In a third day of COVID testing and vaccines, Roosevelt Islanders waited again in a long line, the length of Good Shepherd Plaza. It was a microcosm of what the recent infection surge brought to New York as well as across America.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Third Day of COVID Testing and Vaccines
Scattered complaints marred a success story of Roosevelt Islanders meeting the challenges as a community, standing tall against the spread of COVID.
Keeping things in perspective, a month ago, many residents faced a choice. Either take a risk on public transit or go without testing altogether. Then, after listless RIOC failed to respond effectively, two politicians stepped in and brought a testing van here.
Julie Menin, elected to the City Council in November, hadn’t even taken office yet before wading in. And State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright came through on a promise to push until help arrived. While long, cold lines and RIOC’s gross failure in refusing to let people waiting hours for tests to use nearby restrooms, Menin and Seawright stood out, standing up for residents.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
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- 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.
- Community Safety and Resilience on Roosevelt Island and BeyondCommunity safety and resilience on Roosevelt Island and beyond are reflected in how our neighbors, institutions, and leaders quietly respond to challenges and sustain local life.
“I Can Ask”
Chair Fay Christian opened the Operations Advisory Committee on February 12th, reading out member names from a prepared sheet that omitted Melissa Wade. It didn’t feel intentional, but it struck me as odd precisely because it came from something prepared. Lydia Tang gently corrected her, noting that Wade was, in fact, a member of the committee. Wade met the moment with grace, or perhaps she simply wasn’t bothered by it.
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