Aqueduct Opens COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Center
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Photo: Coglianese Photos
Horses break from the gate at Aqueduct Racetrack
The New York Racing Association opened the first floor of Aqueduct Racetrack beginning Jan. 18 to serve as a New York COVID-19 vaccination distribution center.
In doing so, Aqueduct has joined NYRA's other downstate track, Belmont Park, which is home to a vaccination distribution center operated by Northwell Health that opened earlier this month.
Live racing without fans is underway at Aqueduct, while stabling and training are taking place at Belmont.
Over seven million New Yorkers—including doctors, nurses, and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers, public transit workers, grocery store workers, and public safety workers—are currently eligible for the vaccine. To determine eligibility and schedule appointments at New York State-run vaccination sites can be found online.
Last spring, New York state officials identified Aqueduct as an appropriate location for an overflow hospital to serve the residents of Queens in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overflow hospital has not been needed.
"NYRA is pleased to be able to contribute to the mass vaccination effort underway across the state," said NYRA president and CEO Dave O'Rourke. "New York state has led the way through this unprecedented public health crisis and we will continue to do our part to support this effort."
In April the Aqueduct parking lot became the home of a drive-thru COVID-19 testing location, and it continues in that role.