This was said last year too, but let's start 2022 with hope for a much better year than last.
We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby
Best Wishes to you all for A Happy and Healthy New Year in 2022.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Wednesday December 29, via video conference.
You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island issues during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Submit your written question or comment here.
But be aware that RIOC Board Members and staff usually do not respond to questions during the Public Session though they sometimes may do so or address the subject during the actual Board meeting.
There was no response from RIOC Directors or staff to any of these submitted comments read by RIOC General Counsel Gretchen Robinson.
Watch the video below of the Public Session followed by the RIOC Board meeting in which the RIOC Board approved the 2022-23 Budget and appointment of Debra Kustka to the Position of Vice President of Operations of the Corporation.
RIOC Board Meeting - December 29 2021
A resident submitted this question wanting to know why RIOC does not enforce mask mandates at local stores which was not read.
I asked 2 questions, neither of which were read:
The NYC Mobile Covid 19 Test and Vaccine Van brought to Roosevelt Island by NYC Council Member-Elect Julie Menin and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright was needed and welcomed by Roosevelt Island residents.
But why did RIOC not make better plans for handling the long wait times of 3-4 hours in very cold weather outside in Good Shepherd Plaza for our elderly, disabled and other residents? The Test Line was long but there were only about 45 people on line at any one time.
Residents suggested created a numbering system so the tests could be scheduled and waiting on line time would be shortened.
Another resident suggested having line across the Street in the covered Roosevelt Landings Arcade.Or doing the Tests inside at the Chapel or elsewhere?
Does RIOC have any plan to improve the logistics of residents waiting next time the mobile test van comes to Roosevelt Island?
FYI - PSD Sergeant Hazelwood and the other officers assigned to the waiting line did a very good good job handling a difficult situation.
and:
RIOC has not answered numerous inquiries regarding the May 16,2021 drowning death of a swimmer at Sportspark pool.
What was the cause of the drowning death?
What was the response of Sportspark personnel to the drowning including any attempts to save the victim? Did RIOC have appropriate safety equipment available at Sportspark for a drowning victim? I understand that a swimmer who was a Doctor attempted CPR on the drowning victim - is that true? Did RIOC or any Sportspark personnel attempt any CPR or other lifesaving measures?
What safety procedures or policies has RIOC implemented in the 8 months following the drowning?
What was the age of the swimmer. Was the swimmer a resident or regular user of the pool?
Why has RIOC refused to answer questions about the Sportspark drowning incident?
RIOC President Shelton Haynes said during his President's Report to the RIOC Board that residents concerns about the long lines for the Covid 19 tests at the mobile site will be reviewed and addressed.
RIOC Directors and staff refusal to address residents concerns submitted to the Board Public Session on a consistent basis makes a sham to any claim of RIOC openness and transparency in communications to Roosevelt Island residents. As one resident who submitted a question to the RIOC Public Session yesterday that was not even read to the Board stated:
Rioc doesn’t do a good job. They don’t care about the residents of the island.When RIOC does not respond to resident concerns, what else can you say?
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp
(RIOC)
Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown regularly attends meetings of the Roosevelt Island
Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) chaired by
Erin Feeley-Nahem continuing the community policing policy practices established by former PSD
Chief Jack McManus.
Chief Brown reports to the PSC about recent PSD activities and learns about Roosevelt Island Public Safety concerns and issues from PSC members during these meetings. The dialogue is valuable in keeping lines of communications open between PSD and the Roosevelt Island community as well as an opportunity for the community to hear the perspective of PSD on a variety of issues.
Chief Brown told the December 21, 2021 RIRA PSC meeting attendees:
... I believe that this is one of the safest communities in New York City. The crime stats say that this is one of the safest communities in the city.
We had one grand larceny and two assaults for three crimes for the month of November and for the year we've had 12 felonies ... which means that the numbers in our community are are very very low...
... The one thing that is popping up on the Island are packages being stolen during the Christmas season....
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 29, 2021
Among the issues discussed at the December 21 RIRA PSC meeting with Chief Brown were:
Contact RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feeley-Nahem for more info or to attend a future meeting.
The Roosevelt Island Racquet Club invites you to start the 2022 New Year with their Adult Beginners Tennis Instruction and learn about the Variety of Programs available for Roosevelt Island residents.
Pam Glick, the new General Manager of the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, describes some of the Tennis programs available for Roosevelt Island residentstogether with former GM Steve O'Keefe.
Get on the courts and in the game!
Adult QuickStart Tennis makes it happen!
Start your fall the fun way – with tennis customized for adult beginners! You’ll get great exercise, meet new people and discover the game. Once you pick up a racquet, you may never want to put it down!
Here’s what you’ll get, right here at RIRC.
• Beginner and Advanced Beginner Adult Programs
• Learning that’s fast & fun
• Basics like rules, stroke technique, basic singles & doubles strategy
• Move on to racquet & rally skills
• Plus much more!
Just $249/for 9 full hours of group instruction!
Sign up today! Classes are forming year-round.
Contact Pam Glick at pglick@advantagetennisclubs.com or Tony Huber at thuber@advantagetennisclubs.com or call 212.935.0250 ext 811
Schedule your free tour and level evaluation.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors will meet 5:30 PM Wednesday December 29, via video conference.
You can watch the Board meeting here and ask questions or share concerns about Roosevelt Island issues during the opening Public Session before the start of the meeting. Submit your written question or comment here.
But be aware that RIOC Board Members and staff usually do not respond to questions during the Public Session though they sometimes they may do so or address the subject during the actual Board meeting.
Among the items on the December 29 Agenda are:
Long time Roosevelt Island resident Nancy Brown and her home health care aide Marilyn Thomas features in this article. https://t.co/NidygVx8Ds
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 27, 2021
According to City Limits:
Nancy Brown and Marilyn Thomas have been together for 24 years. Brown, who just turned 80, has been severely disabled since she was 7. Thomas, Brown says, “has to take care of me because I can’t take care of myself.”...
... But not many people are willing to do the kind of work Thomas does—not because they don’t want to, but because they can’t afford to. Almost three quarters—74 percent—of New Yorkers needing home health aides were unable to retain a worker in 2021, according to a report by the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State (CDPAANYS). The shortage forces many older and disabled people to go without the care they need, or remain in hospitals and nursing homes....
... Almost everyone agrees that low wages are a key reason for that. Home care workers in New York City made an average of $15.93 an hour in 2020, a report by City University of New York found. This falls far below what experts consider a living wage of $21.77 for a single adult in New York City, let alone for a person with children...
Click here for the full City Limits article
Nancy Brown is Vice President of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA)
Learn more about Roosevelt Island's Nancy Brown from this 2019 video directed by Andres "Jay" Molina of the Coler Hospital Open Doors project.
More on the critical shortage of home health aides due to low wages from CBS
New York.
Beautiful NYC sunrise view of Roosevelt Island Tram cabins passing each other and Queensboro bridge. https://t.co/gBIqqjk3gJ
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 27, 2021
Frank Bernard Gibbs was the seventh child born to Charles and Ann Gibbs on September 10, 1934 in the Bronx. Frank was predeceased by his siblings Angelita Brunstorff, Eugenia Mitchell, Inez Gibbs, Bernadette Bovell and twin brothers Isaac and Charles Gibbs.
Frank lived a full life in his short 87 years on earth. He was a tailor, a surrogate’s court clerk, a deputy boxing commissioner, community activist and loyal friend. He was a devout catholic and served as an usher at St. Francis Cabrini Church on Roosevelt Island. Frank always put his best foot forward. Many will see Frank in their minds eye dressed in a sharp suit and tie, shoes and a hat. He knew how to dress and would say ‘we got to look sharp’.
He talked of growing up in the Bronx and playing stick ball. Frank would visit the Bronx regularly to reminisce with friends and family. He worked at Strecker Memorial Laboratory on Roosevelt Island before it was developed into a residential community. The island made an impression as he left his beloved Bronx and made Roosevelt Island his home in the 1970’s.
Frank increased his family of friends and became family to many on this small island. Frank Gibbs made it a point to get involved in his community. He successfully worked to bring a farmer’s market to Roosevelt Island, he was a founding member of the Roosevelt Island Garden Club, he planned countless trips for the Roosevelt Island Seniors to Atlantic City, Ocean City, Niagara Falls, wineries, etc.
Frank enjoyed life, music, food, laughter and friends. His love of salsa music matched that of a Puerto Rican. He even walked the Puerto Rican Day Parade for many years. He could name drop with the best of them, but did not have to do that. His relationships with politicians and musicians were well documented.
He leaves to cherish his memories: sister-in-law Shirley Gibbs; nieces Deborah Gulledge, Shirlene Gibbs-Fletcher and Stacey Gibbs; great nephews Darnell Leslie and Georvhari Fletcher; great nieces Syretta Broden (Mathias) and ShirBriya Fletcher; great-great nephews Darren Leslie and Sadiq Broden and great-great nieces Matea and Serena Broden and so many friends.
Condolences to the family, friends and neighbors of Roosevelt Island pioneer Mr. Frank Bernard Gibbs.
Merry Christmas Roosevelt Island.
Reports are coming in of Santa Claus sightings from all around the world. You
can even follow Santa moment by moment as he travels around the world with the
aid of
Norad's Santa Tracker.
Santa will arrive on Roosevelt Island in a few hours. When he does, it may
be on his specially designed, Reindeer powered, Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin
sled.
It's a Christmas Eve tradition like no other: Darlene Love singing "Baby Please Come Home" on Letterman. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/oIYWRVTzwK
— Santa’s Sak 🎅🎁 (@mikesisak) December 24, 2021
and the Pogues Fairytale Of New York.
The Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market is closed Christmas and New Year's Day. It will reopen on January 8.
One Trick Records Thanks You For Supporting Live Music And Wishes You More Great Jazz In 2022.
Roosevelt Island is fortunate to have many talented musicians as residents and a community which appreciates and treasures them.
Among the very talented Roosevelt Island musicians is Ben Rosenblum who provided a wonderful treat for building residents at Riverwalk Place by performing with his friend Jasper Dutz last weekend in the building lobby.
Did you know the Accordion could play jazz?
>Here's more from Ben Rosenblum and Jasper Dutz from last weekend.
Learn more about musician Ben Rosenblum here.
The NYC Health & Hospitals contractor DocGo Mobile Covid Test and Vaccination Unit Van arrived for a Roosevelt Island week long stay at Good Shepherd Plaza last Monday.
While the mobile DocGo Covid and Vaccination Unit Roosevelt Island service was needed and welcomed this week, there were problems each day starting last Monday with long wait lines of 3-4 hours in the freezing cold.
Third day of 3 to 4 hour waiting on line in the cold for Roosevelt Island residents some elderly or disabled @NYCHealthSystem COVID mobile Test Van Site. No rapid test and ran out of at home test by 10:30. No more than 45 on line at any one time. https://t.co/2Bqfs4riQl pic.twitter.com/U3lmQjVw8o
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 22, 2021
Comments from Roosevelt Islander Instagram yesterday:
More suggestions for
improving the service next time on Roosevelt Island here.
Roosevelt Island resident Josina Baez adds:
Why did the residents of Roosevelt Island have to stand for many hours on a very cold and windy plaza, when across the street we have a covered and better protected sidewalk?What is so complicated that when it is your turn, a Public Safety officer guides you across the street to the DocGo van? There were many elderly and handicapped residents standing for 3-4 hours in bitter cold, that was dangerous, unsafe and unhealthy !
I did go to the Public Safety Office to ask if it was possible to make the move to the covered sidewalk and the answer was that “they” would take it into consideration.
NISI restaurant provided free hot chocolate which brought big smiles and greatly appreciated !
According to NYC Health Department, the most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 14 - 20 for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 932 people tested and 78 Positive Cases for a rate of 8.37%.
... 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 13 - 19 for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 980 people tested and 79 Positive Cases for a rate of 8.06%....
... 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 11 - 17, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 835 people tested and 51 Positive Case for a rate of 6.11%
7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 10 - 16, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 778 people tested and 36 Positive Case for a rate of 4.63%
7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 7 - 13 for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) - 813 people were tested and 33 Positive Case for a rate of 4.06%.
7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 6 - 12, when the Covid Mobile Test Van was here on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ), 973 people were tested resulting in 30 Positive Case for a rate of 3.08%.
7 Day Covid Testing Data from November 24 - November 30 for Roosevelt Island Zip Code 10044 shows 578 people tested and 15 Positive Case for a rate of 2.6%...
We are distributing at-home testing kits to those waiting in long lines at our brick-and-mortar #COVID19 testing locations as well as #NYCTestandTrace Corps sites throughout the city. Find a location convenient for you: https://t.co/xojG5eUxec pic.twitter.com/HLdyQd8Up4
— NYC Health + Hospitals (@NYCHealthSystem) December 24, 2021
Roosevelt Islander Instagram comments:NISI is a treasure for Roosevelt Island.
— Sher Conner (@SherConner) December 25, 2021
Looks like Santa is taking a nap
Have you been naughty or nice?
According to NYC Health Department, the most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 13 - 19 for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 980 people tested and 79 Positive Cases for a rate of 8.06%.
As previously reported the:
Here's today's update on the Roosevelt Island Mobile Covid Testing Site at Good Shepherd Plaza.... 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 11 - 17, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 835 people tested and 51 Positive Case for a rate of 6.11%
7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 10 - 16, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 778 people tested and 36 Positive Case for a rate of 4.63%
The 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 7 - 13 for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) - 813 people were tested and 33 Positive Case for a rate of 4.06%.
The 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 6 - 12, when the Covid Mobile Test Van was here on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ), 973 people were tested resulting in 30 Positive Case for a rate of 3.08%.
The 7 Day Covid Testing Data from November 24 - November 30 for Roosevelt Island Zip Code 10044 shows 578 people tested and 15 Positive Case for a rate of 2.6%...
Third day of Roosevelt Island @NYCHealthSystem mobile COVID Test van. 3-4 hour wait past 2 days. Long line of residents including elderly and disabled, already at 8:30 am stretching to East River. https://t.co/2Bqfs4riQl @JulieMenin @SeawrightForNY @NYCMayor @BenKallos pic.twitter.com/rRtoeHS1mC
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 22, 2021
@NY1 @Rooseveltisland @nycgov only spot for testing on all of Roosevelt Island’s printer not working. Hundreds of people in line can’t get a PCR test because of… a printer. Please help 😭😭
— Pearl Steinberg (@PearlSteinberg) December 22, 2021
Third day of 3 to 4 hour waiting on line in the cold for Roosevelt Island residents some elderly or disabled @NYCHealthSystem COVID mobile Test Van Site. No rapid test and ran out of at home test by 10:30. No more than 45 on line at any one time. https://t.co/2Bqfs4riQl pic.twitter.com/U3lmQjVw8o
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 22, 2021
Some good observations and suggestions from a resident commenting on Roosevelt Islander Instagram post today:
Anyone going to the RI free mobile testing van this week should get in line well before the posted closing time. The hours are advertised as 9:00 - 6:00 M - Th and 9:00 - 2:00 on Friday, Christmas Eve. Here is my experience from yesterday:
I arrived at 4:55 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21. When I arrived they were announcing that they were closing the line at 5:00. This happened last December when we had the mobile testing van here as well. They need to advertise closing time as the time the line will close, or keep the line open for the full advertised time. One or the other.
When I was 8 or 10 people away (after having been in line for over 2 hours) they tried to close down for the day. This also happened last year. Last year they said they finished at 6:00, which is why they closed the line earlier than 6:00. Not okay.
I recognized two of the people working there yesterday as the people I spoke to last year. Luckily for those of us left in line the PSD sargeant would not let them close and worked incredibly hard to make sure we all got tested. I don't know his name, but huge kudos and thanks to him.
Last year PSD was letting the folks who worked in the van take charge and when I complained said there was nothing they could do about it. This year PSD took charge and if not for the Sergeant's efforts, a bunch of us would have waited all that time just to be turned away when it was almost our turns.
I got swabbed at 7:40 p.m., exactly 2 hours and 45 minutes after I got in line. While I absolutely appreciate the efforts of @seawrightforny and whomever else was responsible for providing this service to Roosevelt Island (@rooseveltislandrioc, @nychealthsystem), there are too many problems with the administration of it, and the fact that there were similar problems last year, it is clear the system needs to be revamped.
There appears to be a manpower issue, the workers working too many hours and not getting proper breaks.
How about two crews who work 8 hours each, and switch off during breaks. That way there wouldn't need to be a shut down of service for the lunch break, the line could stay open until the posted time, and people could be served for as long as it took without the threat of shutdown after a long wait and without the worry of overtime for the workers.
There should be a separate line, and van, for vaccinations. I think it slowed things down and was confusing to do them both by the same team/out of the same van.
To avoid people standing in line for a long time in the cold and with no access to bathroom facilities, give people numbers representing their place in line and let them leave and come back. Or, better yet, text them 15 - 30 minutes prior to their turn.
I asked to use the church bathroom and was told no by PSD. Between the cold and having to go to the bathroom I was extremely uncomfortable during the wait. Finally, there is no excuse for running out of supplies. In summary, it's a great service, but the execution needs a lot of improvement. Given this wasn't their first rodeo, they should have learned from last year. PSD did.
Another Roosevelt Islander Instagram comment:
Shout-out to the staff of the NYC testing van. They work in the cold, with limited resources and answer all kinds of questions asked by frustrated people. Kudos to the RI PSD personnel, in their best role as peace-keepers.
Happy Holidays From Cornell Tech, Wishing All Our Neighbors On Roosevelt Island A Joyous Holiday Season And A Healthy Safe And Prosperous New Year.The Cafe And Parliament Holiday Hours:
December 20-23 Open 9am -4pm
December 24 To January 2 CLOSED
January 3-21: Open 9am - 4 pm, closed Sat 7 Sun
During the revised hour period we will have food made to order available until 2pm and all other items will be available until 4 pm.
The Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) Wishes Everyone A Very Happy Holiday And A Happy New Yar
Due to the recent surge in Covid cases, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reimposed a 55 passenger capacity limit on each Roosevelt Island Tram cabin yesterday.
Fortunately, both cabins are now running following the completion of the Tram maintenance project started November 15.
— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) December 20, 2021
UPDATE 5:05 PM - According to RIOC:
New York is currently experiencing a surge of COVID-19. In an effort to keep the Roosevelt Island community and our staff safe, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is taking the following precautions to help mitigate the spread:
- Tram capacity will be limited to 55 persons per cabin.
- There will be a 30-day pause in permitting. Previously scheduled/permitted events due to occur within this 30-day period will be canceled or suspended.
- The Roosevelt Island Youth Center (RIYC) will be temporarily closed for the next 30 days.
- RIOC will be working with our partners at the Food Pantry, Farmer's Market, and other businesses deemed essential to put COVID-19 safety protocols in place for the next 30 days.
As the current situation is fluid, RIOC will continuously monitor each area, reassessing them within at least 30 days and providing updates accordingly. As a reminder, passengers on public transportation, including the Tram and Red Bus, are required to wear masks or face coverings. Additionally, masks or face coverings are required in all RIOC facilities.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation in helping us keep the community and beyond safe during these challenging times.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday.
Sad news. Long time Roosevelt Island resident Eunice Tazuko Tamashiro Folla died
December
Eunice Tazuko Tamashiro Folla was a force of life, a radiant and joyful presence who devoted her life to loving, giving and educating – loving her children, her family, and her community, and giving all of herself to the education of young children.Born in São Paulo, Brazil to immigrant parents, Eunice navigated multiple languages and cultures from an early age, instilling in her an ability to appreciate the humanity in every person and to love and care across languages and differences. Eunice believed in building community and supporting others in all spaces she entered and engaged with. An immigrant to New York, she quickly became a beloved member of her communities and redefined family as one of countless immigrants far from their homelands. She was a true artist with profound aesthetic sensitivity and rife with intellectual curiosity. She was wildly hilarious in every language she expressed herself in and could make you laugh for hours with her endless jokes, wit and stories.
As the first generation in her family to go to college, Eunice deeply valued the transformative power of education and was a lifelong learner, earning her master’s degree in early childhood education while working full-time and raising three children in her adopted city, New York. She was a passionately engaged and treasured educator for many years, proudly carrying the title of Roosevelt Island pre-school teacher and giving 110% of herself to her profession every day.
Eunice navigated the world with an awe-inspiring sense of self and purpose, a radical comfort in her own skin that allowed her to care for and nurture others deeply. She embodied altruism and taught us that a life worth living is one in which you love fiercely and with your whole heart in service of others. A fighter to the end, she was a mother who honored all mothers. She saw humanity and potential in young and old. Her soulfulness and indelible impact will be remembered by those she touched through her love or her teaching. The sadness for saying goodbye so soon when she had so much more to give and to learn will be overcome by the memory of countless moments of joy she shared with family, friends, colleagues and students.
Eunice joins our ancestors, her mother, Hatsuko Kobashigawa, brother, Pedro Yoshito Tamashiro, oji, Taiyo Shiroma, and oba, Fumi Shiroma.
Our guerreira, we love and miss you every single day and hold you in gratitude for the years we were blessed to have with you on this earth.
Com amor, saudade, e gratidão,
Renato, Daniel, Diana, Leo, Elza e Luca and beloved “granddogs” Oscar and Lou
A Go Fund Me page was created to help the family with expenses:
Please consider making a donation of any amount meaningful to support Eunice's funeral and final burial expenses. Her wish is to have her final resting place be with her Mother and Brother in Brazil. Thank you!Condolences to the family, friends and neighbors of Eunice Tazuko Tamashiro Folla
HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY (R.I.H.S.)
GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS FOR THE FAMILY!!!
CHECK OUT SOME OF THE HOLIDAY MERCHANDISE AND HELP SUPPORT RIHS
Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance wishes the Roosevelt Island community joy, peace and love for the holidays, and a happy New Year filled with singing, dancing and merriment.
Start the new year with MSTDA classes and shows for all!!!
A NYC Health & Hospitals Covid 19 Mobile Test site van set up today at Good Shepherd Plaza to provide:
... Testing
PCR and Rapid Antigen tests will be available. Rapid Antigen results can be expected within 20 minutes while PCR results will take longer.
Vaccines and Boosters
First and second shot vaccinations, including Pfizer 12 years+ and Johnson & Johnson 18 years+, as well as boosters will be available...
At about 12:30 pm there was a long line of waiting Roosevelt Island residents.
I will contact the City’s Test and Trace now about this.
— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) December 20, 2021
Hoping @NYCHealthSystem can do better by our neighbors on Roosevelt Island. The island has a huge population of seniors and people with disabilities. For many, this is their only realistic testing site. Clearly, the demand is huge and H+H should adjust accordingly. https://t.co/qC87UNYDvp
— Billy Freeland 🚴♂️🚠 (@BillyFreelandNY) December 20, 2021
An Older Long Time Roosevelt Island Resident with underlying conditions reports:
I came down at 11:45 to get on a short line to get tested. I had been watching the line from my apartment since about 8:30 am; at one point the line seemed to extend to the river to allow for some physical distancing. Great Credit to Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) Sgt. Hazelwood & the other PSD officers for helping us out.
At 11:45, They were already out of the rapid tests, and then ran out of swabs for the PCR test — and were not sure they would have more swabs quickly. Someone started taking names & phone numbers of about 30-40 people on line so they could be called to come back when the swabs were received. And then they just stopped taking names & numbers ... and left the rest of us just standing there. A few minutes later we were told there were about 60 people to be called.
And then, they went on their lunch break from 1 to 2...
I’m pretty pissed, actually, because there seemed to be no effort of the Test folks to try to prioritize any of the folks on the line.
1. No accommodations for elderly or folks with disabilities or users of canes, walkers, etc. Although I saw two chairs outside the van I guess in case someone couldn’t navigate the steps of the inaccessible van.
2. No attempt to utilize the benches on either side of the plaza for folks who might need to sit while they wait.
Others commented on Roosevelt Islander Instagram:
At 4:30 this afternoon, the line stretched from Main Street through Good Shepherd Plaza almost to the East River at which time some residents were waiting four hours for a test.As of 4:45 they were out of rapid tests. They were giving out at home rapid tests but ran out of those too
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 20, 2021
Roosevelt Island resident Thom Heyer was on the line waiting for a Covid test in the cold. According to Mr Heyer:
NYC Health &Hospitals Corp President Mitch Katz reported during press briefing with Mayor deBlasio today:I was there for just over 3 hours (3--6:15pm)
I would have been there even longer except I was offered a "spit" version of the PCR test which I was able to do in line. (There were 4 people still in front of me + 3 people waiting for vaccinations)
I was also given a rapid test to do at home...
They definitely could use some work because it was very unclear why it was moving so slowly. Glad it's all behind me now
... Let me reiterate that the people who do the testing, whether it's at one of our hospitals or through a vendor, these are in fact heroes. They are coming very close to people with COVID without their masks on, because while the swabber has their mask on, the patient cannot, because you're swabbing their nose....
... we've now created an extra pool of people who we can send to replace people at lunch. People do have to take a lunch break, but it is – as you say, sir, it's on us to replace that person so that they can go and have their lunch. But that the testing line keeps moving. And with today, you'll see the sites will run better.
Once we have enough home kits – that was a huge way we would make lines better, by offering people home kits. They work quite well. And as soon as the supply improves on that, that will be another tool to make the lines go fast, sir.
The Mobile Covid Test van will be on Roosevelt Island this week Tuesday - Thursday 8 AM to 6 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM. No appointments, first come first serve for tests and vaccinations. There is a separate line for tests and vaccinations. The vaccination line was much smaller.
Many people on the line offered compliments to PSD Sergeant Hazelwood and the other officers on duty at the test site for the courtesy and help they provided managing the long line as best they could given the difficult queuing procedures not of their making.
UPDATE 9:10 PM - The most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 11 - 17, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 835 people tested and 51 Positive Case for a rate of 6.11%.
As previously reported, the:
... 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 10 - 16, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 778 people tested and 36 Positive Case for a rate of 4.63%....
The 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 7 - 13 for Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) - 813 people were tested and 33 Positive Case for a rate of 4.06%.
... The 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 6 - 12, when the Covid Mobile Test Van was here on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ), 973 people were tested resulting in 30 Positive Cases for a rate of 3.08%. ...
... The 7 Day Covid Testing Data from November 24 - November 30 for Roosevelt Island Zip Code 10044 shows 578 people tested and 15 Positive Case for a rate of 2.6%....
Roosevelt Island vaccination data here.
UPDATE 12/21 - Comments from Roosevelt Islander Facebook yesterday:
2nd day of 3-4 hour wait in the cold for Roosevelt Island residents waiting for COVID Tests at @NYCHealthSystem Mobil test van. Supplies of home COVID test ran out before 1. All day Line still long at 4 pm @NYCHealthCommr @JulieMenin @SeawrightForNY pic.twitter.com/ian0WypF2e
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 21, 2021
I arrived at the site at 7:45am this morning, naively thinking the situation from yesterday would have been remedied. There were about 40 people ahead of me. I finally got my test done at 12pm. There was a period of about 2 hours where the testing line did not move at all.
— Megan (@Megan76898121) December 21, 2021
5 hours and waiting….massive chaos this morning. No shots being given out at moment but no one wants to say why. Waiting in line is now more dangerous at these temps? https://t.co/s84lWlbSPC
— RonShuler (@ron_shuler) December 21, 2021
My symptoms started with a slight dry cough on a Monday. On Tuesday, I woke up sick and got tested. (I was double vaxxed, not boosted). Wednesday morning, I found out I was positive. Within a few hours, I got a call from @NYCHealthSystem Test and Trace Corps.
— Chelsea Watson (@chelsea_wats) December 20, 2021
Then, they shared the free resources available:
— Chelsea Watson (@chelsea_wats) December 20, 2021
- A home isolation “Take Care Package” (Get this!)
- Grocery or medicine delivery
- A FREE 10-Day HOTEL STAY including 3 meals a day and transportation (I said no but should have said yes. I've heard it's good!)
- and…
The most recent 7 Day Covid Testing Data from December 12 - 18, on Roosevelt Island (Zip Code 10044 ) shows 949 people tested and 69 Positive Case for a rate of 7.27%.
Third day of Roosevelt Island @NYCHealthSystem mobile COVID Test van. 3-4 hour wait past 2 days. Long line of residents including elderly and disabled, already at 8:30 am stretching to East River. https://t.co/2Bqfs4riQl @JulieMenin @SeawrightForNY @NYCMayor @BenKallos pic.twitter.com/rRtoeHS1mC
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 22, 2021
@NY1 @Rooseveltisland @nycgov only spot for testing on all of Roosevelt Island’s printer not working. Hundreds of people in line can’t get a PCR test because of… a printer. Please help 😭😭
— Pearl Steinberg (@PearlSteinberg) December 22, 2021
Third day of 3 to 4 hour waiting on line in the cold for Roosevelt Island residents some elderly or disabled @NYCHealthSystem COVID mobile Test Van Site. No rapid test and ran out of at home test by 10:30. No more than 45 on line at any one time. https://t.co/2Bqfs4riQl pic.twitter.com/U3lmQjVw8o
— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 22, 2021
