Bronx Voice March 18, 2020

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3rd Year, No.61

March 18 - 24, 2020

DRIVER CHARGED

ANGEL PANIC!! MOWED DOWN Page

BY SUV 2

Run on 14 injured in groceries building fire

Schools, churches, libraries shutdown

Page 13

Photo by David Greene

Get the facts on Page Coronavirus 15

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2• BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020

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Driver charged with negligent homicide SUV fatally struck infant in stroller

A driver who struck and killed an infant in a stroller when the SUV he was driving hopped a curb in Wakefield has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and additional charges.

District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “The vehicle the defendant was driving jumped on a sidewalk where a mother

had stopped to feed her daughter, who was in a stroller. The defendant’s actions caused the death of the baby. My condolences to the mother who saw her child die in such a tragic way.”

Clark said the defendant, Kier Boneparte, 22, of East 215 Street, was arraigned on Criminally Negligent Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting and Violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas.

The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on March 31, 2020.

According to the investigation, in the afternoon of September 17, 2019, the defendant was alleged CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Driver charged with negligent homicide SUV fatally struck infant in stroller CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

-ly driving a 2002 BMW SUV without a driver’s license, while the car’s owner sat in the passenger seat.

At White Plains Road and East 215 Street, the defendant attempted to make a right turn and lost control. The vehicle jumped the curb, going directly to-

wards a woman who was standing on the sidewalk while her daughter, Djeneba Magassa, sat in a stroller. The child was pinned between the vehicle and a wall.

Witnesses helped free the child and she was taken to Montefiore Medical Center. Djeneba sustained blunt force injuries to her head and torso and

was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

According to the investigation, the defendant left the crash scene and walked down the street. Police Officers stopped him and took him into custody.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defen-

20-month-old Djeneba Magassa was killed when a car hopped a curb in Wakefield.

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BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020• 5

Modell’s closes all stores after 100 years

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By David Greene Customers have been busy buying out the inventory

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from the two Ford- has filed for bankham Road locations ruptcy and is closing of Modell's Sporting after more than 100 CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 Goods Store, which

Photos by David Greene

(Left) Modell’s Sporting Goods Store at 31 East Fordham Road will be closing after nearly 50 years at the location. (Above) A customer takes advantage of 30% saving as Modell's hosts a going out of business sale.

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BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020• 7

7 stores in Bronx shuttered

the company filed years. for bankruptcy on Based on 5 Ave- March 11 and benue in Manhattan, gan liquidating it's

inventory after the After reporting popular chain was revenue of $765 unable to secure an million in 2015, investor. the company fell on hard times and blamed slumping sales on competition in the sneaker business, competition from online stores and skyrocketing rent.

The company has stated that it's 153 stores will remain open to accept rePhoto by David Greene turns until April Modell's employees ring up their final customers Sunday, March 15 as it's doors will be shut15. Modell's curtered forever on March 17.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

rently has 1,505 employees.

Modell's was a family owned chain founded in 1889 and has been located on Fordham Road for about half a century. It also has locations in the Bay Plaza Shopping Center, across from the Bruckner Shopping Center in Soundview and a location in the HUB.

2013 Williamsbridge Road BRONX NY 10461 929-777-9229

8• BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020

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Compactor fire injures BRONX VOICE 16 at Tracy Towers GLM:

Guess Line Media LLC

By David Greene Fourteen residents, including several children were overcome by smoke after a suspicious fire started in a compactor chute in the high-rise building known as Tracy Towers. Two firefighters were also injured.

At 2:50 a.m. on March 10, firefighters were called to 20 West Mosholu Parkway South for a fire in the compactor room on the 24th floor of the 41 Story building.

The fire prompted a 2nd alarm response with 106 firefighters from 25 individual units.

According to EMS, paramedics removed 16 civilians, including two reported in serious condition. Two firefighters also suffered minor injuries.

The blaze was quickly contained, but several residents reported that three of the six elevators were not working before the fire, causing a delay of firefighters checking on residents on the upper floors and some

177 Main Street Suite 449 New Rochelle, NY 10801 (646) 671-0602

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residents remained on their balconyies for the duration of the incident.

One resident who declined to be identified, stated, "Before the fire we only had three working elevators and as they battled the fire, the water went down into the elevator shafts," knocking out two of the three working elevators and hampering rescue efforts.

The following morning the resident was asked if he had been upstairs, he replied, "No, because

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The FDNY says 14 civilians and 2 firefighters were injured after an early morning blaze at 40 West Mosholu Parkway South.

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Compactor fire injures 16 at Tracy Towers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

before you go up you have to wait a long time and the elevators are packed." He noted, "One elevator for 400 apartments.”

The fire was contained to the compactor room, but residents reported that the thick, billowing smoke caused damage to the hallways of the

upper floors.

Workers were spotted with plaster and paint the following morning and by Tuesday night, some of the damaged elevators were believed to have been brought back online.

The cause of the fire could not immediately be determined and the incident remains under investigation by the FDNY.

Photo by David Greene

Workers were spotted Tuesday morning outside Tracy Towers as they began to repair the damaged hallways.

It’s alive??

10• BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020

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Dead deal springs to life for methadone clinic

By David Greene Angry residents from Allerton, Pelham Parkway and Morris Park have vowed to fight a proposed methadone clinic that apparently has set its sights on a building that is in close proximity of several schools, a church and residential homes.

Photo by David Greene

Residents hold a demonstration outside Exit Realty, who was involved in the sale at 2500 Williamsbridge Road.

The one-story office building at 2500 Williamsbridge Road was recently sold for $925,000, after local officials told residents in October that the deal was dead.

The property was purchased and then apparently sold again to drug treatment provider Carnegie Hill Institute (CHI.) On March 7, residents met with Allerton realtor Sonny Vitaj, who disclosed documents revealing that the buyer was not Carnegie Hill Institute, who had earlier offered $1 million for the property, before that deal fell through.

Vitaj told a crowd of residents outside of

his Exit Realty office, "I've been a real estate broker for 20 years, and never in my life, and we've done thousands and thousands of transactions and never have we had anybody do this to us." Vitaj provided documents of the sale, claiming he did not know CHI was involved.

At a November 8 meeting, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj told a crowd of several hundred residents, "Community members like yourselves that were concerned, brought it to light and the state denied the application."

Gjonaj continued, "We have nothing to CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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Dead deal springs to life for methadone clinic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Photo by David Greene

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj shows a crowd of angry residents one of two letters he plans to send to drug treatment provider Carnegie Hill Institute and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

fight right now. 2500 Williamsbridge Road, the deal is dead. We’re still attentive. We’re going to do our part to prevent that clinic from coming into Esplanade Avenue or any other part of this community.”

Assemblyman Gjonaj and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez were in the

process of getting Senator Alessandra Biaggi to sign and send letters to both CHI and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) which licenses such facilities, demanding an inquiry.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James has also been asked to look into the sale to CHI.

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Health Matters

Bronx shut down by Corona, Med centers brace for outbreak

By David Greene The City of New York remains a ghost town as medical professionals brace for an expected wave of patients fearing they are infected with the Coronavirus. Not since the outbreak of the Spanish Flu of 1918 has the city taken such drastic measures against an outbreak of disease.

Nationally, all sports events, concerts, even presidential rallies have been suspended indefinitely.

On March 14 New York City recorded its first death due to the virus and by Monday night, seven New Yorkers had died prompting Mayor Bill de Blasio to shut all schools for at least two weeks-- but possibly until the end of the school year.

Visitors are questioned before they are allowed to visit loved ones at the Bainbridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood.

The Archdiocese of of the virus that seems New York ordered all to have quickly envelchurches closed in an oped most of the earth. effort to stop the spread Supermarkets across

Shelves were left bare at area supermarkets like the Stop and Shop on Eastchester Road.

the Bronx were do- such as meat, chicken, ing their best to keep coffee and toilet paper shelves stacked, but were hard to find. the most popular items, After Montefiore Hospital on East Gun Hill Road confirmed having several victims of the deadly virus, one longtime employee said, "They're in the hospital, but I don't know anything about these people because of HIPAA laws.”

As he posted a sign telling parishioners that regular Saturday mass was cancelled, one priest from Francis Xavier Church in Morris Park told members, Photos by David Greene "The Archbishop has CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Social Workers:

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‘Helping you is exactly what I do’

By Chandra Wilson March is Social Work Month and a great time to celebrate the impact—large and small—that social workers have on daily life, especially for those in greatest need. They make sure that people living with medical challenges have food in the refrigerator, can get to doctor’s appointments and secure the entitlements and benefits they need, and have access to behavioral health services as well as safe housing. They are truly unsung heroes of our healthcare professions.

At the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) where I work, 250 licensed social workers and 170 related social services staff make hundreds of phone calls and visits every week to advocate and care for patients throughout New York’s five boroughs and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. The National Association of Social Workers has designated the theme of this year’s Social Work Month as Social Workers: Generations Strong, which resonates powerfully with VNSNY’s social workers in their commitment to changing lives across generations, from young families to New York’s vulnerable elders.

Here are just a few ways social workers in your backyard are helping people live their best lives.

Inspiring Memories of a Lifetime – As the home

healthcare team helped Josh, age 27, recover from a life-threatening illness that, among other things, wiped out his long-term memory, social worker Dolly Garcia-Willix was inspired to help him make new memories. She wrote JetBlue airlines to see if they would pick up the tab for Josh and his brother—neither of whom could afford a big trip—to fly to Disneyland. “They did it,” Garcia-Willix marveled.

“The brothers couldn’t believe it.”

Using humor, storytelling and unconditional support to elevate her clients’ mood and quality of life, Garcia-Willix connects individuals and families in need to resources that create meaningful change. She helped one client get out of the house by connecting her to a nonprofit organization that builds wheelchair-accessible ramps, and helped her feel better about herself by introducing her to a hairdresser that makes house calls.

For family caregivers feeling overwhelmed and isolated, Garcia-Willix shares stories of caring for her own 94-year-old mother. “It’s amazing how one person’s story can be so similar to another’s,” says Garcia-WIllix, a senior social worker in Nassau and Queens Counties who has been with VNSNY for 17 years. “Every day, I learn something new from my patients. That is without a doubt one of my favorite parts about

VNSNY Social Workers in the Bronx Kenia Alcantara and Margarita Roldan.

being a social worker.”

Giving Voice to Those in Need – VNSNY social worker Sandra Fleming has a master’s degree, rigorous professional training, and 14 years in the field—all of which gets poured into her work improving clients’ lives. But it was training of a different order that raised the spirits of one client. Visiting a former clergy member with dementia who is now nonverbal, Fleming—an avid motorcyclist, theatre and film fanatic, and drummer in a band—delivered what turned out to be just the right medicine: singing a rousing gospel hymn. To her great surprise and delight, her client found his voice.

“He joined in and sang every word,” she says.

“Our job is about treating the whole individual from beginning to end,” says Fleming, enumerating responsibilities that include advising on life decisions, connecting people to support in the community, and advocating for them in the healthcare system.

“We meet with people who can’t even get out of bed in the morning, so how can we expect them to call insurance companies or write checks?

Thankfully, we are able to fill in these gaps and get patients the support that they need.”

Speaking the Same Language – Ling Wai Fung has cared for clients ranging in age from young parents with babies to centenarians. Through it all, he prides himself on bringing a depth of cultural understanding that puts clients at ease and increases the impact he can have on their lives. A native Cantonese speaker, he works with many Chinese individuals and families, including an expectant mother whom the healthcare team visited for a minor condition and whom he was able to help in unexpected ways. “It was a typical Chinatown immigrant story,” he says, explaining that her husband was working out of state, she was in a new country with limited support, and,

while she was able to navigate the social benefit system successfully, “what was lacking was the emotional support. I know that the Chinese people traditionally don’t give or ask for a lot of emotional support.

But with me, she was able to talk about her concerns, she was able to cry and vent a little. I know I left her with a good feeling.”

Using Technology to Strengthen the Human Connection — Social workers Margarita Roldan and Kenia Alcantara do much of their communicating—with each other, and with clients and their families—through a tablet, which actually strengthens the human connections they are able to make. Family caregivers, the pair explain, are often so overwhelmed that much of the education and support takes place once the social workers leave the house.

“We often email caregivers information that we’ve gone over with them in person so they can have it for their records,” says Alcantara, who’s been a social worker for 23 years. “When you’re talking to someone who is overwhelmed, they will only absorb a limited amount of what you’re telling them, so giving them something to refer to is key.”

The social workers also find themselves serving as informal IT support for older clients, helping them enlarge fonts, brighten screens, and better navigate cell phones and other technology. “Even making simple changes helps them significantly, because now they’re able to answer their phone,” says Alcantara.

“We’re willing to do anything for our patients, but it can be the smallest actions that end up being the most meaningful for our patients.”

Alcantara and Roldan see and feel that meaningful change every day. “Clients express so much gratitude,” says Roldan, who’s been in the field for four years. “I’ll say to them, ‘I’m a social

worker–I’m just doing my job.

Helping you is exactly what we’re here to do.’”

An Ounce of Prevention – As home healthcare workers well know, everything is harder during a crisis. Social workers strive to help clients make choices and take action before an emergency happens, including naming a healthcare proxy and a power of attorney if they become incapacitated.

“A lot of people I see believe that they won’t outlive their money, but as medical care continues to advance, people are starting to live longer—and planning is essential,” says social worker Melissa DiLorenzo, who sees clients in Staten Island.

Her colleague Dahlia Gonzalez, with 25 years at VNSNY and nearly 40 years as a social worker, has helped countless clients with their advance planning—as well as those in the middle of a crisis who need a navigator and an advocate. She still recalls working with a client who had ill-advisedly switched insurance plans, and the new payor wouldn’t cover a surgical procedure she needed. Gonzalez worked tirelessly to re-enroll her client in the original insurance, and didn’t relent until the client was able to have the surgery and get back on her feet. “She didn’t know what to do or who to go to,” Gonzalez recalls. “We all enter the social work profession to serve people in need—and that’s what we do every day.”

DiLorenzo agrees wholeheartedly and places a special value on helping people at home. “Working with patients in the comfort of their own homes is an enormous blessing,” she says. “It allows us to meet them where they are and see what it’s like on their turf, under their terms. Just by looking around their homes, we get a glimpse of their living conditions, their family life, their hobbies, and what holds meaning for them.

It helps us build common ground, and that is the heart of our profession.”

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What you need to know about the Coronavirus?

The NYC Department of Health has issued the following fact sheet on Coronavirus.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious illnesses like pneumonia.

The novel (new) coronavirus is a type of coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.

The 2019 novel coronavirus is a new type of coronavirus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness (which affects breathing) called COVID-19.

COVID-19 infections have now been reported in many countries including the United States. For an updated list of affected areas, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Commonly reported symptoms include fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms. People who are at most risk for severe illness are those who have other health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system.

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

The virus is likely to be spread from person to person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Who is Most at Risk for Coronavirus?

People who are at most risk for severe illness are elderly or have other health conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

How Can I Protect Myself and Others from Coronavirus?

Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Do not shake hands.

Instead wave or elbow bump.

Monitor your heath more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.

Get the flu shot. Although the flu shot will

not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.

What Should I do if I Feel Sick?

Stay home and call your doctor if you have cold or flu symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, fever or sore throat.

If you do not feel better in 24-48 hours, seek care from your doctor.

Avoid going out in public. Do not go to school or to work until you have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever reducing drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the

situation evolves.

If you need help getting medical care, call 311.

NYC will provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

Hospital staff will not ask about immigration status. Receiving health care is not a public benefit identified by the public charge test.

Is it Safe to Attend Large Gatherings?

If you are sick, stay home.

If you have chronic lung disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, avoid unnecessary events and gatherings.

If you have no symptoms, it is okay to go to events, but practice

good hygiene and remain vigilant about your health.

What Else Can I Do? Help reduce overcrowding.

Consider telecommuting where possible.

Private-sector employers should consider allowing employees to telecommute if the job allows.

The City is also asking private-sector employers to consider staggered work hours. For example, instead of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., consider changing some work hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walk or bike to work, if you can.

When taking the subway, if the train is too packed, be patient and CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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Bedridden bone cancer patients walk again thanks to novel surgery

By Rui Yang, MD,Attending Physician, Orthopedic Oncology, Assistant Professor, Orthopedic Surgery Thousands of patients whose cancer has spread to the bones could benefit from a new minimally invasive approach to fixing painful pelvic fractures, according to a study conducted by orthopedic oncology surgeons at Montefiore Health System.

If cancer spreads from the primary location to the bones, it can cause them to weaken and eventually fracture. Pelvic fractures cause debilitating pain and make it extremely difficult to walk.

Traditionally, surgeons perform a total hip replacement to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

While this approach is often successful, it is major surgery and comes with risks, including significant blood loss, extended time under anesthesia, risk of infection, risk of dislocation and the need for a longer hospitalization.

Orthopedic oncology surgeons at Montefiore are the first to use a novel approach called the “tripod” technique, for patients with pelvic lesions caused by cancer. This technique uses multiple screws that are placed through very

small incisions, connecting the damaged bones and stabilizing the pelvis. It is called “tripod’ because the screws are placed in a tripod configuration to support the socket of the hip joint.

“This approach goes against the conventional notion that bone affected by cancer is too weak and needs to be completely replaced,” said lead author Rui Yang, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, Montefiore, and assistant professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

“Our study shows that using this technique means patients don’t need to undergo a longer, more aggressive surgery.

They recover and go home quicker, have less pain, and most importantly, can resume therapies targeted at treating their cancer.”

This project is part of a larger research effort by the Division of Orthopaedic On-

cology that includes the Musculoskeletal Oncology Research Laboratory, which performs basic and translational research as part of the National Cancer Institute-designated Albert Einstein Cancer Center. Their projects focus on rare primary bone and soft-tissue tumors, including osteosarcoma and synovial sarcoma. In addition, the Division of Orthopaedic Oncology routinely participates in a number of institutional and multi-center clinical studies spanning various aspects of orthopaedic oncology. The doctors have presented their findings at several national and international meetings, showing the “tripod” technique is safe, effective, and extremely well-tolerated by patients who were bedridden, in wheelchairs or using assistive devices to walk prior to the procedure.

“We are pleased to find this technique results in better outcomes for our patients,” said co-author David Geller, M.D., orthopedic oncologist and vice-chairman, Strategy and Innovation, Orthopaedic Surgery, Montefiore and associate professor of Or-

Rui Yang, MD,Attending Physician, Orthopedic Oncology, Assistant Professor, Orthopedic Surgery

thopedic Surgery and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “And we are surprised to find that despite conventional wisdom, many of our patients heal their fractures and experience new bone growth.”

One patient who benefitted from the “tripod” technique is 58-year-old, 9/11 survivor, Nancy Toussaint. Nancy, who is the caregiver for her elderly parents, was running errands one day when she felt her hips “shift.” She managed the discomfort for a few weeks but decided to seek medical advice. Doctors discovered her pelvic bone had frac-

tured as the result of cancer spreading throughout her body.

Nancy underwent the “tripod” surgery in September to repair the pelvic fracture and is now undergoing cancer therapy.

“Most of the patients in this study were able to get out of bed and bear weight on the same day as the surgery,” said Dr. Yang.

“None of them needed a blood transfusion and there were no wound-healing issues. We hope that other surgeons will consider this approach so that patients have one less issue to deal with, while they undergo cancer treatment.”

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Corona fears cancel Lehman concerts

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The Coronavirus fears have forced the cancellations of concerts in the Bronx.

All March concerts at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts have been cancelled and are expected to be rescheduled.

“Following the advice of Dr. Howard Zucker, State Commissioner of Health, we have,

decided to postpone events and performances scheduled for the remainder of March as a precautionary measure to minimize potential risk to the community.

“The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is rescheduling its

Forever Freestyle, with performers like Judy Torres (Above), has been cancelled.

March performances; Lehman Center staff will be in touch with ticket-holders about their options for the rest of the season in the coming weeks. The safety of our staff and patrons remains a top priority, and we will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments to determine when it makes sense for us to resume large gatherings that involve our community partners,” said – Lehman College President Daniel Lemons.

Lehman officials say the Box Office staff will make every attempt to contact ticket-holders for “Forever Freestyle 14,” originally

scheduled for Saturday, March 21st at 8:00pm and “The Russian National Ballet,” originally scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd at 4:00 pm.

Officials have not announced the new dates for the rescheduled shows but urge ticketholders to check with the Lehman Center website.

If ticket-holders cannot attend the new date of the performances, they may exchange their tickets for any other show this season, or next season.

Please call the Performing Arts Center box office at 718-9608833 for further ticket information.

What you need to know about the Coronavirus?

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

wait for the next one.

If you have family or friends who have a chronic health condition, do not visit them if you feel sick.

What Should I Do about Harassment or Discrimination Related to Coronavirus?

It is important to separate facts from fear and guard against stigma. A lot

of information circulating about coronavirus on social media and in some news reporting is not based in the facts.

Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by sharing this fact sheet to counter misinformation. Obtain information from trusted sources like the NYC Health Department.

BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020• 19

If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, call 311 to report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

If you are experiencing stress or feeling anxious, contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-6929355)

or text “WELL” to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.

dates, text COVID to 692-692. Messages and data rates may apply. Check your wireless provider plan for details.

Visit nyc.gov/coronavirus for additional resources and information.

The NYC Health Department may Where Can I Get change recommenMore Information? dations as the situaFor real-time up- tion evolves.

20• BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020

Bronx shut down by Corona,

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Med centers brace for outbreak

Photos by David Greene

Two men exit Montefiore Hospital in Norwood wearing masks.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

told us to suspend all public masses at all the churches in the Archdiocese.”

Asked how long, the priest replied, "Maybe for a week or two, I don't know.”

One elderly woman

arriving at the church remarked, "It's so sad what's going on. Shocking? Yes. I know it's so many people." The woman then told a younger woman with her, "We gotta go home, the church is closed.”

All area nursing

many as 50 people.”

The unidentified pastor of the Christian Disciples Church on Webster Avenue stated, "I just told you our church opens regularly...our church is not closed.

All right? Thank you.

The President declared today a national day of prayer. What I say is insignificant. If he declared today a national day of prayer, than all of God's people should pray, including you.”

On March 17, a patient at Montefiore hospital claimed, "They say they are getting more and more Coronavirus patients in this building, so they’re moving patients out of this building and they’re going to make it a Coronavirus building only for those people.”

The source added, “They're saying it's filling up with patients with Coronavirus, so the doctor just told me they want to move us out of danger and away from them, so

they’re going to move us to another part of the hospital and that will be happening today.”

A Montefiore spokesperson stated the following: “Due to patient privacy, we’re limited by what we can share with you.

“Montefiore trains and prepares for all types of emergencies and public health issues. Our team follows strict infection prevention protocols and has screening procedures in place to recognize, isolate and evaluate patients for various illnesses, including COVID-19. Comprehensive plans have been in place to reduce risk of potential exposure to our patients, staff and community.

“We are in regular contact with the NYS and NYC Departments of Health and are strictly adhering to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health agencies.”

homes were soon under lock-down, many no longer allowing visitors to see loved ones.

"Kani," who wore a protective mask over his face as he greeted visitors at the Bainbridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood, explained, "We have to protect our residents and make sure that everyone in the facility is safe before you come in.”

He added, "I'm concerned for myself, my family and the residents I'm working with. We're doing the best we can.

The whole thing is very, very crazy. We don't know what is happening. I hope things will get better.”

On March 15, President Donald Trump declared the day a 'National Day of Prayer," sparking at least one church in Norwood and one church in Bedford Churches across the borough and around the city announced Park to hold mass for as their closing's on March 15.

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BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020• 21

Classifieds

22• BRONX VOICE• March 18 - 24, 2020

Services

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