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
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
- Tuesday’s PSD blotter: noise calls, a harassment reportRIOC’s Nov. 10 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents, all on Main Street, including four noise complaints, a harassment report and one hospital transport.
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
- A new RIOC appeals officer denied records on how its general counsel was hiredA different RIOC appeals officer denied records on how RIOC hired general counsel Lance Polivy. RIOC’s internal deliberations on the hire stay withheld.
Free at the Door, Paid Somewhere Else
The Red Bus is one of Roosevelt Island’s most popular public services, and for good reason. For residents near the subway and Tram, it may be a convenience. For residents at Manhattan Park, the Octagon, Coler and the northern WIRE buildings, it can be the connection that makes the rest of the Island accessible.
