Serving New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Garden City Park, North Hills, Manhasset Hills and North New Hyde Park
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Friday, April 17, 2020
Vol. 69, No. 16
N E W H Y D E PA R K
SALUTE TO HERRICKS SHOWS NORTHWELL PRIORITIZES 1ST RESPONDERS COVID-19 HEROES SCHOOL SPIRIT PAGES 23-26
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Caring for patients, keeping staff safe Northwell in 2-front war; 1,783 staffers infected BY R OB E RT PELAEZ 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 PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL SEROTA the hospitals’ staff and patients remains paramount. Staff from St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn gather with the Alb“The work that everyone does here, and throughout the ertson and Port Washington fire departments to celebrate the release of a patient hospitalized for the coronavirus. The patient nation does not go unnoticed or unappreciated,” Lynam said. was welcomed outside to the song “Walking in Sunshine,” a “But the number one concern for move quickly becoming a tradition for former COVID-19 patients us, aside from our patients, of being discharged. 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 de-
termined. Cheryl Couser, a representative from the state Board of Elections, said in a phone call Tuesday that the elections “will be rescheduled. “We’re not sure to when or how, but we have every expectation,” she said. “It’s a decision Continued on Page 45
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