Health Officials Say COVID-19 Rates Growing 'At An Alarming Rate' In Brooklyn, Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York City Health Department is continuing to monitor a growing number of coronavirus cases in neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.
In an update Sunday afternoon, health officials said COVID-19 cases in these areas "continue to grow at an alarming rate."
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The eight neighborhoods account for nearly a quarter of new cases in the city over the last two weeks, but just 7% of the city's population, according to the health department.
The areas with concerning rates of positive test results are:
- Gravesend/Homecrest (6.75% positivity rate)
- Midwood (5.34%)
- Kew Gardens (3.82%)
- Edgemere/Far Rockaway (3.9%)
- Borough Park (4.63%)
- Bensonhurst/Mapleton (4.41%)
- Gerritsen Beach/Homecrest/Sheepshead Bay (3.91%)
- Flatlands/Midwood (3.85%)
The health department is also monitoring upticks in:
- Rego Park (2.34% positivity rate)
- Kew Gardens Hills/Pomonok (2.71%)
- Kensington/Windsor Terrace (2.45%)
- Brighton Beach/Manhattan Beach/Sheepshead Bay (2.74%)
Officials noted cases are rising in Williamsburg, where the positivity rate is 1.78%.
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The citywide positivity rate is around 1%.
With the reopening of indoor dining just days away, Loli Gjuira said he is not only worried about getting his Gravesend restaurant ready for customers, he's also stressed the increase in COVID-19 cases hitting his neighborhood will set him back.
"It's nerve wrecking, especially for us. We just opened up in middle of the coronavirus and we're trying to hang on. But now cases are going up, but indoor dining is not open yet, So, where is this actually coming from?" Gjuira told CBS2's Cory James.
Some wonder if the lack of people wearing face coverings is the reason for the sudden rise, but what is clear to Gjuira is his dream of running a restaurant in New York City will be shattered should the virus spread again at full speed.
"Closing down is the worst thing that can happen. If we get closed down again, no choice but to hand over the keys," he said.
The health department also mentioned a growing number of hospitalized patients at two hospitals in Brooklyn and one in Queens.
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