Roosevelt Island COVID rates for infections remain under 1% but a rise is likely. Cooler weather brings us indoors, giving the Delta variant more chances for spreading. Good news, though – our vaccination rate is decent and boosters are here.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
For Now, Roosevelt Island COVID Rates Are Under Control
Recently, the Department of Health reports only one positive test for COVID for Zip Code 10044, on average. You can see why.
Roosevelt Island’s relative remoteness gives us a buffer against infection similar to what we get with crime. Because we’re still part of a crowded city, our protection’s not complete, but it’s always a plus.
But a good part of it is a credit to a community that looks out for each other. Without a word from drivers, for example, Red Buses cruise Main Street routinely with every passenger, even children, masked. Late in the summer, RIOC’s Public Safety Department stepped up its presence on buses and in Tram cabins. Enforcement increased awareness, good enough for good neighbors.
That’s not saying we can’t do better, though.
Where Do We Stand on Vaccines?
Although Roosevelt Island is doing well fighting off COVID infections, our vaccination rates lag behind every nearby community. Our community vaccination rate is 79.1% for first does, not enough for herd immunity, but every neighboring community in Queens reports from 85 to 100%. We can do better.
And last week, the Food and Drug Administration okayed vaccine booster shots for all adults. You can even mix and match between Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, although a six month wait after your second shot is required. Johnson & Johnson’s single shot vaccine requires only a two-month wait.
Getting fully vaccinated and seeking a booster will improve Roosevelt Island COVID rates and make everyone safer. The City’s helping with websites that indicate regular locations for getting shots and where pop up vaccine sites are open daily. (Duane Reade/Walgreens, the only Roosevelt Island resource, is Moderna only.)
- Click here for vaccine mobile and pop up sites, updated daily.
- Or just enter your Zip Code at the City’s Vaccine Finder website.
Let’s push Roosevelt Island COVID rates even lower on our way back to normal.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- 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.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
- How Queens News Shapes Life on Roosevelt Island This WeekExplore how Queens news shapes life on Roosevelt Island, from major fire responses to local court cases and housing initiatives, reflecting the rhythms and routines of our shared city life.
- Queens Community Updates: Transit Projects, Public Safety, and Neighborhood EffortsQueens community updates including transit projects, public safety developments, and neighborhood efforts, with special relevance for Roosevelt Island residents.
- How Roosevelt Island Responds to Change and Challenge Across the East RiverExplore how Roosevelt Island responds to change and challenge across the East River, reflecting on community adaptation, safety, transit, civic life, and neighborhood rhythms.
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