The percentage of positive COVID test results in New York City dropped fast over the last several days, strongly suggesting the Omicron/Delta surge is passing. Roosevelt Island registers much better than average.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
As of January 10th, when the city’s positive rate hit a high of 22.1%, Roosevelt Island was behind the curve at 20%. A relatively small difference, but when you look at neighborhood by neighborhood results, the community was among the lowest in the city. The Omicron/Delta surge jammed many others near the top.
Roosevelt Island’s high vaccinated rate of 91% – fully vaccinated, 81% – plays a role as does awareness created by the increased presence of PSD officers in Tram cabins and on buses. Where they were once a common cause for alarm, maskless passengers are now rare.
Perhaps the greatest impact came from elected officials, City Council Member Julie Menin and State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, pitching in mobile testing, KN95 face mask handouts and vaccine awareness. Both filled in where a characteristically absentee RIOC remained mostly asleep at the wheel.
While local statistics lag, New York State Department of Health reports show the city positivity rate plunging to 18% by the 12th. Roosevelt Island almost certainly followed that sharp downward trend.
A quick aside on vaccinations
Getting vaccinated is a personal choice, even though it affects everyone around you. But a glance at recent statistics is an eye-opener.
The most recent results from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show a 7-day average of 189 COVID-19 cases among vaccinated people. Compare that with a stunning 757 among the unvaccinated. Not convincing enough? The comparison among those hospitalized is more dramatic: 25 unvaccinated to 3 vaccinated.
The message is clear: Get vaccinated. It’s good for you and, also, everyone around you.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
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- Queens Home Prices and Rents Rise in October 2026 as Long Island City Condos Draw BuyersQueens home prices and rents rose in October 2026. See StreetEasy’s housing figures and Long Island City condo contract activity at Radiant and Vesta.
- Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 ChangesMedicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
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