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
- Neighborhood Notes: Weekly Changes and Community Moments Across Roosevelt Island and BeyondNeighborhood notes on weekly changes and community moments across Roosevelt Island and neighboring areas, including emergency response, community events, new developments, and local reflections.
- Queens Neighborhood Developments Through a Roosevelt Island LensDiscover recent Queens neighborhood developments through a Roosevelt Island perspective—including local safety, rezoning, community responses, and campaign updates.
- How Community Connections Shape Daily Life Between Roosevelt Island and QueensDiscover how community connections shape daily life between Roosevelt Island and Queens, from public safety to local events, culture, business openings, and neighborhood milestones.
- June on Roosevelt Island: Crowds, Celebration, and Quiet MomentsJune on Roosevelt Island brings city crowds, neighborhood celebrations, and reflective moments that shape our community life. Discover how these rhythms impact daily life this June.
- A Week Rooted in Community: Daily Life and Neighbor Connections on Roosevelt IslandThis week, daily life and neighbor connections on Roosevelt Island come into focus with stories of parks, transit, public safety, and community rhythms shaping the summer.
“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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