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
- Community Rhythms and Neighborhood Steadiness on Roosevelt IslandExplore community rhythms and neighborhood steadiness on Roosevelt Island, from public safety updates to art, weather, and the everyday connections that keep island life vibrant.
- How Roosevelt Island’s Steady Daily Life Connects With City ChangesExplore how Roosevelt Island’s steady daily life connects with city changes, from safety incidents to neighborhood campaigns, and how island routines shape our shared urban rhythms.
- Mother’s Day Weekend on Roosevelt Island: Warming Up to CommunityCelebrate community during Mother’s Day weekend on Roosevelt Island. Discover how neighbors gather, new spots like Citarella, and the warmth of the season.
- How Queens News and Community Events Influence Roosevelt Island Daily LifeSee how Queens news and community events influence Roosevelt Island daily life, touching on public safety, housing changes, and neighborhood connections.
- June News Highlights: Roosevelt Island and Queens Community UpdatesGet the latest June news highlights from Roosevelt Island and Queens, including community updates, local safety, rent discussions, transit negotiations, and celebrations.
The Line That Didn’t Land
I stood in the back of Good Shepherd Chapel on the evening of April 15, 2026, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, watching people adjust scarves and jackets before the meeting began. Benjamin Jones, President and CEO of RIOC, thanked us for attending and, without a pause, said he was “pleased to host tonight’s town hall on the city’s demolition of its steam plant.” The demolition, in other words, was not up for discussion.
