Health

As Bronx COVID Cases Trend Upwards, Hotels Offered to Those Who Cannot Quarantine at Home

By SÍLE MOLONEY
During the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring, it became quickly apparent that many residents of the Bronx, particularly those living in high-rise apartments, could not easily practice social distancing nor easily quarantine. This was especially true for multi-generational families living in the same dwelling.   Various studies, reviews and hearings on how the City handled the first wave of the crisis showed this to be a major point of concern, along with the increased risk of domestic violence, among other factors. Now that COVID-19 cases are once more on the rise, the City has sought to


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Highbridge: Bus and Bike Lanes Added to Bronx Corridor – Hub for Cyclist Injuries

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx cyclists and bus commuters were given a boost on Friday, Nov. 20, when officials from the de Blasio administration announced that the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) completed a major transformation of the Edward L. Grant Highway in the Highbridge section of the Bronx.   Administration officials, elected officials and advocates cut the ribbon on signature transit and bicycle safety improvements to the corridor, including a combined 2.4 miles of dedicated red, center bus lanes and green protected bike lanes (PBL). Both lane types will run in both directions and the center bus lanes will serve 56,000 riders every


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Search for 61-Year-Old Man, Last Seen Nov. 21

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Edwin Fontanez, 61, who was reported missing in the 42nd precinct.    It was reported to police that Fontanez was last seen inside his home at 917 Home Street, Bronx, NY 10459 on Saturday Nov. 21, 2020 at 9.30 a.m. He is described as male, Hispanic, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, has brown eyes, gray hair and was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and black sneakers.   Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the


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South Bronx: 38-Year-Old Man Stabbed, Dies as 41-Year-Old Woman is Injured & Hospitalized

By SÍLE MOLONEY
On Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 at approximately 4.09 p.m., police responded to a 911 call regarding an assault in front of 310 East 149th Street in the South Bronx, in the 40th precinct.   Upon arrival, officers observed a 41-year-old woman with a slash wound to her left forearm and a 38-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to the torso.   EMS transported both victims to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where the man was subsequently pronounced deceased. The woman is in stable condition. There have been no arrests at this time and the investigation is ongoing.   The identity of


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AOC Campaign Seeks Volunteers for Virtual Homework Helpers Program

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress Campaign formally launched a virtual Homework Helpers Program on Tuesday, Nov. 24, after a four-week pilot program helped approximately 100 Throggs Neck students. The program is made possible by a community of educators and volunteers from around the country who provide NY-14 students with one hour of free virtual homework help per week.   “COVID-19 has meant parents are struggling to juggle work, childcare, and remote schooling. Last week, NYC shut down our public schools, and as we brace for yet another wave of rising COVID-19 cases, folks need our support more than ever”,


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NYC Sheriff Shuts Down Bronx Super Spreader “Fight Club” event in Hunts Point

By DAVID GREENE
Members of the New York City Sheriff’s Department shut down an illegal “fight club” type event last week in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, where a crowd of over 200 had jammed into a private warehouse. A video from the event showed many guests not wearing masks and the gathering may have been a ‘super spreader’ type event for the coronavirus.   The sheriff’s office reported that deputy sheriffs discovered the event, billed as the “Rumble in the Bronx,” taking place at 347 – 351 Coster Street at 11.15 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 14. Video of the broadcast


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De Blasio Outlines Quarantine Enforcement, Pays Tribute to Former NYC Mayor David Dinkins

By SÍLE MOLONEY
As the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 continues to rise across New York City, during a press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 24, the De Blasio administration outlined the steps that will be taken in the coming months to address the increase in the context of the upcoming holidays, including the consequences for those who do not comply with quarantine restrictions if traveling.   Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi paid tribute to front line workers, asking New Yorkers to remember that those same front line workers will be working through the holiday period and will not be able to


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New COVID-19 Vaccine Unit Opens at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine announced on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 the opening of a new COVID-19 vaccine unit which will enroll people in clinical trials that will test the efficacy of vaccines against the novel coronavirus. The unit is being led by Barry Zingman, MD, professor of medicine at Einstein and clinical director, infectious diseases, at the Moses division of Montefiore Health System.   The unit opening comes as global coronavirus infections are rising sharply again, with nearly 200,000 cases reported daily in the United States. Montefiore’s goal is to ensure more than half of all trial


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Cohen Reiterates Message to Prepare for Further Restrictions in December, Lists Available Help

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Councilman Andy Cohen has reiterated recent messages by the mayor and the governor that tighter restrictions may be imposed in December to curb the spread of the coronavirus.   “This is a difficult and challenging time for our educators, students, and families as the City is dealing with the unfortunate reality of having to close our public school’s to in-person learning once again,” Cohen said via a newsletter on Friday, Nov. 20. “As families transition into full-time remote learning, please know there are resources available. Please reach out to my office if you need help accessing meals, learning devices, or connecting


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