Paul Vallone tests positive for COVID-19

Photo by William Alatriste for the New York City Council

By David Brand

Queens Councilmember Paul Vallone has tested positive for COVID-19, he told constituents in a Facebook post Wednesday.

Vallone, a second-term councilmember representing Bayside, Douglaston and other Northeast Queens communities, said he sought testing because he experienced mild symptoms of COVID-19 and because he already has Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory ailment that affects the lungs.

“My family and I remain at home and have been self-quarantining, resting, and healing together,” Vallone, 52, said on Facebook. “I feel blessed to have had manageable symptoms and I am on the road to recovery.”

“My prayer is for the health of our families, our first responders, our healthcare workers, and all those on the front lines every day working to get our city through this pandemic,” he added. “Together, we will weather these uncertain times and come through stronger.

Vallone did not immediately respond to phone calls Wednesday afternoon. A spokesperson said he is requesting privacy.