Coronavirus is spreading through Queens’ only private prison
The Queens Detention Facility, New York City’s only private prison, is home to around 222 inmates and the coronavirus.
The jail is trying to separate sick inmates from the rest of the population and the federal Bureau of Prisons implemented a 14-day quarantine in which inmates will stay in their cells, but people living in this jail, which does not have cells, say that not enough is being done to protect them.
“I feel scared that I’m in a f—— jail that’s disgusting and people are getting quarantined for the COVID virus,” an inmate told the Queens Daily Eagle. “Everyone’s coughing, sneezing on top of each other. We’re not practicing social distancing because you cannot do social distancing in this jail because everyone is so on top of each other.”
So far, at least three staff members have been confirmed to have the virus and no inmates have tested positive for it, but inmates and defense attorneys still worry that social distancing is not being executed effectively.
According to the anonymous inmate, the jail facilities are not being cleaned or sanitized and linens are not getting washed. The air conditioning is on full blast as well, which has been gettin even more inmates sick from being cold.
“It’s, like, really a disaster,” he said. “I feel scared for my life. It’s not like a home where I can have my own sanctuary and sanitize the facility. I’m living in a pigsty f—— jail where whatever is happening is happening.”
Read more about this in this article: Queens Daily Eagle
FDNY Ladder 136 salutes Elmhurst Hospital workers in show of gratitude
Members of the Fire Department of New York saluted doctors and nurses at Elmhurst Hospital, which has been facing the brunt of the coronavirus catastrophe, in a display of solidarity outside of the medical center yesterday.
Five firetrucks pulled up outside of the hospital and blared their sirens, as the firefighters held up signs and saluted the medical workers for continuing to go to work during the pandemic.
“Thank you Elmhurst Hospital from E287 B46 L136,” a sign draped over the side of one of the firetrucks read.
Fire fighters gathered around the trucks as some stood on top of them and clapped while medical workers came in and out of the hospital, which has been called “the epicenter of the epicenter.”
Read more about this in this article: Eyewitness News
Police Officer Deliver Food To Frontline Medical Workers at Jamaica Hospital
Dozens of New York City police officers, led by Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and Lieutenants Benevolent Association (LBA) officials, turned out at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens this morning to deliver food and moral support to the nurses, doctors and hospital staff who are putting themselves at risk and working around the clock to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are all family on the front lines. Cops, nurses, doctors and hospital staff have a long-standing bond – we know each other and work together 365 days a year. That bond has only grown stronger over the past several weeks,” said PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said.
“This is our small way of showing our Jamaica Hospital sisters and brothers that we haven’t forgotten the professionalism and support they show us every time we walk through their doors. It also shows regular New Yorkers that their emergency personnel are united in responding to this crisis. Our uniforms may be different, but our mission is the same,” he added.
“Jamaica Hospital’s staff have always been there for New York City police officers, from working heroically to save the life of an injured cop, to offering a kind word and a cup of coffee. Now that they’re at the epicenter of this pandemic, working long hours with little rest, it’s our turn to show them the same support,” LBA President Lou Turco said
The PBA and LBA worked with Panico’s Community Market in Smithtown, LI – long-time supporters of veterans and first responders – to prepare and deliver more than 300 freshly-made sandwiches and other food items to Jamaica Hospital’s nursing department, for distribution to on-duty hospital staff.
