April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show will go on this year despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. “One way or another, the show will go on,” he said at his daily briefing. “One way or another we’re going… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Six new COVID-19 testing sites are opening to serve residents of public housing in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. Three testing sites will open in community health centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx on Friday to serve NYCHA residents and three will open next… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The inmate population in New York City jails has dropped below 4,000 for the first time since 1946, following the release of approximately 2,000 prisoners as a result of COVID-19. Mayor Bill de Blasio and City officials have released inmates who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications —… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City will honor the healthcare workers and first responders fighting the coronavirus with a ticker-tape parade once the pandemic is defeated, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. “When that day comes that we can restart the vibrant, beautiful life of this city again, the first thing we… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin A Long Island City-based company is producing 3,000 “bridge” ventilators for New York City hospitals, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. Boyce Technologies, a high-tech engineering manufacturer located at 47-22 Pearson Pl., is producing the machines that are being used to treat patients with less severe respiratory symptoms. Critically… Read more »
April 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin Two Queens lawmakers are demanding that essential workers receive hazard pay for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and State Sen. Jessica Ramos sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and other state leaders on April 14 urging them to use a portion of the… Read more »
April 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin Three Queens Council Members have called on the governor to close New York City’s mass transit system for at least a week, only to have the suggestion quickly shot down by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Council Member Robert Holden penned a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and MTA… Read more »
April 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio has canceled all parades, concerts, festivals and events in New York City scheduled for June as the coronavirus pandemic continues to change daily life. De Blasio announced the cancellations at a press briefing from City Hall today– just a week after cancelling all city-permitted May… Read more »
April 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City is increasing its COVID-19 testing capacity by adding new test facilities to each of the five boroughs, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. In Queens, one testing site opened today at York College in Jamaica and the previously announced testing site at Queens Hospital in Jamaica… Read more »
April 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin A prominent Long Island City-based plastics company is manufacturing protective face shields for healthcare workers battling COVID-19. Plaxall — a neighborhood mainstay for 70 years and a well-known property owner— is currently coordinating with city and state officials to distribute face shields for local hospitals. Paula Kirby, the managing… Read more »