Queens Boro Prez thanks frontline workers during pandemic

Police officers and other first responders continue their work amid the pandemic, as other workers and civilians are told to stay home Photo courtesy of the Queens Borough President’s Office

By Rachel Vick

Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee issued a message of support to healthcare professionals and other frontline workers as the number of COVID-19 patients at Elmhurst Hospital Center surged. 

The hospital reported 13 deaths over a 24 hour period earlier that day. Queens now accounts for more people with COVID-19 than any place in the United States

“Frontline workers and medical professionals are moving mountains around the clock with extraordinary acts of heroism, using all tools and resources available to save each and every single life,” Lee said.  "The loss of lives is jarring, and we must do everything in our power to prevent and prepare for future surges on the horizon.”

“For anyone still in denial about how dire the situation is, use this as an alert not for panic, but for making the right choices now,” she added. “Our trajectory depends entirely on not just what we do, but when we do it. “

The borough president’s office also shared images from a social media campaign of frontline workers holding signs urging New Yorkers to remain in their homes.

“I came to work for you please stay home for us,” he signs read 

“Boredom is a luxury,” Lee said.  “Our ability to prevent as many deaths as possible hinges upon our staying ahead of the curve. This is humanity's shared war against a global pandemic.”