BP Lee on Rise in COVID-19 Related Deaths at Elmhurst Hospital
Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee stated the following in response to questions about the latest rise in COVID-19 related deaths, particularly the 13 deaths within a 24-hour period at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst:
“NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is currently at the center of the rapidly-developing public health crisis, and currently the top priority of the NYC Health + Hospitals system,” said Lee. “Frontline workers and medical professionals are moving mountains around the clock with extraordinary acts of heroism, using all tools and resources available to save each and every single life. Queens is deeply grateful.”
“The loss of lives is jarring, and we must do everything in our power to prevent and prepare for future surges on the horizon. For anyone still in denial about how dire the situation is, use this as an alert not for panic, but for making the right choices now. Our trajectory depends entirely on not just what we do, but when we do it. This is precisely why the Governor and Mayor have taken strong measures to stem the tide, and may necessitate even more aggressive measures in this race against time.
“Do your part to help bend the curve. Stay At Home and take all available precautions. Boredom is a luxury. Our ability to prevent as many deaths as possible hinges upon our staying ahead of the curve. This is humanity’s shared war against a global pandemic. Battles around the world and across the country have warned us of this and of future trajectories, and it can only be disrupted by the actions that we take together and take now,” Lee added.
Sanders Gives Coronavirus Updates
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) gave the following information and updates:
If you have questions, you can reach out to the New York State’s novel coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
New Yorkers can text COVID to 692-692 to get regular updates on the latest developments regarding COVID-19 from NYC; Text COVIDESP to 692-692 for updates in Spanish.
Text New York to 81336 for updates from the Governor’s Office
During his daily press conference today 3.25.20, Governor Cuomo had some positive news:
He said according to projections, the reducing of density appears to be slowing the spread of the virus. He explained that on Sunday it was expected that hospitalizations would double every 2 days, on Monday it was every 3.4 days and by yesterday it had dropped to every 4.7 days.
However, he expects the apex (highest point) of cases to occur in 21 days.
New York is the most impacted state in the United States, with 10x more cases than the second most affected state – New Jersey, with 3,675 cases.
As of yesterday, about 28% of all testing nationwide has been performed in New York State.
As far as testing is concerned, the Governor said any hospital statewide can test a person for coronavirus, however, the state is strategically testing in the densest areas.
In New York State, there are now 30,811 positive cases, with 5,146 new cases.
Regarding current hospitalizations, of the 30,811 people that have tested positive, 3,805 (12%) are currently hospitalized, and 888 (3%) are in the ICU.
In addition to the toll on physical health, Governor Cuomo also spoke about the toll that the virus and isolation is having on mental health He said that 6,175 mental health professionals have volunteered to provide free help via phone. Those in need can call 1-844-863-9314.
Meng Introduces Resolution Denouncing Anti-Asian Sentiment Caused By Coronavirus
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park) yesterday introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that denounces the anti-Asian sentiment caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.
“The increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric, particularly from our nation’s leaders such as the President, and their use of terms like ‘Chinese virus,’ ‘Wuhan virus,’ and ‘Kung-flu,’ is not only irresponsible, reckless, and downright disgusting, it threatens the safety of the Asian American community; such language demeans, disparages, and scapegoats Asian Americans,” said Meng. “Asian Americans, like millions of others across the nation, are worried about the coronavirus; however, so many Asian Americans are also living in fear following the dramatic increase of threats and attacks against those of Asian descent.
“During this time of heightened anxiety and fear surrounding COVID-19, we cannot lose sight of protecting the health and safety of every single person – no matter their race, ethnicity, or background. The House must take a strong stand against the sickening intolerance, bigotry, and violence that is leaving a terrible stain on our nation’s history, especially during this moment of an unprecedented public health crisis,” the lawmaker added.
The resolution has 124 cosponsors and a copy of the measure can be viewed here.
Gillibrand Statement on Passing the Coronavirus Economic Package
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said her vote to pass the third coronavirus economic package a $2 Trillion plan including over $40 billion to New York means there is more help from Washington to New York on its way.
“This economic package will deliver a surge of protective equipment and resources to New York hospitals and first responders, and put real dollars in New Yorkers’ pockets. I voted for this package because it strengthens our health care system and puts workers and families first, with critical funding for hospitals, dramatically expanded unemployment insurance, small businesses grants and loans, and resources for the state and local governments on the frontlines of this crisis,” said Gillibrand.
“Furthermore, it will give confidence to workers and families facing financial strain and will enable them to follow public health guidelines. Importantly, the bill provides oversight of corporate loans, ensuring that funds are distributed responsibly and fairly, and makes sure workers are protected. While this economic package is a good down payment in the fight against this outbreak, there is much more to be done. In the months ahead, I will continue working to deliver resources to help our country overcome this immense challenge.”
