Robert Vilensky Telemundo Interview: NYCHA’s Proactive Measures Failed to Contain COVID-19
Written by Ronemus & Vilensky on May 25, 2020
In New York City, where coronavirus has killed more than 1,200 residents of public housing, the neighbors are getting ready to file a lawsuit because NYCHA has taken too long to implement preventative measures and their cleaning protocols have not been sufficient.
English Translation
Reporter Maria Vargas Pion: “It’s almost impossible to find public housing in New York City where residents have not died due to coronavirus. According to the Health Department, in the so-called “projects,” more than 1,240 people have died, 22 of them in the complex where Maria Gonzalez lives.”
Maria Gonzalez: “I have a neighbor whose mother died and she’s looking for a funeral home but she can’t find any. Just like this, there are other people that I know who are in the same situation.”
Pion: “In Yolanda’s building, many of her neighbors have died as well. “
Yolanda Martinez: “A gentleman died and his wife. He died first and she died later. And another gentleman who lived on the 10th floor.”
Pion: “In addition, there are no less than 6,500 residents who are infected, and they think that it’s not just a coincidence. Several residents are going to file a lawsuit against the Public Housing Authority for negligence. Some of the residents that live in this building allege that a lack of hygiene and a delayed response on the part of NYCHA exposed them to or caused them to contract coronavirus. According to the attorney representing the plaintiffs, his clients complain that the elevators do not work and the handrails are always dirty, which increases the risk of contagion.”
Female Resident: “The elevators don’t work, and the trash is inside.”
Pion: “For their part, the Housing Authority said: ‘Our residents have been impacted in the same proportion as other residents of the City. We will continue implementing critical measures according to the CDC and the departments of health.’”
Another Female Resident: “As you can see, there are a lot of people without masks, but I don’t know if it’s NYCHA’s fault or the fault of the residents themselves.”
Pion: “The lawsuit will be a class action so that anyone can add themselves to the claim that will be filed this week. In New York City, Maria Vargas Pion, Telemundo News.”