Democratic State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34), who represents parts of the Bronx and Westchester counties, confirmed that she has tested positive for COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated.

 

The senator wrote as part of her weekly update on Friday, Oct. 22, “On Thursday evening I tested positive for COVID-19. While I am fully vaccinated and have taken all CDC recommended safety precautions, I unfortunately contracted the virus. I am experiencing symptoms and currently isolating at home per CDC guidelines.”

 

Biaggi went on to say that as someone experiencing a breakthrough case, she wanted to take the time to urge everyone who is unvaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine at their earliest convenience which, she said, has proven to slow transmission of the virus and suppress symptoms, protecting people from more serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death.

 

“We are still navigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the seriousness of multiple variant strains,” the senator said. “All of us must continue to do our part in protecting our community’s health and well-being. This means taking the time to get fully vaccinated.”

 

She added, “I also want to bring to your attention that just this week the CDC officially approved booster shots for both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. They also endorsed a “mix and match” approach to vaccine boosters, meaning the booster shots that people get do not need to match the ones they got for their initial vaccinations. New Yorkers over the age of 65 are encouraged to get a booster shot 6 months after their last vaccine dose. New Yorkers over the age of 18 with underlying health issues and/or heightened exposure may also receive a booster shot. As always, consult with a healthcare provider if you are uncertain.”

 

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, the senator attended a rally in New York City in support of the City’s taxi workers who began a hunger strike, saying, “NYC’s taxi workers are some of the most hardworking, persistent, and caring individuals I’ve ever met.” She added, “I was proud to stand in solidarity with them as they began their hunger strike last night to fight for debt forgiveness. @NYCMayor: it’s time to listen to our taxi workers.”

 

The rally was organized by a group of NY Taxi Workers who say they have been financially ruined by unpayable taxi medallion debt. Yellow Cab taxicabs are the only vehicles that have the right to pick up street-hailing and prearranged passengers anywhere in New York City. By law, there are 13,587 taxis in New York City and each taxi must have a medallion affixed to it. Medallions are auctioned by the City and are transferrable on the open market by licensed brokers.

 

The value of taxi medallions has plummeted in recent years from what they were once worth, likely due to increased competition from the likes of Uber and Lyft. The New York Times reported in March 2021 that for years, a generation of New York City taxi drivers who wanted to own their own cabs were channeled into exploitative loans that left them deeply in debt, or even bankrupted. The Times reported that the City, which reaped hundreds of millions of dollars from the practice, ignored their plight.

 

An NYC Department of Transportation public hearing on permanent car share rules is scheduled to take place on Nov. 8, as reported.

NYC taxi drivers have been financially ruined by unpayable medallion debt as a direct result of city policy. Many have committed suicide.

Now @NYCMayor wants to bail out the bankers who own the debt & abandon the drivers to lifelong poverty.

Help us stop the #DeBlasioDebtTrap. pic.twitter.com/ONGast9lmS

— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) September 20, 2021

 

Meanwhile, Biaggi concluded her announcement by urging anyone with questions regarding the vaccine or needing help scheduling an appointment, to visit vaccines.gov or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. “If you live in District 34 and need assistance in setting up an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please fill out this form and my team will get back to you,” she said. “I hope you and your loved ones continue to stay healthy and safe.”

 

Editor’s Note: Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines at these sites:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-facts.page

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19/caring-for-children/families.html