Coronavirus Update: NYPD, FDNY And MTA All Mourning Loss Of Members
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on New York City's first responders and their health.
Every day, they put their lives on the line, but now a number of them are falling ill.
As of Sunday night, the NYPD said nearly 13% of its members – that more than 4,600 people - were on sick report. Usually, only about 3% are out sick.
Of those, 730 uniformed police officers and 88 civilian members have tested positive for COVID-19.
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Commissioner Dermot Shea anticipates that by this morning, about 85 more will test positive.
Over the last couple days, three members of the NYPD family died due to the coronavirus.
CORONAVIRUS: NY Health Dept. | NY Call 1-(888)-364-3065 | NYC Health Dept. | NYC Call 311, Text COVID to 692692 | NJ COVID-19 Info Hub | NJ Call 1-(800)-222-1222 or 211, Text NJCOVID to 898211 | CT Health Dept. | CT Call 211 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The FDNY is also mourning the loss of 55-year-old auto mechanic James Villecco.
The FDNY is mourning the loss of Auto Mechanic James Villecco, 55, who died today due to COVID-19. Read more: https://t.co/h6CMDabrPg pic.twitter.com/95QFGoiov6
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 29, 2020
"This is the kind of unsung hero who doesn't get the credit he deserves," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "This is the kind of man who keeps us safe, because he kept the ambulances in good repair so they could get there to help all of us."
PHOTO GALLERY: Life In New York City Under The Coronavirus
The MTA has lost its third employee – track worker and pastor Scott Elijah.