Our Pandemic Year: Anti-smoking activist stays extra vigilant against the virus
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Anti-smoking activist Phil Konigsberg, a huge St. John’s hoops fan, spent much of the year indoors to avoid the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Konigsberg
By Phil Konigsberg
On March 10, the Eagle asked readers to describe how their lives have changed a year after COVID-19 transformed New York City. We have begun receiving responses, which we will share in our pages and online at queenseagle.com.
Phil Konigsberg wrote in and responded to specific prompts we provided in our call for submissions.
Konigsberg, an anti-smoking activist and St. John’s hoops aficionado from Bay Terrace, wrote in to describe a year spent mostly indoors shaped by COVID-19, and fear of an illness that has killed thousands of Queens neighbors.
It began with a stern conversation with his physician. Here is Konigsberg’s account.
How has your life changed in the last year?
I've stayed indoors significantly more than usual for more than 12 months. I've put off seeing medical professionals or, if appropriate, have utilized telehealth options as a safer alternative. Instead of attending numerous community meetings in person I've "attended" these gatherings virtually. For most of the year I've relied on curbside delivery for dinner options or delivery to my door instead of eating in restaurants. I've cut down driving significantly — my vehicle has travelled less than 3,000 miles over the last 14 months.
When did the extent of the crisis hit home?
When I went to my pulmonary specialist on March 9, 2020. I mentioned that two days ago I had been to a St. John's basketball game at Madison Square Garden, had a community board meeting to attend a few hours after seeing my doctor and another non-profit board meeting two days later. My doctor proceeded to give me a very stern talk that shook me up and got me focused when she basically told me if I were to become infected with COVID-19 I would not survive. That talk may have saved my life. I have severe lung disease. From that point forward, before most civic meetings went virtual, I did not attend an indoor group gathering and limited my outdoor events to where I was socially distanced. About a month later I read that 5 individuals who had attended a high school basketball game in Indiana the same day I was at MSG, all died from COVID-19.
Have you lost a loved one, a friend, a colleague or acquaintance who you want to memorialize?
There have been five individuals I've known that died from COVID-19 and two other friends of mine whose loved ones died. In addition, I know 22 others who were infected with the virus but have survived although some have had a very difficult time recovering.
How have you helped or been helped through the unprecedented crisis?
I have helped friends and relatives get vaccine appointments online - some who do not have a computer or are not proficient at using one. My neighbors have helped me with bringing up packages that were delivered but due to building policy not permitted to enter beyond the front lobby. I've also been helped by merchants who were willing to do curbside delivery even though they did not offer that policy to all.
Who have you turned to for support?
My friends and family who offered to help me if needed. My wife required emergency surgery in the summer and was hospitalized and in rehab for five weeks. That was scary for both of us since we could not see each other for the entire duration (except for five minutes) and knowing my wife could easily have been exposed to COVID-19 while in these medical facilities.
What do you most look forward to when "normal" life resumes?
Spending time with friends and family other than virtually. Being able to eat in restaurants. Going back to attending St. John's basketball games at Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden (and perhaps Belmont Arena). Taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Seeing Independence Day celebrations with live fireworks.
Want to share your pandemic story? Email editor David Brand at david@queenspublicmedia.com or reporter Rachel Vick at rachel@queenspublicmedia.com
