July 15, 2020

BRONX VOICE

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

FREE

COVID CRASHES 4th Year, No. 5

End to lockdown leads to rash of traffic accidents Page 4 Naked and afraid on Fordham Rd.

Page 6

Defund bad cops’ pensions, pol says Page 10

July 15 - 21, 2020

2• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Mayor outlines ‘blended’ plan of school, remote learning

By Dan Gesslein New York City schools maybe reopening in the fall, but remote learning is not going away any time soon. Mayor Bill deBlasio outlined a hybrid plan to reopen NYC schools for the fall.

Photo courtesy of Mayor's Press Office

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza.

The plan outlined by deBlasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, calls for students to attend class in the school building twice or three times a week. The remaining instruction will be done remotely.

The mayor calls the approach a “blended model” of actual in-class and remote learning.

“For the vast majority of kids and the vast majority of schools, you will be going to school for either two days a week or three days a week, depending on the week,” de Blasio said.

Students will return in September in a blended learning model or an online learning model, if they choose,” Carranza said.

The blended model is in response to the continued battle against the Coronavirus even as NYC reopens and parents return to work.

According to a DOE survey, the vast majoriCONTINUED ON PAGE 3

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 3

Mayor outlines ‘blended’ plan of school, remote learning CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

ty of parents responding supported kids returning to school.

For those who wish, deBlasio said there is an option for parents to opt out of returning to school and to continue remote learning full time.

Carranza stressed the steps the city was taking to make the schools as safe as possible. Children will be required to wear masks but will not be punished for not wearing

a face covering.

An extensive cleaning process will take place throughout the school system to insure its 1 million students stay safe.

“Our buildings will be deep cleaned on a nightly basis with electrostatic disinfectant sprayers,” Carranza said.

“HVAC systems are being upgraded as we speak to ensure better ventilation in our schools,” the chancellor said.

Photo courtesy of Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Bill deBlasio outlined the plan to reopen NYC schools.

CoronavirusEnd to lockdown leads to rash of traffic crashes

4• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

By David Greene As crowds return to the streets and roadways of the Bronx after a nearly 4-month lockdown due to the coronavirus, four people were injured in three separate crashes along a 3-block stretch in Uni-

versity Heights-- that all took place in a 5-hour period.

According to NYPD spokeswoman and Detective Denise Moroney, the first incident was reported at 2:00 p.m. on July 8, at 237 West Fordham Road at Hampden

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Place, in the confines of the 52nd Precinct.

Moroney stated, "Upon arrival officers observed a 25-year-old male exhibiting behavior of being intoxicated. The subject was involved in a motor vehicle collision (2019

Subaru) and EMS transported the individual to St. Barnabas Hospital.”

The individual, identified as Andrew Brito, 25, of Manhattan, was later charged with operating a motor vehicle with .08 of 1% alcohol in the 1st degree and aggravated unlicensed operator in the second degree.

A witness reported a second victim, a female passenger was also injured and EMS confirmed two victims were removed to St. Barnabas, but gave 2:30 p.m. as the time of the incident.

The witness reported that officers found a bottle of alcohol in the rented 'Zip Car,' after Brito had slammed their vehicle into a parked car and overturned the vehicle.

The witness, who declined to be identified, recounted, "The dark blue car was parked on West Fordham Road when it got hit by the light blue car," pushing the parked vehicle onto the sidewalk and sending the Zip Car into a rollover.

The witness continued, "They were drunk, the police found a bottle in the car.”

The same witness reported at 6:30 the same evening, a second crash at Andrews Avenue and West Fordham Road, when a rider of a motorized scooter was struck by a vehicle.

Detective Moroney responded to the second incident, stating, "There are no complaint reports on file with the information you've provided" however, the witness' photograph of firefighters moving the bike to the side of the road and a photo of a police vehicle at the scene as well as confirmation from the FDNY, discounts the NYPD claim.

In an email, the FDNY confirmed a pedestrian was struck at 6:22 p.m. and removed to St. Barnabas Hospital.

After the second crash, the witness reported, "This place is seriously getting dangerous, they can call it the Fordham Motor Speedway.”

As the witness relaxed on their front stoop at about midnight, EMS could be seen again on the corner of Loring Place North and West Fordham Road.

According to a second police spokesman, a CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

CoronavirusEnd to lockdown leads to rash of traffic crashes

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

motor vehicle accident was reported at 11:26 p.m. on July 8.

The police spokesman noted, "We had two vehicles, they were both traveling in the same direction. One vehicle was double parked and struck the other vehicle when it was moving out CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Firefighters remove a scooter to the side of the road, after its driver was hit by a vehicle at West Fordham Road and Andrews Avenue.

Naked and afraid on Fordham Road

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

6• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

By David Greene Boxing promoters could have called it, "The Brawl at the Mall," as a bizarre video briefly uploaded to social media showed an emotionally disturbed man brawling with half a dozen passersby along busy East Fordham Road, just hours after dozens of looters destroyed shops and removed property along the popular shopping district.

According to the NYPD, the video was shot on June 1 and begins with the man, dressed only in a pair of white socks-- crosses East Fordham Road. A man in a red and black jacket walks up behind him and socks the naked man in the head. The shocked crowd watches as the man continues to cross the street, when he pushes another man as many in the crowd pull out their cellphones to capture the unusual moment.

As the disturbed man battled several combatants, he fell to the ground and was kicked by one angry man before getting back to his feet.

The battle continued between Morris Avenue and Jerome Avenue for several minutes.

At the end of the video, the man is pushed into a vehicle that quick-

A man with a cane (left) stops to watch three men go toe-to-toe with a naked man along East Fordham Road and Morris Avenue.

ly speeds away, sending the man to the ground again.

Apparently after the uploaded video ended, the man crossed Jerome Avenue to West Fordham Road, NYPD spokeswoman and detective Sophia Mason stated, "This incident occurred on June 1, 2020 at approximately 1530 hours. A 911 call was made for an emotionally disturbed individual on West Fordham Road within the confines of the 52 Precinct.”

Mason added that the unidentified 28-year-old man was not seriously injured and was transported by EMS to St. Barnabas Hospital for psychological evaluation. No other injuries were reported.

Shops like Perfumia and Easy Pickins, where part of the brawls took place, were still closed due to the coronavirus, but one worker at "Capy" explained, "Yes, we heard about it and we saw it on the video.

We were here that day, but we just saw the people that we're outside, but we didn't really pay too much attention to it, but the next day we saw the video on social media.”

One business owner of Sight N Style Optical had missed the naked man's brawl, but explained, "I work at Fordham and Jerome and a whole bunch of crazy stuff like that happens here everyday.

Yeah, there was just a car crash the other day,

right into my store.

There were people hurt, but thank God no one from my store was hurt.”

The owner continued, "We had a little damage, but nothing serious. But the food truck fell and an old woman inside the food truck was injured when boiling coffee spilled all over her. But there have been multiple times when naked men have run around here.”

Asked how business was today, the owner replied, "Yes, it's crazy in here, it's packed. The other day too, a guy ran in here and took a mirror and ran out and got hit by a car, it's ridiculous." That man the owner said did have his clothes on.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 7

Fireworks-

8• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Holiday beatdown with cane while riding subway

By Dan Gesslein A South Bronx beat down took place in a subway station when a rider was cracked in the head with a cane.

The NYPD says the attack was unprovoked.

At around 11:45 pm on July 4, a 53-yearold man entered the 149th Street Station to catch a Number 4 train. Suddenly without warning a man struck him in the head and torso with a cane.

The attacker then fled the station on foot.

The victim was rushed to nearby Lincoln Hospital where he was treated.

No word on what motivated the attacker to strike the man.

Investigators released surveillance video of the cane wielding attacker.

He is described as between 30 and 40 years of age.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW. NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

confirmed provided by the wit- NYPD reported the Bronx had 334 collisions, down from at that location, but discrepancies in the 694 in the same time reported the incident reporting of city period in 2019, a as having occurred government officials decrease of 52.1%, at 12:08 a.m. on remains unknown. likely caused by July 9, which closer In the week end- fewer drivers due to resembles the time ing July 5, 2020, the the pandemic.

However, 21 people have died in traffic accidents in the Bronx in the first six months of 2020, compared with just 13 in the same time period in 2019, a 52.1% increase.

End to lockdown leads to rash of traffic crashes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

EMS

of the lane.” one victim from a ness.

Police also report- motor vehicle crash The cause of the

ed that the victim suffered neck and back injuries and was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 9

Terminate bad cops’ pensions, pols say

10• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

By Dan Gesslein New York politicians are not just looking to defund the NYPD but their pensions too- or at least the pensions of bad cops.

The NY State Senate has introduced a bill to terminate the pensions of officers who have been terminated from the NYPD. New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda and Assembly Member Diana Richardson introduced a bill to amend the civil service law to allow for the termination of a cop’s retirement benefits for “malfeasance or serious misconduct.”

The NY State Senate has introduced a bill to terminate the pensions of officers who have been terminated from the NYPD. New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda and Assembly Member Diana Richardson introduced a bill to amend the civil service law to allow for the termination of a cop’s retirement benefits for “malfeasance or serious misconduct.”

The bill comes in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests which have kicked off a series

Officers during the looting on Fordham Road.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

of “defund the police” movements. The NY City Council just passed Mayor deBlasio’s budget which cuts $1 Billion from the NYPD’s budget.

The sponsors of the state senate bill say the purpose is to prevent bad cop’s who have been fired for their actions to receive retirement benefits.

"Systemic racism, inadequate training, and abuse of power have all contributed to the scourge of police brutality that has torn apart families and communi-

ties across this country,” said State Senator Luis Sepulveda. “We are at a pivotal moment for anti-racist and police reform, and it is clear that law enforcement officers must face greater accountability.

“Taxpayer dollars should not be funding public benefits for state employees who commit heinous or illegal actions. As such we are calling for an immediate termination of retirement or other benefits for law enforcement officers who do not follow the values or laws

of our state and country they are supposed to serve,” Sepulveda said.

“Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve. They are supposed to be our trusted partners,” said Assemblymember Diana Richardson. “However, when that trust is broken, there must be consequences. What this bill does is add a level of accountability by terminating the retirement benefits of law enforcement officers who take it upon themselves to act outside of their training and the law.”

Photo by David Greene

Pro-NYPD, BLM protestors square off in Morris Park

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 11

By David Greene A community based rally to support the NYPD in the Morris Park section has turned into a tit-for-tat with members of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, holding their own counter-demonstration, that at times got heated just outside the gates of Loreto Playground.

Neighborhood residents announced the proNYPD rally on social media and a crowd estimated at 200 residents turned out on June 30.

Many arrived with homemade signs and banners made for the occasion-along with at least one large flag carried by an NYPD supporter during the rally.

"Liane," the first speaker to address the crowd, charged, "(Mayor Bill) de Blasio has been turning the knives in the backs of the NYPD... since he's been in office. The NYPD caught in the crosshairs of their political games. We say back the blue. We call it 'The thin blue line.' The thin blue line means the police are the line that keeps society from descending into violent chaos.”

She continued, "This couldn't be more true right now. We're seeing it before our eyes. Manhattan and other parts of the country look like war zones. We stand here to-

day, shootings in our city have gone up 157%, homicides 31%, since the riots started.”

As Irene Estrada, the newly elected District Leader of the 80th Assembly District had just started speaking, a crowd of about 25 BLM protesters began their own chant, drowning out Estrada. Most of the Morris Park crowd then hastily marched to the playground's fence to confront the BLM protesters, many Morris Park residents now chanting “N-Y-P-D!" "Get the (expletive) out of here," one man screamed as both groups, face to face, with only the playground's fence and the two or three dozen police officers to keep the peace. Members of both groups yelled pointing cellphones and recording each other as others flipped the middle finger as they screamed.

Many Morris Park residents were convinced to return to their rally, while others exited the park to

Photos by David Greene

Morris Park residents turn out in support of the NYPD during a rally at Loreto Playground. A group of Blacks Lives Matters supporters squared off during a counterprotest on the other side of the fence. confront the small group of mostly young demonstrators on Tomlinson Avenue. The BLM crowd chanted, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, these racist cops have got to go!" and "No justice no peace, defund the police.”

One woman from the Morris Park group yelled at the BLM demonstrators, "You don't even know me... you all got a lot of growing up before you actually change things. This is very immature what you're doing right now," as she snapped several cellphone photos of the competing crowd.

One young BLM supporter and Morris Park resident was asked if she learned of the counter demonstration on social media, she responded,

"No, I just live across the street and I heard the screaming." Asked if she had neighbors attending the pro-NYPD rally in the park, she replied, "Yes." Asked if she thought her protesting could cause problems with her neighbors in the future, she replied, "I don't really care, because I support Black Lives Matter.”

One BLM demonstrator alleged that he was punched in the head, as the two groups briefly crossed paths, but the protester could not identify the individual in the large crowd, as the demonstrator was wearing goggles over his face.

The BLM crowd, was surrounded by angry Morris Park residents on three sides, and only the two dozen or more NYPD

officers prevented escalation of the heated arguments into mayhem.

As the man talked to officers as well as his taunters, one member of the Morris Park crowd yelled to him, "You're confused.

Go home!”

Members of the BLM group were eventually escorted to Morris Park Avenue by members of the NYPD and the group broke up and headed in different directions.

However, BLM posted their own announcement, telling supporters, "Let's put a stop to blatant racism in Morris Park." And on Monday, July 6, some 200 chanting protesters marched across Morris Park Avenue, to the astonishment of many on the street. The group vowed to return.

12• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Your Hustle by Tom Greenbaum Surviving the Covid-19 crisis:

Think with your head, not your heart We are undoubtably in the toughest time of all our lives from both a business and personal life perspective.

As a small business entrepreneur, the situation is particularly problematic, as most small businesses do not hold meaningful cash reserves and have significant recurring monthly expenses that must be paid.

In many, if not most situations, it is possible to survive this crisis if you do the right things, right now!

In fact, some of you might find that this experience might result in you changing the direction of your business that could make you better off in the future.

The following will provide some suggestions as to ways to address this situation that will increase the chances of your surviving, and maybe even thriving in the future.

First, and most obvious

is to analyze very thoroughly your expenses in order to determine: What are the major expense categories that would really make a difference to you if they were eliminated?

What expenses could you eliminate that would have virtually no impact on the business?

If you are operating a retail business, generally there are a large number of items you sell that represent only a very small percentage of your revenues. Many of these probably should have been eliminated months or years ago, but certainly they could go now and have virtually no impact on the business.

Identify expense categories that you could save money by doing them yourself rather than use full or part time employ-

File photo

ees or outside contractors.

Examples might be your cleaning service, or your trash pick-up.

Second, take actions based on what you learned from the above that would make your cash position better. The hardest part of this relates to employees.

Your employees are probably the largest drain on your cash position, and also likely the most difficult to eliminate. You might have an employee (or employees) who have been with you for a very long time, and you have developed a long term, possibly personal relationship with them.

However, if you are thinking with your head, you know you have to put them on temporary or permanent furlough if you are going to survive.

You might be lucky and get money from the government programs that will pay for them, and that would be wonderful. But if you don’t, you must eliminate them from the payroll as hard as it is to do. They can get unemployment, and hopefully come back to you when times are better.

You might find that you have been operating with too much staff (including cleaning, trash removal etc.) and when times change that you can improve your profitability by

not filling these positions.

Third, you should take some time to think about the needs of your customers and see if you might be able to generate revenues from them without having these people come into the store.

For example, a toy store could make contact with customers and offer special services by phone or Internet that will enable them to meet their demand.

A clothing store could develop a personal business by getting the measurements of your customers and have them describe for you what they are seeking, so you can send them several options (recognizing the returns will be high) via UPS or USPS so they can select what they want. This could turn into a completely different business for you that could work long term.

There is always the option to show customers options using the Internet via products such as Zoom, Facetime or SKYPE or on your website.

Another example might be a barber shop who could offer some self-cuting tools to customers to hold them off until you reopen. While some will say this could threaten your business in the future, it really depends on the rela-

tionship of your customers with your barbers, and the realization that they probably could not do nearly as good a job as they get by coming to the shop….. when we get back to normal.

In net, if you think about your customers and their needs, it is quite likely that you might be able to find a new way of serving them that would enable you to get revenues ( and customer loyalty) and they would have items to meet their needs.

Fourth, it is a natural time to ask for concessions from your landlord, as if you can not stay in business it would hurt the landlord long term.

SUMMARY: Surviving tough times like we are in takes solid thinking and the courage to make the right decisions that will enable you to be there in the future.

If you keep emotion out of your decision process, the probability of you making the right decisions will be much greater.

Good Luck!

ENCORE Strategic Business Consulting is an organization where your benefit is our experience. We have over 50 years history working with businesses of all types, and from very large to very small. Our goal is to help you thrive in good times and bad. Learn about us at www.encorestrategic.com or call us at 203-858-0515

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 13

14• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

Health Matters

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Remembering Larry Kramer:

A legacy in LGBTQ health

By Chandra Wilson As a clinical field nurse caring for AIDS patients in the early days of the epidemic, Arthur Fitting, LGBTQ Program Director for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, witnessed firsthand the fear and devastation that accompanied “the plague,” as pioneering AIDS activist, playwright and author Larry Kramer termed the then emerging HIV/AIDS crisis. Kramer’s pow-

erful advocacy for people with AIDS during that time made an indelible impression on Fitting. For him, Mr. Kramer’s passing this year is a reminder and call-toaction for continued diligence in the fight for LGBTQ Healthcare rights.

One of the most essential lessons Fitting learned from Kramer was how to advocate for people, and what it means to truly support a cause one cares about.

“It’s wonderful that I’m working at VNSNY, which advocates for all patients and plan members today as it has for 127 years. We are consistently engaging the community, asking questions, listening, caring for people in all communities, including the LGBTQ community,” Fitting explains. “These endeavors, and the efforts VNSNY is making toward connecting with older members of the LGBTQ community to inform and ensure proper access to healthcare and provide safe, comfortable care in the home, are strengthened by Kramer’s work.”

Kramer was a 1981 co-founder of GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), the first service organization for HIV-positive people, having later found ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). As an early and remaining member of ACT UP, Fitting reflects on how Kramer was able to give the HIV/AIDs community a voice.

“Having lost a partner to AIDS and working as a clinical nurse in the West Village at the height of the epidemic, I will never forget how helpless, fearful, and directionless our community was. Kramer’s work helped to ignite fires within us at a time when we were all living in the dark.”

Fitting recalls.

“I and some of my co-workers were able to help develop new programs for VNSNY, so that AIDS patients could receive quality care and, in so many instances, be able to pass on in their own homes with dignity.”

Known for his outspoken, irascible nature, Kramer’s relentless pursuit of equality for members of the LGBTQ community has not only helped make marriage equality a reality and reinforced the LGBTQ Healthcare Bill of Rights, it has helped pave the way for special needs programs like VNSNY CHOICE SelectHealthHealth Plan that are de-

signed for Medicaid-eligible New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and/or who identify as transgender or live in a Homeless shelter.

We have made enormous strides since the height of the AIDS epidemic and still, the need for advocacy persists. Larry Kramer reminded us that there was always more work to be done, not tomorrow, but today, and his legacy lives on in the efforts of all who continue to advocate and serve to help ensure that members of the LGBTQ community have access to the health care they need and are free to live without fear of discrimination.

“It is clear to me that, even after generations, ‘fires of hope’ can still roar,” Arthur Fitting reminds us.

For more information about Home Health Care services from the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York, please visit www.VNSNY.orgor call 1-800-675-0391.

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 15

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Covid-19 caused spike in overdoses

New grant combats rise by training health pros

Every six hours, a person dies from a drug overdose in New York City, with more deaths in the Bronx than any other borough.

COVID-19 has made the overdose epidemic even more dangerous because many people feel isolated and uncomfortable going to hospitals to get care.

To ensure people get the substance use disorder treatment they need, Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been awarded a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to train physicians in addiction medicine and strengthen relationships with community partners. The Montefiore-Einstein Addiction Medicine Fellowship, started in 2019, continues to expand our commitment to advancing substance use disorder treatment in the Bronx community.

"We are proud of our long-established pro-

grams, but now more than ever, we need to increase the number of physicians equipped to treat those with substance use disorders and our presence in community-based settings," said Shadi Nahvi, M.D., M.S., director, Addiction Medicine Fellowship program at Montefiore and Einstein, and associate professor of medicine and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Einstein.

The five-year HHS grant will fund an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-addiction medicine fellowship program to train new doctors on a team approach which includes

File photo

nurses, counselors, social workers, nursing homes, pharmacists and community-based organizations so treatment can start as early as possible, regardless of where people are seeking help.

Training will occur at clinical settings like the Montefiore Einstein Division of Substance Abuse and the Montefiore Buprenorphine Treatment Network, which for decades has been a leader in using medication to support treatment of opioid and alcohol abuse disorders and providing primary care.

The fellows will then complete their training at organizations like New York Harm Reduction Educators, which provides safe syringes and engages people who use drugs. Additionally, the fellows will partner with community groups, including BronxWorks, the Harm Reduction Coalition, the Osborne Association, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to improve care.

By having clinicians in community locations that pro-

vide critical services like food and shelter, Montefiore doctors can prescribe buprenorphine to prevent withdrawal and block the pleasurable effects of using opioids and be primary care doctors when needed, treating conditions such as HIV and Hepatitis C. "Our hope is that by partnering closely with our community, our addiction medicine fellows can become change agents - and rethink how to deliver the best care possible during this pandemic and well into the future," said Dr. Nahvi.

16• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Pandemic dramatically increased out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases and deaths- study says The COVID-19 pandemic in New York City caused a surge in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and deaths, according to a study co-authored by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).

The study, published online in JAMA Cardiology, found a three-fold increase in out-of-hospital non-traumatic cardiac-arrest cases in March and April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

On the worst day— April 6—cardiac arrests peaked at 305 cases, an increase of nearly 10fold compared with the same day one year earlier. The mortality rate for cardiac-arrest cases also rose, from 75 percent in 2019 to more than 90 percent during the same period in 2020.

“Relatively few, if any, patients were tested to confirm the presence of COVID-19, so we couldn’t distinguish between cardiac arrests attributable to COVID-19 and those that may have resulted from other health conditions,” said study senior author David Prezant, M.D., professor of medicine at Einstein, a clinical pulm-

onologist at Montefiore, and the Chief Medical Officer at the FDNY. “We also can’t rule out the possibility that some people may have died from delays in seeking or receiving treatment for non-COIVD-19-related conditions. However, the dramatic increase in cardiac arrests compared to the same period in 2019, strongly indicates that the pandemic was directly or indirectly responsible for that surge in cardiac arrests and deaths.”

The study used data from the New York City emergency medical services system. Run by the FDNY, it is the largest and busiest EMS system in the U.S., serving a population of more than 8.4 million people and responding to more than 1.5 million calls annually.

Data was analyzed for patients 18 years or older with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who received EMS resuscitation from March 1, 2020 (when the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in New York City) through April 25, 2020 (when EMS call volume had receded to pre-COVID-19 levels). For comparison, cardiac-arrest data was also analyzed for the same time period during 2019.

Between March 1 and

April 25, 2020, 3,989 patients underwent EMS resuscitation attempts for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests—compared to 1,336 patients who were treated during that period in 2019.

Compared with cardiac arrests in 2019, cardiac arrests occurring during the pandemic were associated with several risk factors. On average, the 2020 patients were: * Older (average age of 72 vs. 68 for the 2019 cardiac-arrest patients) * Less likely to be white (20 percent white vs. 33 percent) * More likely to have hypertension (54 percent vs. 46 percent) * More likely to have diabetes (36 percent vs.

26 percent) * More likely to have physical limitations (57 percent vs. 48 percent) * More likely to have cardiac rhythms that don’t respond to defibrillator shocks (92% vs.

81%) * More likely to die (90% vs 75%).

Why might a respiratory disease like COVID-19 trigger heart problems? In addition to overwhelming pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, COVID-19 damages the lining of blood vessels, leading to blood clots that can trigger heart attacks even in

File photo

people with no previous cardiopulmonary diseases.

“Our findings show that it’s clearly important to intervene early in the course of COVID-19 infection, before often-fatal cardiac arrests occur,” said Dr. Prezant. “They also underline the critical need, particularly during a pandemic, to provide better access to healthcare and outreach for vulnerable patients with chronic conditions. Early, targeted interventions for those at-risk individuals— regular telemedicine visits and home-based monitoring of vital signs including oxygen saturation levels, for

example—might help to reduce out-of-hospital fatalities.”

The study is titled “Characteristics Associated With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests and Resuscitations During the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in New York City.” Other authors are: Pamela H. Lai, M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc., and Elizabeth A. Lancet, Dr.P.H. M.P.H., from FDNY; Michael D. Weiden, M.D. M.S., from FDNY and NYU Langone; and Mayris P. Webber, Dr.P.H. M.P.H.; Rachel Zeig-Owens, Dr.P.H., M.P.H.; and Charles B. Hall, Ph.D., all from Einstein-Montefiore and FDNY.

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 17

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Coronavirus Reopening-

Prioritize your health, resume regular check-ups

The COVID-19 surge has passed through NY and as our communities re-open, now is the time to prioritize your health and resume regular checkups.

Reports show that avoiding hospitals and doctor’s offices

can have detrimental long-term effects. To make sure everyone is comfortable and is seeking the healthcare services they need, Montefiore has launched the following services to help our communities.

1. Created a hotline ( 8 3 3 - 3 11 - S A F E

( 8 3 3 - 3 11 - 7 2 3 3 ) ) and website (https:// covidsafecare.montefiore.org/covidsafe) so people can ask questions and receive the most appropriate care going forward – whether it’s in-person or via a telemedicine visit.

2. Launched a fol-

low-up clinic, the COVID-19 Recovery Clinic (CORE) for people who have recovered from COVID-19, but are experiencing new or lingering symptoms.

CORE offers in-office and telemedicine visits connecting patients to a team of

experts who can address their physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs.

The goal of the new service is to help reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

For more information, call 844-5566683, extension #36.

Culinary Road

18• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

By Morris Gut

Foodie destinations during slow reopening

The Ace Endico story began years ago out of a small grocery in the Bronx. Today, after nearly 4 decades, Ace Endico under the guidance of co-founders William Endico and Murray Hertzberg, the company has grown into a major wholesale food supplier and distributor to the food service industry in the tri-state. Last year they hosted a ‘tasting day’ at Yankee Stadium.

The Ace Endico name went up in lights. Now they offer home delivery to the Bronx.

Their Ace Endico Marketplace accepts retail customers at their state-of-the-art headquarters in Brewster, N.Y., just off 84, and their smaller outlet on W. Lincoln Ave., Mount Vernon. Stemming from the coronavirus crisis,

they have launched Ace Endico To Go with a small fleet of new vans for home delivery in the metro area. They offer a wide line of products: meats, produce, dry goods, dairy, fish, poultry, cheeses, canned goods, imported items and beverages. Free home delivery is available with a $200 minimum. Their daily flyer is posted on the website.

It is customer friendly.

It was a beautiful day and we just had to get out of self-quarantine for a while. We took a drive north on Rt. 684 from our southern Westchester haunts and the onset of summer was in full display. Our destination: Ace Endico’s 200,000 square foot main warehouse and market on the outskirts

of Brewster for some alternative shopping. I had to see this for myself. It turned out to be a fruitful road trip.

The retail Marketplace is on the side of their huge facility and offers plenty of parking. We got a rolling cart and once inside started combing the aisles. They were wellstocked with assorted merchandise from fruit and produce, meats and fish, frozen foods, paper goods, gourmet items, kitchen supplies, many items packaged in large quantities for wholesale

buyers. There were plenty of goods also sold in smaller quantities. You could pick your own apples or potatoes, for example. The best part, most prices were very reasonable when compared to mainstream markets.

On a follow-up trip, we came back with fresh mussels and halibut from their fish counter.

They made for delicious meals. By the time we got to check-out in each case we had filled our cart with more than we had anticipated, and that CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020• 19

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Farmer’s market delivers, outdoor dining continues CONTINUED FROM PAGE18

was ok. Some spur of the moment buys had found their way in.

As an extra added surprise, William Endico, one of the company founders, was on sight and we had a chance to chat. He is a former Bronx native from Throggs Neck. We had met years earlier when Ace Endico was in Elmsford. A few days later we visited Ace Endico’s Mount Vernon outlet. It does not stock as much as the Brewster Marketplace, but we did leave with a good price on extra-large eggs, flour, and dry goods which have been hard to come by lately.

Ace Endico, 80 International Blvd., Brewster, N.Y. 914-3473131, 1-845-230-9886 & Ace Endico, 188 W. Lincoln Ave., Mount Vernon. 914-699-5592 www.aceendicotogo. com PHASE 3 IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY ALLOWS FOR OUTDOOR AND PARTIAL INDOOR SEATING… PELHAM AL FRESCO!

Pelham Town Supervisor Dan McLaughlin is offering a lot of support to local restaurants. Patrons flocked to Macelleria Italian Steakhouse as soon as they set up their outdoor

seating along Fifth Ave. Customers were obviously happy to see them back. Open daily.

Sergio’s, further up on Fifth Ave., created an outdoor patio in their rear parking area. www. sergiosofpelham.com The new Marcello’s, a few stores from DeCicco’s Market, has set up outdoor seating. www. marcellospizzeria.net Rockwells is serving their craft brews and burgers. www.rockwellsusa.com And, the metamorphosis at The Rail House 10803 on First St. continues as they reopen with patio tables in their parking area. Host Florio Rugova offers an eclectic Italian/American menu. www.therailhouse10803.com Villaggio is covering their section of sidewalk with tables as well. www.villaggiotrattoria. com NEW ROCHELLE AL FRESCO! Mayor Noam Bramson has successfully led the City of New Rochelle back from being one of the nation’s first coronavirus hotspots to a dining destination. Restaurants are showing off their colors.

Dubrovnik Restaurant on Main Street offers lovely patio dining overlooking their urban garden and farm.

You almost forget you are in downtown New Rochelle. Jerry Tomic founded Westchester’s first eatery devoted to Croatian cuisine and atmosphere. Talented Chef Antonio Selendic mans the kitchen and he will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic on the Dalmatian Coast in flavorful style. Matt and his staff will be your guides. Most everything is house made from the bread to desserts. Specialties range from pristine fish and seafood to meats prepared on the woodfired outdoor grill.

Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. Private party facilities. Valet parking.

Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle.

914-637-3777 www.dubrovnikny.com Road foodies may remember Leno’s Clam Bar, also known as Greasy Nick’s, along Pelham Road in New Rochelle. It’s just down the road from Glen Island Park. I started going to Leno’s generations ago for their burgers, steamers, fried clams, grilled hotdogs, and corn on the cob swimming in butter. It’s a wonderful no-frills experience. Leno’s Clam Bar is at 755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle.

Open daily during the season. Phone: 914636-9869.

Nick’s sidewalk patio is open at Mamma Francesca on Pelham Road with colorful umbrella tables. Take-out and

delivery 7 days. Music some nights. Hearty Italian dishes infused with a touch of Ischia.

Pizza, too. 914-6361229 www.mammafrancesca.com Owner Nicole Pirraglia-Piparo of Minis Latin Fusion on E. Main St. constructed a tented outdoor patio with palms right out front. Special menu for take-out and free delivery 7 days. Colorful flavorful contemporary Latin specialties. Free parking. 914-355-5609 www.minislatinfusion. com (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. Email: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

Outdoor dining at Mamma Francesca.

20• BRONX VOICE• July 15 - 21, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com