Serving Great Neck, G.N. Plaza, G.N. Estates, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock and Thomaston
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Friday, April 17, 2020
Vol. 95, No. 16
SALUTE TO COVID-19 HEROES
ESTATES OKS NEW BUDGET
NORTHWELL PRIORITIZES 1ST RESPONDERS
PAGES 23-26
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PAGE 10
Caring for patients, keeping staff safe Northwell in 2-front war; 1,783 staffers infected BY R OB E RT PELAEZ
PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL SEROTA
Staff from St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn gather with the Albertson and Port Washington fire departments to celebrate the release of a patient hospitalized for the coronavirus. The patient was welcomed outside to the song “Walking in Sunshine,” a move quickly becoming a tradition for former COVID-19 patients being discharged.
For the past month, healthcare workers throughout the nation have been put to the ultimate test by being on the frontlines in the battle against the coronavirus. While adapting to an everchanging health-care landscape, Northwell Health’s Chief Public Relations Officer Terry Lynam said, the safety and comfort of the hospitals’ staff and patients remains paramount. “The work that everyone does here, and throughout the nation does not go unnoticed or unappreciated,” Lynam said. “But the number one concern for us, aside from our patients, of course, is to prioritize the health
of our employees.” Of Northwell’s vast healthcare system consisting of 72,000 employees, Lynam said, 1,783 had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday. Of that number, Lynam said, 80 percent have returned to work. “When an employee tests positive, they go on a seven-day paid furlough,” said. “They can return once they go three consecutive days without a fever or any other symptoms.” North Shore University Hospital Executive Director Jon Sendach said implementing steps of reassurance for employees has gone a long way with the staff.
“If employees can come here and know that measures have been taken by the senior staff and that their health and well-being is prioritized, it shifts the mindset a bit,” Sendach said. “It’s all about taking steps of reassurance.” Sendach said North Shore University Hospital’s employees have also been providing helpful feedback to executives to enhance their working conditions. “We want up-to-the-minute feedback on what we are missing and what we could be doing more of,” Sendach said. “I send updates to my staff every Tuesday and Friday and remain open for any input that is provided.” Continued on Page 34
2nd village election delay expected BY R O S E W E L D ON
April 28 may soon be moved State Board of Elections. again due to concerns over the The elections were originally Elections originally resched- coronavirus, according to some slated to take place March 18, uled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to village offices and the New York only to be rescheduled two days beforehand due to Cuomo’s banning public gatherings of more than 10 people in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Palma Torrisi, clerk for the Village of Port Washington North, said in a phone call April 8 that the change was “likely.” “We’re waiting for the date from the governor,” Torrisi said. A representative for the Village of Kensington confirmed that the date for its election had
been postponed, but said the revised date had not yet been determined. Cheryl Couser, a representative from the state Board of Elections, said in a phone call Tuesday that the elections “will be rescheduled. Continued on Page 4
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