Readers nominated two new additions to the Maskless Hall of Shame, and they sent photos. Disregard for the health and welfare of everyone else still plagues Roosevelt Island.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Reports confirm a growing frustration with unvaccinated and face mask refusing folks. Not only are they endangering others, especially children, they’re retarding a return to normal because, through their carelessness, they spur an upswing in new cases.
It’s a tyranny of bad neighbors and poor citizenship affecting us all, but we hoped RIOC might step up, at least for Roosevelt Island. They have not, at least not enough.
Rumors were around, but this is the first photo I saw…

…of a maskless Red Bus driver.
Not really a shocker for the public safety operation that still can control bicycles
But top of the list for the Roosevelt Island Maskless Hall of Shame…
From today…

What makes her special? Let’s let our reader tell her story.
Waiting for a Tram on the Manhattan platform, she saw this woman, the only violator in the crowd, and hoped she’d mask up before boarding.
She didn’t.
“I sent the operator over to her with a mask,” our reader said.
“She held the mask for a few seconds in front of her face but never put it on. She thought somebody was in front of her, and the driver would not see.”
Editor’s note: As part of his responsibility for his passengers’ safety, the operator has an obligation to see. Especially when already alerted to the behavior.
“She took the mask away. That was when I took the photo.”
But the story didn’t end there, though. Instead, it took a humorous turn.
“But now comes the strangest part. The tram arrives at the Island, and she puts the mask on as she leaves the Tram.
“How stupid can a person be?”
We can’t answer that yet, but the bar is getting higher and higher.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Queens News Roundup: Public Safety, May Day, and Summer Music Reach Roosevelt IslandCatch up with our Queens news roundup, including public safety updates, labor actions, and summer music events making an impact on Roosevelt Island this week.
- How Citywide Changes Shape Daily Life on Roosevelt IslandDiscover how citywide changes shape daily life on Roosevelt Island, from policy shifts to community safety, events, and local routines.
- How Queens News Impacts Daily Life on Roosevelt IslandHow Queens news impacts daily life on Roosevelt Island, from public safety updates to neighborhood festivals and health care developments. Discover the ripple effects of our neighboring borough.
- 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.
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