March 30, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Queens District Attorney and former Borough President Melinda Katz has tested positive for coronavirus.
Katz learned she had been exposed to someone who had the virus on March 21 and soon got tested. Her test results came back Saturday, confirming she was positive for COVID-19, Politico reported.
Most of the staff at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, including Katz, have been working from home since March 19.
Arraignments and Supreme Court appearances are being held via video conferencing in Queens in order to protect staff and defendants and promote social distancing.
Katz took over as Queens District Attorney at the beginning of 2020. A special election to replace her prior position as Queens Borough President that was set for last week has been postponed.
Council Member Costa Constantinides, a candidate in the running for borough president, issued a statement saying his prayers are with Katz.
“My prayers are with District Attorney Katz, her sons, and the thousands of fellow Queens residents who have tested positive for COVID-19,” Constantidies said in a statement. “We are at the epicenter of this crisis, but we will get through them if we work together and support one another. I wish her a speedy recovery and hope all Queens families stay safe.”
Queens has more than 10,000 cases of coronavirus — more than any borough — as of yesterday evening, according to City data.