neighborhoods.
The WIRE: Two Futures, One Empty Chair
It is December 6, 2015, and David Stone is writing to Dr. Jack Resnick about a chair that will soon be empty. Dick Lutz is preparing to leave the Main Street WIRE, and Stone has been encouraged to ask whether he might replace him. Seven years of covering art, Cornell Tech and questionable practices inside Public Safety have taught Stone how the paper tells an Island story.










