March 24, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A new hotline to report hate crimes and xenophobic-based incidents has been set up in the wake of the coronavirus spread and anti-Asian rhetoric. It comes after an uptick in the number of bigoted attacks against Asian Americans, according to Attorney General Letitia James, who announced the service Monday…. Read more »
March 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York State will send hundreds of thousands of masks, gloves, gowns and face shields to New York City, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. The incoming supplies will ensure hospital staff in New York City can adequately protect themselves– and patients–as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise…. Read more »
March 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin The Long Island City-based nonprofit City Harvest is in need of volunteers as more New Yorkers are going hungry due to job loss related to the coronavirus. The organization — which takes leftover unused food and redistributes it to the hungry in New York City — is looking for… Read more »
March 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that the city is considering releasing “hundreds” more inmates to slow the spread of coronavirus at its prison facilities. The move comes after the mayor announced last week that 40 inmates from Rikers Island were set to be released on Friday. On Sunday… Read more »
March 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Finally some good news for New York straphangers – MTA bus trips will now be free while New York fights the coronavirus pandemic. The MTA has announced that it has suspended fare collection on all of its local and select bus routes in order to keep its drivers safe… Read more »
March 23, 2020 By Christian Murray New York State has closed all the playgrounds, athletic courts and sports fields that it administers in Long Island City. The state, which manages Gantry Plaza State Park and a number of courts and playgrounds in Hunters Point, has shut down these facilities like it has done so across… Read more »
March 21, 2020 By Christian Murray New York State has conducted more coronavirus tests than any other state, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this morning. He said the state has performed 45,000 tests to date, much higher than the states of California and Washington–each having performed 23,000 tests. He said on a per capita basis the… Read more »
March 20, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The Queens Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website to help small local businesses battle the impact coronavirus is having on trade. The new website, QueensBest.org, lists restaurants throughout the borough that are offering delivery and takeout service during the crisis. The government has already shut most businesses… Read more »
March 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York will essentially shut down on Sunday in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, following an order Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in Albany today. All non-essential businesses must close or have all employees work from home and New Yorkers should stay home as much as possible…. Read more »
March 20, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care providers will shutter across New York state from 8 p.m. Saturday. It comes as almost 4,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the city with 26 fatalities, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on… Read more »