By Rosa Goldensohn, THE CITY This story was originally published on 4/22/20 by THE CITY The list of “essential” construction projects and permitted work has ballooned sixfold since Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a virtual construction shutdown last month, Department of Buildings data shows. Some 4,936 job sites are now allowed to be worked on, up… Read more »
April 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin The city is about to provide nursing homes with more staff and protective equipment. The city is sending an additional 210 clinical workers to 40 nursing homes this week, doubling the number of clinical workers it has already sent to nursing home facilities across the city. In addition, the… Read more »
April 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan McDonald’s restaurants are offering free meals to healthcare workers and first responders as a token of appreciation for their efforts during COVID-19. The fast-food chain is dishing out one free meal per day to medical staff, police officers and firefighters at its stores in Queens and across the country… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Council Member Costa Constantinides is backing state legislation that would cancel the rent for tenants who are unable to meet their monthly obligation as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown. Constantinides introduced a resolution in the city council Wednesday seeking the support of his colleagues to put pressure on… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Christian Murray A federal loan program designed to help small businesses stay afloat is likely to get a $310 billion injection in cash in coming days—but critics argue that it will not do much to save Queens businesses. The Payment Protection Program, which essentially provides business owners with a forgivable loan… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The number of Queens residents killed by the coronavirus is inching towards 4,000, according to city data released today. In total, 3,915 people have died from the virus in the World’s Borough as of yesterday evening, according to the city’s Department of Health. The figures consist of 3,002 people… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A local group that provides food for Sunnyside and Woodside residents who have fallen on hard times has made an urgent appeal for donations so it can take advantage of a $10,000 matching grant. The Woodside/Sunnyside Community Covid-19 Relief Group needs to raise cash fast, since a private organization… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show will go on this year despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. “One way or another, the show will go on,” he said at his daily briefing. “One way or another we’re going… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Six new COVID-19 testing sites are opening to serve residents of public housing in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. Three testing sites will open in community health centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx on Friday to serve NYCHA residents and three will open next… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Congresswoman Grace Meng has called on grocery stores to allocate special delivery slots for senior citizens and other vulnerable members of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shopping at stores during COVID-19 can put the lives of at-risk residents in danger and the move would limit their exposure to… Read more »