NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – A mass COVID-19 vaccination site opened at Yankee Stadium on Friday morning.
Huddled under umbrellas in icy cold rain, Bronx residents eager for a COVID vaccine lined up outside the stadium as if it were opening day.
Later in the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio, a diehard Red Sox fan, forced a smile, donned a Yankee cap and called himself a Yankees fan for one day as he declared, "Opening day at Yankee Stadium, but a different kind of opening day. Opening day for vaccinations at Yankee Stadium, opening day for the people of the Bronx. This site is for the people of the Bronx and only for the people of the Bronx."
The mayor was joined by a player who wore the pinstripes for 19 seasons — the iconic Yankee closer Mariano Rivera. He thanked the fans for all the support they've given him over the years before adding an immediate urgent message.
"But now it's time to support you and let you know it's okay to be vaccinated. I'm on line, when my turn comes, I'm on line to get it," Rivera said.
He said the Yankees saved saved so many games at the stadium, but now it's about saving lives, adding, "And that's what matters."
Of the five boroughs, the Bronx has suffered the most from COVID and has the highest positivity rate of any borough. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have made it a priority to reach out to minority communities.
One resident, John Blanche, said he’s heard some skepticism in the neighborhood.
“A lot of people are afraid,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of people saying, ‘Don’t take it because of this, because of that, you know, what white people did to the Black people and whatnot.’ But I look at it this way, you know, I’m still here. God is good. So my faith is in God and medicine.”
The site is through a partnership between the state, city, SOMOS Community Care, the New York National Guard and the Yankees.
Officials said 15,000 people can be vaccinated at the site during the first week.
Only Bronx residents are being vaccinated at the site. People have to bring a government-issued ID or other proof that they’re a resident of the borough. More information can be found here.
Eligible Bronx residents can make an appointment at somosvaccinations.com or by calling 1-833-SOMOSNY. The site will operate 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
