In Ceremonies, UES Hospital Marks A Year Since 1st COVID Patient

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — As New York City marks one year since the coronavirus took hold, Lenox Hill Hospital had an anniversary of its own this week: one year since the arrival of its first COVID-19 patient.

The Upper East Side medical center observed the solemn occasion with a pair of ceremonies. First, Monday afternoon, the hospital unveiled a new Healthcare Heroes Wall, which honors victims of the virus, pays tribute to the health care workers and shares "stories of hope and inspiration," owner Northwell Health said in a news release.

The unveiling included a reading by the hospital chaplain and a rendition of "Here Comes the Sun," which Lenox Hill played during the pandemic's peak each time a COVID-19 patient was discharged.

To date, Lenox Hill has treated almost 2,500 COVID-19 patients.

Then, Monday evening, hospital staff and leaders circled the building along East 77th Street, holding cell phones bearing sun images, reading a poem by inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and presenting medals of appreciation to each employee, bearing the messages: "COVID-19 changed our world, together we fought back," and "Here comes the sun and I say it’s alright."

Across the Upper East Side, at least 286 residents have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the city's data.

Related coverage: Coronavirus's Toll On The Upper East Side: 1 Year Later