Loneliness & Quarantine At Roosevelt Island Coler Rehab & Nursing Facility - We May Not Die Of Covid But Isolation Protocols Are Killing Us, They Have To Come Up With Better Solution Says Resident

The NY Times recently reported on nursing home patients dying of loneliness during the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown ban on outside visitors.

Early in the pandemic, the ban on visitors in nursing homes was understandable. It was vital. But as the pandemic drags on, and as nursing home patients get vaccinated, strict prohibitions on visits are taking an unnecessary toll on patients. https://t.co/DmPIwnjkN9

— New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion) December 30, 2020

Here on Roosevelt Island, residents at the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (H&HC) Coler Rehab and Nursing Facility are suffering severe loneliness from the Covid-19 isolation, confinement and quarantine too. 

A Coler resident reported last week:

We have just learned that our  ...  quarantine has been extended until January 18th.

We were supposed to come off tomorrow January 7th, having been on it since Christmas Eve but a staff member on our unit tested positive day before yesterday - Monday - so they have reset the clock.

Today is our 293rd day of confinement with no end in sight. This has been a crushing blow to us. We are penned in like animals, confined to our tiny bed areas with only an occasional reprieve of a few moments. 

We may not die of COVID, but this protocol is killing us.

They have to come up with a better solution.

And the vaccinations aren't going to put a stop to this.

We are terribly depressed. 

On January 8, the Coler resident reported:

More bad news for us! Of Coler's 22 units, all but two are now in quarantine.

Two residents from our unit tested positive yesterday so they and their roommates (for a total of six people) have been sent over to the C Building fifth floor for a minimum of two weeks isolation. In one instance a woman who is bed ridden, and NEVER leaves her room, tested positive. Where did she get it? (Answer: staff)

Yesterday they began rapid testing staff. They're systematically going unit by unit and shift by shift. For now they will do all staff once a week. Results come back in only 15 minutes. The rapid testing will be in addition to the twice weekly testing staff are currently undergoing. It looks like Coler was spooked by the post holiday surge of positive cases among staff and how those are spreading to residents.

Visitations won't resume until January 20th now.

And yesterday:

For the week of January 3rd - 8th there were 4 positive covid residents and 9 positive staff.

Visitations were closed until January 20th. However I just called again (today Thursday, Jan 14th) and although they said no positive residents, they did say visitations are now closed until January 29th, which means there must be some new staff cases. Yesterday they were still planning to resume visitations on the 20th, so this is a new heartbreaking development). 

And so it goes... 

Another Coler resident who was moved to the C Building 5th Floor for observation because a unit roommate tested positive says:

They still don’t have nothing organized. There is no supplies here, no staff. There is nothing up here. My butt didn't touch the seat of my wheelchair until 3:45 yesterday. One nurse per unit. The one nurse gotta do medication and then turn around and do treatment. By the time they get to me it's damn near time for them to go home. If the right staff ain't here they will leave me in the bed.

During the December 19, Coler Nursing Home Lives Protest Rally, residents were not allowed outside the building so they greeted and waved from inside the lobby to supporters on the sidewalk including Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

In response to my inquiry for comment, A NYC HHC spokesperson replied:

NYC Health + Hospitals’ priority remains the safety of its patients, residents, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic continues to pose restrictions on visitation and other activities, NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler has been able to accommodate socially distant and safe recreation on our campus for residents. We will continue to work with all residents to ensure their comfort without compromising their safety for the duration of this pandemic.

and adds:

NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler follows all necessary COVID-19 safety guidance and regulation from NYS DOH. 

Residents at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler have not been confined to their units for hundreds of days. Despite required quarantine, staff accommodates trips outdoors on the facility’s campus, out to the community for approved “essential visits,” and organizes socially distant and safe activities for residents, such as cultural music and movies. 

As per NYS DOH requirement, NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler requires all staff of nursing homes to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week. All testing is done on the campus.

If a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they are required to appropriately quarantine and not return to work until they are cleared. This may require the unit the staff member works on to be placed on restrictions, as per NYS DOH regulation. However, as stated previously, residents are still scheduled to go outside for fresh air, etc.

All NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler staff are required to wear a face mask at all time when in the facility. Other PPE is worn as required by the CDC, CMS, and NYS DOH regulations.

All NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler residents are provided with appropriate face coverings at all times. 

COVID-19 vaccine distributions for residents and staff at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler began on December 28, 2020. Everyone who is a part of Coler has been offered a vaccine at this point.

More stories about life in nursing homes across America from the NY Times.

Residents of nursing homes and senior living communities were vulnerable to some of the earliest Covid-19 outbreaks. They will now be among the first groups to receive vaccines. What has life been like in between? https://t.co/F4YRpJMYQo

— New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion) January 1, 2021

UPDATE 1/16 - The Coler resident adds:

For the week of January 9th - 15th: 0 positive COVID residents, 12 COVID positive staff.

Visitations continue to be suspended until January 29th.

Roosevelt Island Coler Facility Staff Pleading For N 95 Masks And Personal Protective Equipment To Treat Coronavirus Patients, Please Help Us To Do Our Job They Say In Video - RI Residents Taking Up Collection For Coler Staff PPE Equipment

Received report yesterday on conditions at the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp (HHC) Coler Facility here on Roosevelt Island. According to the Coler resident:

... Coler has to step up their game, they can start by isolating patents with the Virus. Instead of keeping them in the unit with patients who don't have it and by not housing patients from other hospitals with Coler patients. I understand for them to do this there is the issue of staffing which is somewhat of an issue right now because so many people are calling out. But in times like this they should have a plan. By" they" I mean the HHC, because I believe Coler is following their guidelines.

Also reported yesterday:

... I've received some reports today that Coler staff are lacking sufficient N 95 masks - am looking into this. Stay tuned....

Here's more. Coler staff are seen in this video seeking help and pleading to be supplied with safe Personal Protection Equipment including N 95 masks. I'm told the man speaking is a Coler Nurse.

... The reality is this is the cheap stuff. We have to treat people contaminated with the Coronaviurs.

And make our own head mask

This is how we expose ourselves and take our chances every day. It's not right.

The leaders in the City of NY have to do better if they want us to do our duties 100 %.

Please help us. Please help us. Thank you.We have families too.

According to a Coler Resident:

Read more »

NYC Health Department Releases Info On Coronavirus Covid 19 Statistics By Zip Code -116 Roosevelt Island Residents Tested, 49 Positive Results

We have updated our website to include more interactive data visualizations for #COVID19 in NYC. Visualizations include daily counts and rates by age, borough and sex. To learn more, visit https://t.co/F277W09K3t. pic.twitter.com/pybbdnHCQ6

— nycHealthy - STAY HOME NYC (@nycHealthy) April 1, 2020

The NYC Health Department released data about people who have tested positive for Coronavirus. According to their web site:

The data presented below reflect the most recent information the Health Department has collected about people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in NYC. We are discouraging people with mild to moderate symptoms from being tested at this time, so the data primarily represent people with more severe illness. All data included below are preliminary and subject to change.

This page will be updated daily....

The NYC Health Department reports to date that based upon Zip Code 10044, there were 116 Roosevelt Island residents tested for Coronavirus Covid 19  and 49 positive results.

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Rent Coming Due Tomorrow, April 1 - Will There Be A NYC Residential And Commercial Rent Moratorium During Coronavirus Covid 19 Pandemic? RIOC Says "We Are In Process Of Working With Stakeholders To Address This Concern"

Tomorrow is April 1st and rent is due. This is an unprecedented crisis, and hundreds of thousands of NYers who were working just weeks or even days ago are now unemployed, worried about how they will survive. We need rent relief now. My full statement: https://t.co/QArs3Dfyos

— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) March 31, 2020

Last week, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David Lawson called for a Roosevelt Island commercial and residential rent moratorium during the current Coronavirus Covid-19 crisis:

Governor Cuomo has declared a moratorium on mortgages and prohibited eviction during the current crisis. Housing advocates have called on the city and state to develop a $10 billion relief package that includes a moratorium on rent, mortgage and utility payments to abate financial strain on New York households amid the growing economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. We strongly support this request. Meanwhile, we call on all commercial and residential building owners on Roosevelt Island to take it upon themselves to implement such a moratorium and waive the payment of leases and utilities for those businesses currently closed as a result of the forced shut down, as well as for all tenants who lost their job or will not receive a paycheck at the end of this month and any subsequent months, as a result of this Covid-19 pandemic. This is an extraordinary humanitarian crisis that calls for extraordinary humanitarian-type response and measures. This is not only a demonstration of solidarity, but it is also a demonstration of leadership through these times of crisis. And strong solidarity and leadership is all we need.

On March 26, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal and Hudson Related's David Kramer, developer of Roosevelt Island Riverwalk residential buildings and Main Street Retail commercial landlord:

As you know, legislation is being proposed for a commercial and residential rent moratorium during the current Coronavirus Pandemic.

Also, April monthly rents will be due next week.

Does RIOC and Hudson Related have any plan on providing rental moratorium/assistance to the Roosevelt Island commercial retail stores forced to close/limit service to take out and residential building tenants.

Will RIOC provide any assistance to Hudson Related on their Main Street Retail Lease payments and building ground lease rent payments to encourage Hudson Related assistance to commercial and residential tenants.

FYI - The Roosevelt Island Residents Association President wrote an article calling for Roosevelt Island commercial and residential rent moratorium.

Any comment on this matter from RIOC and Hudson Related?

On March 27, RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:

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Weill Cornell Medicine ICU Doctor David Price Offers Advice On How To Protect Yourself And Family From Coronavirus Covid 19 - Follow The 4 Rules, Disease Strikes All Ages Over 14, Take Tylenol For Fever And Go To Hospital If You Have Shortness Of Breath

@Rooseveltisland @RIOCny @BenKallos can anyone answer? What's the protocol on Roosevelt Island if you think you have COVID-19 and need to go to urgent care or Emergency if, like most people in Manhattan, you don't have a car or access to one?

— Catee (@Cateenyc) March 28, 2020

Roosevelt Island is a short distance across the East River from where seriously ill Coronavirus patients are being treated by health care professionals at NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

One of those health care professionals, Dr David Price a critical care pulmonologist and recent Fellowshiip grad caring for COVID-19 patients at NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, offers some very practical advice in video below on protecting yourself and family during the Coronavirus Covid 19 Pandemic.

Here's an excerpt from the video with Dr Price:

...  What is Covid19?

 I mean it's  now every single news story it's political its economic but what is this disease? So this is a virus. It's from what we would colloquially think of as a common cold family the Coronavirus family but what's unique is that the human body has never seen this virus before.

And so this obviously started in Wuhan. The thought is that it came  probably from an animal and then made its way into the human body for the first time and so one of the common questions I get is what does this disease look like?

So what commonly people have is they have fever and they have cough and then they have sore throat and when they get this the virus goes through their entire body and what we have found is that the most likely place that this will affect is your lungs. So people will commonly have cough but for about 80% of people you just don't feel good is the most common thing.

You have a mild cough maybe you have a little headache. The disease lasts from what we're seeing between 5 to 7 to 14 days is probably the best accurate description. Some people who have a mild disease by about day 5 are starting to feel better and then people who aren't feeling better usually start to get short of breath around a 3 to 5 and then start to feel better around that 7 day mark.

So what is the first kind of big topic we're going to talk about and I think the reason I wanted to have this call is how to protect your family. I think we've learned a lot and I want to kind of share all the stuff that I've learned so far with you guys,

So I think the first thing is how do you get Covid 19? I think that this is really important and we've really learned a lot over the last couple weeks, two months about how you get this disease. The overarching theme is sustained contact with someone who has this disease which the vast majority is people with fever and aches or someone who is about to get the disease. So someone in the next one to two days who's going to develop symptoms of this disease.

The way that you get this is the transmission of the virus almost exclusively from your hands to your face and so it's either into your eyes, into your nose or into your mouth. There's a lot of talk about contact or getting it through contact hands to face there's also a small thought that it can be aerosolized, that it can kind of exist a little bit in the air.

The thought at this point is that you actually have to have very long sustained contact with someone and I'm talking about over 15 to 30 minutes in an unprotected environment meaning you're in a very closed room without any type of mask for you to get it that way.

But to very simply state the overwhelming majority of people are getting this by physically touching someone who has this disease or will develop it in the next one to two days and then touching their face and so that actually I think is incredibly empowering and that's as I think in the hospital the last two days the thing that makes me smile a little bit is that I actually know now that I won't get this disease because I know how to protect myself and so I just want to give you guys a few very very practical tips to how to protect yourself...

and the full video.

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Very Sad News, Roosevelt Island Resident Mark Blum Dies From Coronavirus - Condolences To His Family, Friends, Neighbors And Colleagues

Roosevelt Island Riverwalk resident Mark Blum has died of complications from the Coronavirus.

It is with such deep sorrow that I’m writing to share the news that our friend and former board member Mark Blum has passed away as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, pic.twitter.com/aA3yPfOwh7

— Rebecca Damon (@RebeccaDamonNYC) March 26, 2020

Mark was smart, funny, and a true actor’s actor. He will be deeply missed.

Thinking of you all. Please #stayhome. #COVID19

— Rebecca Damon (@RebeccaDamonNYC) March 26, 2020

According to the Screen Actors Guild:

... Blum, who joined the union in 1978 and became known for roles in Crocodile Dundee and Desperately Seeking Susan, had a prolific career on screen and stage. The Obie Award-winning actor was also an ardent supporter of his union; he served as a Screen Actors Guild New York Board member from 2007 to 2013, was elected for a three-year term to the National Board in 2008, and served as an alternate member in 2007 and 2011. Additionally, he served on dozens of national committees over the years, including the SAGindie, Organizing, Agent Relations and various contract committees...

... He was a visionary. Mark will be deeply missed, and our hearts go out to his wife, Janet Zarish, his friends and all of his loved ones.”...

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Mayor de Blasio Says Shooting Hoops Is Fine But No Pick Up Basketball Games During Coronavirus Pandemic - Be Warned Roosevelt Island Basketball Players To Keep Your Social Distance And No Pick Up Games

Social distancing is taking hold with New Yorkers — but we're seeing some issues when it comes to basketball courts. If you want to go shoot hoops with your kids, that's fine.

But we can't have pick-up games. If people don’t follow the rules, we’ll take hoops down.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 26, 2020

A Roosevelt Island Tipster sends in these photos of a basketball game at Roosevelt Island Sportspark court and reports:

They were playing together with the same ball.

Yes, it's a beautiful day, but

by now everyone should know how to behave in this situation.

Another resident adds:

They’re all sweating on that ball and each other! This is not Social Distancing

Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital Patients Test Positive For Coronavirus

We are making more hospital beds available across New York City. From Roosevelt Island to the Javits Center, we're mobilizing to ensure New Yorkers get the care they need during the COVID-19 crisis.
More: https://t.co/7T1e77liGE pic.twitter.com/FUCpExbChX

— City of New York (@nycgov) March 24, 2020

As previously reported:

...the additional Coler beds will be used for lower acuity patients freeing up beds at other hospitals for Coronavirus patients....

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has struck residents at the NYC Health & Hospitals Corp Coler Hospital on Roosevelt Island:

My older sister ...  just tested positive with coronavirus and she's at the Coler nursing home in Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island social media adds:

Feeling complete despair about Coler Hospital

group activities only cancelled today

Multiple people positive for COVID19 on units w/@opendoorsnyc

Nurses refuse to feed residents who are coughing

social distancing impossible with typically 4 to a room

350 beds opening up

— Khadijah (@UpFromTheCracks) March 25, 2020

Can we get more tests of Coler residents to contain and manage the spread before moving in additional low acuity patients from other hospitals? @NYCMayor @NYGovCuomo @opendoorsnyc

— Khadijah (@UpFromTheCracks) March 25, 2020

I asked an informed Coler Insider about conditions at the Hospital who replied:

It is true. There has been a couple of confirmed cases.

It is no worse here than any where else if anything I believe we are better off than most people. Rest assured Coler is doing everything possible to keep the population safe.

As for the part about nurses refusing to feed someone with a cough I find truly ridiculous. If they do they would not be working here. If it is one thing I know about the administration is they have Zero tolerance for abuse.

Do not believe everything that you hear because believe me if I know of any such.abuse I will be the first one to blow the whistle. I speak to staff on a daily basis and they tell me what is going on in here

RIRA President Calls For Roosevelt Island Coronavirus Rent Moratorium On Commercial And Residential Leases - Also Urges Residents To Stay Home As Much As Possible, Support Local Front Line Community Heroes And Thanks NYC DOE For RI Children At PS/IS 217

#Coronavirus has caused financial insecurity for many NYers.

Today, @SenGianaris discussed his proposal which would suspend rent payments for the next 90 days for those who have lost their job or had to close their business due to #COVID19https://t.co/mvJEnDvKMv

— Capitol Pressroom (@CapPressRoom) March 25, 2020

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Interim President David Lawson reports on local response to Coronavirus Pandemic emergency:

Dear Fellow Roosevelt Islanders,

The Covid-19 pandemic is storming the entire world stronger and faster. We are confronted to an unprecedented worldwide humanitarian crisis. As of 24 March 2020, some 410,000 people from 170 countries have been infected. This is more than the entire population of the United States. More than 18,000 people have died in three months, including a third in Italy that now accounts for more deaths than China since the beginning of this epidemic. With 21,000 people infected in New York State, and some 15,000 and 131 deaths in New York city, we are the epicenter of the US epidemic.

The United States is usually, every year, the country the most affected by natural disasters. Natural disasters kill between 300-500 Americans every year. The cost of natural disasters in the US in 2019 was $15 billion for 14 major natural disasters across the country. The US federal Government is currently working out with Congress a $2 trillion bill. This is 130 times more than the costs of all the natural disasters hitting the United States altogether every year. This bill represents 40% of the 2019 national federal budget!! The current bill, which is aimed at supporting American workers, small businesses, corporations and the whole national economy is unprecedented in peace time.

The mobilization and coordination of all federal, State and local authorities all fighting and facing up this epidemic together at different levels everywhere in the country at once is also unprecedented. This is an US national emergency. Even though it is Spring break here, it is not a vacation. At the end of Spring break, students will not go back to schools and universities. All year-end exams have been cancelled by the federal government. It is unlikely that students go back to school this school year. We will all have a role to play in rebuilding the economy. We do not know when this crisis will end. But let us be realistic, it will take several months. It is going to be way worse…before it can indeed get better.

Rent moratorium on commercial and residential leases

Governor Cuomo has declared a moratorium on mortgages and prohibited eviction during the current crisis. Housing advocates have called on the city and state to develop a $10 billion relief package that includes a moratorium on rent, mortgage and utility payments to abate financial strain on New York households amid the growing economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. We strongly support this request. Meanwhile, we call on all commercial and residential building owners on Roosevelt Island to take it upon themselves to implement such a moratorium and waive the payment of leases and utilities for those businesses currently closed as a result of the forced shut down, as well as for all tenants who lost their job or will not receive a paycheck at the end of this month and any subsequent months, as a result of this Covid-19 pandemic. This is an extraordinary humanitarian crisis that calls for extraordinary humanitarian-type response and measures. This is not only a demonstration of solidarity, but it is also a demonstration of leadership through these times of crisis. And strong solidarity and leadership is all we need.

Read more »

Open Doors Artists Want To Make Sure Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital Residents Protected During Coronavirus Pandemic - Mayor de Blasio Adding 340 Beds For Lower Acuity Patients To Free Up Beds In Other Hospitals For Coronavirus Patients

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio reported yesterday:

... I had the opportunity today to be on Roosevelt Island visiting the Coler hospital facility and there – right this minute – new hospital beds are being created right now so that we will have additional capacity to handle this surge in coronavirus cases and to make sure that everyone else who needs hospital care for other diseases and challenges will have support as well. On Roosevelt Island at Coler, 100 new beds will be available this week, 240 will be available next week....

and the City of NY tweets.

We are making more hospital beds available across New York City. From Roosevelt Island to the Javits Center, we're mobilizing to ensure New Yorkers get the care they need during the COVID-19 crisis.
More: https://t.co/7T1e77liGE pic.twitter.com/FUCpExbChX

— City of New York (@nycgov) March 24, 2020

As previously reported, the additional Coler beds will be used for lower acuity patients freeing up beds at other hospitals for Coronavirus patients.

What are the concerns of our Roosevelt Island neighbors at Coler Hospital about the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Coler resident members of the Open Doors NYC arts program tell us.

According to Media Lab Director Dexter Cirian

As an artist myself, I find that in times of uncertainty, when fear and anxiety can overwhelm us, art is an incredible refuge and source of generative life-giving support. It affords us an opportunity to discern what really matters, and too look into the unknown with courage, compassion and a sense of curiosity. I see that in our members everyday. Even through these trying times, they are showing up. Let us show up as well.

On Monday, March 16, Mayor Bill de Blasio held a press conference in which he mistakenly stated that Coler Hospital is “empty” and planned to bring hundreds of COVID-19 patients here. We wrote a letter to the mayor voicing our concerns and many neighbors tweeted on our behalf. We’ve since heard the plan has changed—We’re happy about this! Now let’s make sure everything possible is being done to protect the Coler community. Join us in voicing your concern by writing directly to the Mayor:

Mr Mayor, what steps are you taking to protect the residents at COLER, home to more than 500 people who are among the most at risk during this pandemic,

And from Open Doors artist Jay Molina:

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Roosevelt Island, Stand On Your Balcony Or Behind Window, Clap Your Hands, Sing, Bang Pots And Pans Together With Your Neighbors Nightly At 8 PM To Thank Health Care Workers On Front Line Battling The Coronavirus - SolidarityAt8

According to Today:

Even as people are separated within their own communities, they’re still coming together to support those on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.

Thanks to a viral Twitter campaign called #Solidarityat8, at 8 p.m. local time for the past few nights, Americans have opened their doors, stood on porches and made noise — some by applauding, others by banging pots and pans — to express their gratitude to health care workers....

Thank you, everyone on the front lines of this #COVID19 fight. Healthcare workers, first responders who are in harm’s way. Grocery workers, pharmacists and everyone stocking critical supplies. Thank you! Make some noise people! #SolidarityAt8 pic.twitter.com/iGvySOnQ3Z

— Kim Insley (@KimInsley) March 23, 2020

And not just in the United States, but all over the world.

The neighborhood came out to cheer on a doctor in India, as he came home from his shift at the hospital.pic.twitter.com/7Jvf0803oR

— Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) March 22, 2020

Roosevelt Island has joined the #SolidarityAt8 effort too. Roosevelt Island resident Karine Wong reports:

If you can, please share this Facebook group - Roosevelt Islanders, Make Some Noise! - with your RI friends and neighbors and ask them to make noise every night at 8pm for 5 minutes.

Stand on your balcony or behind your window and clap your hands or bang on pots and pans.

There is a lot of healthcare professionals living on the island. They can hear us and their families MUST know how grateful we are to have them.
Please share widely.

People have been posting wonderful videos of their side of the building and it’s very moving.

Be Safe be Strong and be Loud.

According to Roosevelt Island resident Vicki Feinmel:

A little before 8:00 pm, a woman in my building plays the violin 🎻 from her terrace, then people clap and bang on pots and pans in appreciation of our healthcare professionals. They are trying to expand to all the buildings.... Please join us.

Here's Roosevelt Island #Solidarityat8 pot banging, violin seranade and Sweet Caroline in tribute to the health care workers and others helping us through the Coronavirus Pandemic Emergency.

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Roosevelt Island Wife Describes What It Has Been Like For Her And Husband Who Tested Positive For Coronavirus - Does Not Have To Be Deadly And They Received Wonderful Care And Concern From Friends And Neighbors She Says

Roosevelt Island resident Barbara Packer describes what is has been like for her and husband Joel who tested positive for the Coronavirus.

According to this message Ms Packer posted on the Rivercross Building online bulletin board:

Some of you know that Joel was the person who tested positive for COVID-19. We are keenly aware of how lucky we are to be part of the Rivercross community. We have been the recipients of wonderful care and concern from friends and neighbors and, for that, we are so grateful. I wrote "Corona, Contagion, Confusion" about our experience for a friend of mine, publisher of PULSE: Voices from the Heart of Medicine, an online e-magazine where you will find it.

If you read it, you will see that Joel never left our apartment from the moment we arrived home at 10 pm on Monday the March 2nd. I did not isolate the first week because we were under the impression that Joel did not have the virus. I was rarely out because of caring for him, and any close friends/neighbors with whom I was in close proximity, were told. Thus far, no one has had any symptoms. Hopefully, that remains the case; Tomorrow will be 2 weeks that I have also been self-quarantined. I hope that the piece gives you solace in knowing that it does not have to be deadly. I also hope that you don’t have to know that firsthand.

Here's an excerpt from Ms Packer's March 20 Pulse article:

My husband Joel, age seventy-six, has tested positive for the virus--the new big C.

Joel developed a low-grade fever on March 1. We were in San Francisco, visiting our ten-month-old grandson and his parents. They'd all had bad colds, and our grandson was still coughing and producing large amounts of sticky nasal stuff, so I wasn't surprised when Joel got sick. (I figured that I eventually would, too.)

We went to a local urgent-care clinic. A competent physician assistant examined Joel, then assured us that he didn't have the coronavirus: His vital signs were all good, and except for a 100.5° fever, he had no symptoms.

We flew home to New York City on March 2. That was two and a half weeks ago, and Joel has been in bed ever since.

For the first week, his main symptoms were a low-grade fever and fatigue, with no cough or respiratory distress. At that point, he started to feel short of breath and developed a dry, intermittent cough (which he generally gets every winter).

He grew more and more anxious, and by Wednesday, March 11, we knew that we needed to get him to an ER. We chose one where we'd previously had a good experience....

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Farmers Market Is Open Saturday And Relocates Back To Good Shepherd Plaza Open Area, Food Scrap Drop Off Moves There Too - Remember To Follow Example Of RI Ducks And Maintain Social Distancing Practices.

The Roosevelt Island Farmers Market plans to be open this Saturday but will move its locations from Motorgate Plaza back to the open area of Good Shepherd Plaza.

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

This Saturday, March 21st., the farmers market and NYC Compost food scrap drop-off is expected to be open and will be relocated to their spring/summer location at Good Shepherd Plaza.

This is subject to change and all social distancing practices should be followed. The Public Safety Department will be on-site monitoring the market for any safety concerns.

Remember to practice at least 6 feet of Social Distancing when you are outside.

Roosevelt Island ducks are heeding advice about Social Distancing during Coronavirus Emergency. Humans please do the same. @NYCMayor @NYGovCuomo @nycemergencymgt @RIOCny https://t.co/xMHP5fa4A0

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 19, 2020

Change Of Mayor de Blasio's Plan For Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital - 350 New Beds Not For Coronavirus Patients But For Current Low Acuity Patients To Free Up Beds For Coronavirus Patients At Other Hospitals Says NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

Reported last Monday:

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the NYC Health & Hospital Corp (HHC) Coler Long Term Care Facility on Roosevelt Island will be adding 350 of the 1200 new beds for the treatment of Coronavirus victims...

I asked the Mayor's Office and Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Ben Kallos:

How will the Coronavirus beds effect the existing Coler patients who are among the most vulnerable

Today, Council Member Kallos reports that the 350 new beds at Coler Hospital will not be used for Coronavirus patients:

I am disappointed that at this time @NYCHealthSystem does not plan to treat patients with #Coronavirus at Coler on @RooseveltIsland. I remain committed to working with them, @nycHealthy and @NYCMayor to build more capacity now and moving forward. https://t.co/s5Y1GvFq7H

— Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member (@BenKallos) March 18, 2020

I asked Council Member Kallos:

What does this mean. What are the 350 beds at Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital being used for if not treatment?

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RIOC Coronavirus Emergency Update - Reduces Weekday Red Bus Schedule To Every 15 Minutes, Non Essential Services Suspended, Farmers Market Moving To Good Shepherd Plaza This Saturday And Is More Social Distancing Needed On Roosevelt Island Tram

Last Monday, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:

Any plans to change or reduce schedule of the Roosevelt Island Tram and Red Bus?

Also, any plan to require reduce passenger capacity on the Roosevelt Island tram for Coronavirus social distancing purposes - keeping as much space as possible between riders?

Have you heard anything about Coler Hospital being used to increase number of NYC hospital beds?

Please keep me in loop regarding any developments.

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCaluley replied later that day:

You and the public will be informed as we get word of what’s happening.

As we said in last night’s update, we do not plan on reducing the amount of Red Bus service at this time. There are no plans to reduce the amount of Tram service or limit customers at this time. However, it is a fluid situation and we encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates.

Today, two days later, RIOC announced:

 As of Thursday, March 19th, the Red Bus will operate on a Weekend Service Schedule until further notice. This means the bus will make all local stops every 15 minutes from 5:30 AM - 2:30 AM. There will be no Octagon Express Bus Service.

Please remember that this is a fluid situation and subject to change. Please check rioc.ny.gov regularly for more information.

As a resident notes last week, the Tram can use some needed Social Distancing to minimize the space between passengers

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New Roosevelt Island Resident Asks How To Help Community During Coronavirus Health Emergency, Any Ideas? - Gov Cuomo Quotes FDR "News Is Going To Get Worse Before It Gets Better And 2nd Known Roosevelt Island Community Member Tests Positive For Coronavirus

** New #COVID19 guidance for New York City **
Everyone in NYC should act as if they have been exposed to coronavirus. That means monitoring your health closely and staying home from work if you are sick. New Yorkers who are not sick should also stay home as much as possible.

— nycHealthy (@nycHealthy) March 16, 2020

A new Roosevelt Island resident asks what she can do to help the Roosevelt Island community during this Coronavirus health emergency:

I am a newer local RI resident and wondering if there is anything I can do to help our community in these strange and crazy times!

I would not even know where to begin myself, so I was curious do you know of any groups organizing ways to help the local people or businesses in need? If so could you help connect me?

I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home... if there is something I can do to help someone in a tougher position than me (help elderly get the groceries they need, help our very few local restaurants provide to-go meals for families that need the extra help with kids being home all day, tutoring.. etc)

I figure whoever runs this blog is much more in touch with the community than I am so wanted to put it out there!

Thank you and hope to help in some way, however big or small!

Do you know of any opportunities to help on Roosevelt Island? I understand some Rivecross residents are offering help to those in their building that may need it. Any other Roosevelt Island buildings doing the same? Probably best to organize by building or even your own floor.

Here's some tips on how to organize.

New resource here for folks who want to make a building phone tree now (so important!! Please do!!) https://t.co/ALxYy9PyS9

— Adrien Weibgen 💪🏼🏢💜 (@AdrienWeibgen) March 16, 2020

The Rivercross Co-op Board of Directors sent an email to their residents informing that:

.... We are aware of one person in the builidng who has tested positive for the virus. That family is and has been following all CDC recommended protocols to best protect them and others for quite some time (over 14 days)....

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Roosevelt Island Coler Hospital To Add 350 Beds For Coronavirus Patients Says Mayor Bill de Blasio At Briefing Today - How Will This Effect Vulnerable Residents Currently Living At Coler?

We're radically expanding our health care capacity to meet the coming crisis. We're bringing four facilities online to boost capacity by 1,200 new beds.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the NYC Health & Hospital Corp (HHC) Coler Long Term Care Facility on Roosevelt Island will be adding 350 of the 1200 new beds for the treatment of Coronavirus victims.

According to Mayor de Blasio:

The Coler facility on Roosevelt Island. An HHC facility that was empty. It is being immediately brought back on line 350 beds. It will be ready in approximately a week's time....

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos reports:

We need every bed we can find to care for those who may come down with coronavirus. These 350 beds at Coler public hospital can really help provide the critical care that our family, friends, and neighbors may need to recover.

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Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Message To Community On Coronavirus Emergency

Updating New Yorkers with the latest on the State's #Coronavirus response. WATCH: https://t.co/Ho4oV9GrV9

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 16, 2020

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Ad Interim David Lawson reports:

Fellow Roosevelt Islanders,

The Covid-19 global pandemic has taken the world by surprise. Mayor di Blasio stated: “we are a war-scenario like situation.” This crisis is a test for our public health preparedness as governments state and local authorities are taking unprecedented measures to try and mitigate the spread of the epidemic and its impact worldwide, in countries and communities.

President Trump has declared a national emergency, New York State Governor Cuomo and New York City Mayor di Blasio have declared the state of emergency. These measures are meant to unleash and maximize all the necessary technical and financial resources available at all levels of government to respond to this crisis and reduce its health, human and economic impact.

As a lot remains unknown about this new coronavirus and its potential developments and the extent of its impact, all necessary precautionary measures must be taken by federal, state and local governments, communities and individuals to mitigate its spread. Being one of the highest densely populated cities in the world, New York city is particularly vulnerable to this epidemic. All of us are part of the response against it. All New Yorkers are in this situation together and we will go through this crisis successfully together.

As part of our individual effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, we encourage you to review regularly and follow the information, recommendations and updates of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and New York State Department of Health.

Furthermore, RIOC receives daily updates from Albany and NYC with the most current guidelines and suggestions. Throughout this crisis, RIOC will disseminate all relevant and important information to Roosevelt Islanders and take all necessary measures to keep Roosevelt Island safe.

Among specific measures taken by RIOC, they informed that to protect our Roosevelt Island Community, RIOC premises and public spaces are cleaned thoroughly daily. RIOC Facilities Department and third-party cleaning staff have stepped up their efforts to make sure Roosevelt Island public areas are disinfected, using bleach whenever and wherever appropriate and safe. Clorox wipes and Lysol Spray is made available and be used at all of RIOC facilities and offices to reduce possible contamination.

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Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Parent Tests Positive For Coronavirus - Governor Cuomo And Mayor de Blasio Announce NYC Public Schools Closing Tomorrow Due To Coronavirus Emergency, Hope To Reopen April 20

Earlier today, a Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217

parent shared a letter received from school Principal Mandana Beckman last Friday. According to this excerpt of Ms Beckman's letter:

... We would like to make clear that at this time no member of our student body or school staff has a confirmed case of coronavirus.

A member of our school community who has identified themselves at potentially higher risk for contracting the virus is at home in voluntary self-quarantine.

We are following citywide guidance to urge any member of our school community who is feeling sick to stay home. Please remember that it is cold and flu season, and no absence, for any amount of time, should be interpreted as a coronavirus-related absence.

I can reassure all of you that if the City of New York confirms a case of coronavirus within our school, the school community would be immediately notified by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and myself, and next steps would be clearly outlined without delay....

I asked Principal Beckman if the Coronavirus test results were positive and:

Will the school will be open on Monday and rest of this week?

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As Of March 12, No Roosevelt Island Residents Test Positive For Coronavirus - Roosevelt Island Senior Center & Public Library Closing Due To The Health Emergency

Coronavirus update.

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos reports today:

... As of this morning, there are currently 95 cases of COVID-19 in New York City with 25 in Manhattan, 24 in Brooklyn, 17 in Queens, 10 in the Bronx, and 5 on Staten Island...

I asked Council Member Kallos:

Are any of the Manhattan Coronavirus cases in Roosevelt Island?

Mr. Kallos replied:

Zero on Roosevelt Island as of yesterday

As of 2 PM today, the NYC Health Department adds:

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