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New York lawmaker urges residents to use free Wi-Fi kiosks during coronavirus pandemic

March 30, 2020

A New York Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, is encouraging constituents to use free Wi-Fi kiosks for updates during the coronavirus, a suggestion that some health experts disagree with, according to a report in the New York Post.

Dr. Kris Bungay, a primary care physician, said the kiosks can expose people to the coronavirus who touch the kiosk.

The city, however, claims the kiosks are safe.

Nick Colvin, senior vice president of CityBridge, the company that operates the LinkNYC kiosks, said it is not necessary to touch the kiosks when using the devices. The kiosks are also publishing prevention tips and information about closures and restrictions. He also said the kiosks are cleaned regularly.

Clarke, in a Facebook interview, urged people having Internet connection problems to use the free Wi-Fi kiosks.

For the latest updates on how the coronavirus is affecting the kiosk industry, click here.