Bloomberg Supports Subway Rides In The Time Of Swine Flu

Mayor Michael Bloomberg got a chance to tout his subway riding credentials during a press conference this morning. He was asked about Vice President Joe Biden's initial suggestion that people avoid time in confined spaces, like planes or subways, given the swine flu.

PolitickerNY took video (below) and reports, "Seeking to downplay Biden's concerns, Bloomberg went as far to ask reporters to film him arriving at City Hall by train." During a press conference, Bloomberg said, "I took the subway here—I take the subway everyday" and then pointed out that over 3 million people take the subway every day, many of them take it several times. "It is a place where people get to together. I think what's clear is that this flu doesn't seem to be taking over the city and there's no evidence that being on the subway in a confined space would increase [the probability of getting the flu]. I don't see people coughing and sneezing on the subway"—seriously?—"The bottom line is I feel perfectly safe."

Of course, Bloomberg did say that Biden was "right" to remind Americans they should be careful and gave the VP an assist by clarifying, "If you have these symptoms, we recommend you stay home."

As for NYC swine flu stats so far, the city says there are 49 confirmed cases and 16 probable ones. NY1 reports, "47 of the cases are linked to St. Francis Prep School in Fresh Meadows, Queens. The other two are connected to travel to Mexico, where the outbreak began... Out of the 16 cases under investigation, five are connected to St. Francis and another five are connected to P.S. 177, which is also located in Fresh Meadows."

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By Jen Chung in News on April 30, 2009 3:27 PM

Comments [rss]

ceraunograph

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDsPnXWN8vg

cattyclio

someone needs to clean up the egregious typos in this post.

jpeditor

"I don't see people coughing and sneezing on the subway"—seriously?—"The bottom line is I feel perfectly safe.""

He can't see anyone hawking up AND he feels safe because he's surrounded by big armed men, AND I am sure he has tamllfu already in his medicine cabinet in case he starts getting sick.

Too bad us little people have to take our chances unarmed, and with most pharmacies sold out if your MD writes you a script.

gmpicket

The F train was unusually depopulated this morning. I got a seat during rush hour! w00t!!!!

Shinobi Shaw

Vitamin C, Oil of oregano, Garlic, sleep, water, happyness.

But if you want to give your baby Vitamin C, good ol fashion Tropicana 100% orange juice might do the trick (but I am not sure if Babies can take that, can they?). Or other natural sources.

For adults, make sure you take 5000 units of Vitamin C a day! (you can take less, but if you want a strong immune system...).

Also, Vitamin A and D.

And it has to be ORGANIC Vitamin C (made of Rose hips) not that synthetic crap sold at these large chain drug stores (I am looking at you Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, CVS).

Buy them at Organic Stores such as Whole Foods or your local Organic Health store.

This also applies to Vitamin D and A.

schizofriendly

Vitamin C, Oil of oregano, Garlic, sleep, water, happyness.

Good stuff!

I see more people meditating on the subways these days. Meditate on perfect health. It's a good use of your commuting time. (Secure your belongings, natch.) Fretting about others and their unbridled phlegm is going to weaken your immunity. So is wondering if an unemployment exiting package is waiting for you at your destination. There are endless things to worry about. You've been given an imagination. Use it to keep yourself well.

whitecastlerock

yes millions of people take the train everyday and the MTA is getting to ass rape each and every one of them by the end of May. Thanks to all

Snoopy

Is the mayor hitting on a hottie on the subway on the way to work? It sure looks like he's getting a rise by the gleam in his eyes.

And what's with the nose warts with Commissioner Kelly and the dyke bitch behind him?

ides_of_march

He's probably using the pick up line that works so well on women in this city. "Hi, I'm a billionaire. Give me a blow job."

Snoopy

That is brilliant. I really have to try that line on chicks, not only on the subway but in other public spaces. I bet art museums would also be a great venue.

ides_of_march

And if you're really a billionaire it might work.

TKaisen

I'd always feel safe if I rode the subway with bodyguards and a film crew, too.

BillyParker

That picture suggests that there are other reasons he does not notice anyone sneezing or coughing.

FJF

Please. I've seen people excreting things on the subway that makes flying snot seem like a pleasant alternative.

harrisgraber

With fewer than 100 cases in New York City, I would feel that the probability of contracting swine flu from a subway ride is very low. That's not to say that the flu won't spread and that at some point it might not be wise to be on a crowded subway, but for now, I would have no hesitation.

I can understand the concern, though. It's a type of flu for which we have no immunity. It has the potential to spread widely. It can also mutate into a more deadly strain. This could very well happen. Let's see what happens in the next couple of weeks. For now, I'd relax, but keep informed.