April, 7, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Queens Council Member Francisco Moya has called for the creation of an emergency relief fund to cover the cost of death arrangements for the families of COVID-19 victims of limited means. Moya said this arrangement is needed for low-income families who are burdened with the cost of cremation or… Read more »
April 6, 2020 By Allie Griffin The number of people who are being killed by the coronavirus each day across New York state appears to have leveled off– and Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state may have reached an apex. On both Sunday and Monday, the number of fatalities dipped slightly below 600– down from… Read more »
April 6, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo has increased the fine for violating the statewide social distancing order after officials witnessed crowding in city parks. Cuomo is doubling the penalty in an effort to stop overcrowding that can spread the coronavirus, he announced in Albany today. People who do not keep six feet… Read more »
April 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan There will be no spring break for students and teachers at New York City schools this year and April 9 and 10 – Passover and Good Friday – will not be considered days off either, the Department of Education officially announced Friday. Spring break was originally scheduled for April… Read more »
April 6, 2020 By Allie Griffin A new map released by the Department of Buildings lists the construction sites where work is permitted to continue despite the shut down. The map lists the addresses of all sites where construction work is permitted– with the work deemed either essential or needed for emergency purposes. Governor Andrew… Read more »
April 5, 2020 By Christian Murray Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday that the number of coronavirus deaths across the state had surpassed 4,000—just hours after New York City said more than 2,000 people had succumbed to COVID-19 in the five boroughs. Cuomo said 4,159 people had died from the virus in the Empire State, up… Read more »
April 4, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A traffic safety advocacy group with ties to Transportation Alternatives has called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to ban all cars from being on the road unless they are for essential use during the pandemic. Families for Safe Streets Calls, an advocacy group that receives guidance and support from… Read more »
April 4, 2020 By Michael Dorgan An East Elmhurst priest is the latest Queens clergyman to die from COVID-19. Father Gioacchino Basile, 60, pastor at Saint Gabriel’s Church, located at 26-26 98th Street in East Elmhurst, died Saturday morning from coronavirus complications. He had been suffering from underlying health conditions, the Diocese of Brooklyn said… Read more »
April 4, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A renowned Jackson Heights pastor died Wednesday from coronavirus. Father Antonio Checo, 65, pastor of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, died Wednesday at Mount Sinai Hospital, from complications relating to COVID-19. “Antonio was a dedicated and hardworking vicar, enthusiastic and lover of the people of his parish and the communities… Read more »
April 3, 2020 By Allie Griffin Elmhurst Hospital will get 100,000 KN95 masks from a private equity firm in order to help protect staff members treating coronavirus patients. The hospital — which has been called ground zero of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City and the country — received 10,000 of the masks donated… Read more »