12 JANUARY 7, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
We need to do better
As we begin the new year, we all
must look at ourselves in the
mirror and decide how we want
2021 to go.
Last year was fi lled with tragedy due
to COVID-19, but there was hope that we
are ending the fi ght with the disease
as Queens hospitals — and hospitals
around the city — began administering
a vaccine to healthcare workers.
We have to be patient, but we will all
have access to the vaccine at some point
this year, and we should all take it so we
can fi nally put this disease behind us
and move on.
Until then, it is up to us to remain
vigilant and do everything we can to
stop the disease from spreading. That
means wearing masks, thoroughly
washing our hands and practicing social
distancing. Following these simple
rules can help save lives, yet we have
seen in Queens and beyond that people
still do not want to take them seriously.
In our borough, the Whitestone
Republican Club came under fi re aft er
a video surfaced online of attendees,
including City Council candidate Vickie
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NYC Sheriff ’s offi cers busted an illegal New Year’s party at the Maspeth Bar/Lounge on 58th Street on Jan. 1,
2021. Photo courtesy of NYC Sheriff ’s Offi ce
Paladino, making their way through
a conga line without masks or social
distancing during a holiday party at Il
Bacco in Little Neck.
The State Liquor Authority confi rmed
the accuracy of the video and took action.
Il Bacco, the Little Neck restaurant
that hosted the party, had its liquor license
revoked for breaking COVID-19
protocols, and making matters worse,
the Republican club’s party may have
resulted in the spread of COVID-19, with
at least three attendees testing positive,
according to reports.
The holiday party garnered condemnation
from the governor, mayor and a
slew of others earlier this month.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, the New
York City Sheriff ’s Offi ce busted an illegal
New Year’s party at a Maspeth bar
that attracted hundreds of people. Four
individuals were arrested at the illegal
rave for various violations of health and
safety codes, as well as emergency orders
related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The location also lacked a proper license
to serve and store liquor, as well as
an obstructed egress and various other
health code violations, according to the
sheriff ’s offi ce. The owner faces fi nes of
up to $15,000.
We cannot continue acting this way.
We understand that it’s been a long
fi ght. But if we want to avoid a similar
scene as last year, when the city essentially
shut down for a time, we must be
responsible.
If you must go out with friends and
family, be smart about it. Wear masks.
Practice social distancing. We are so
close to the end of this pandemic. There
is no reason to prolong it by making irresponsible
decisions.
So many businesses and restaurants
have been lost. Many more are barely
hanging on.
It’s up to us to help get through this. Be
smart and be safe. If we can do that, we
will beat this pandemic and can focus
on our borough’s recovery.
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