COVID-19 update: A new normal: The Brooklyn Hospital Center welcomes public with ‘COVID-safe’ precautions
On the front lines of the war on COVID-19, there are many civilian heroes going out of their way, as volunteers and contributors. Also, many who are elected to serve are going the extra mile. In this column the Eagle hopes to give our readers an ongoing update on those fighting in the front lines.
The Brooklyn Hospital Center, while continuing to treat those who have contracted COVID-19, has announced that it is taking special precautions to be able to treat patients for non-coronavirus related conditions. For instance, the Center has created a “COVID-safe” environment by organizing the hospital into separate areas with distinct access points, designated waiting areas, staff, nursing units and equipment. “As COVID-19 remains in the community until a vaccine is created, we want the community to know that TBHC is open and well-prepared to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care,” said Gary Terrinoni, president and CEO.
New York federal lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to revise how it allocates funds in its next disbursement of Community Development Block Grant funding, which Congress approved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to HUD Secretary Carson, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Sen. Chuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand argue that New York state was shortchanged in the most recent round of funding. “The formula HUD developed for Round 2 funding failed to include the most pertinent metrics and the best available data. As a result, the State of New York was denied critical funding resources that are still desperately needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in our state,” the lawmakers wrote.