COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Updates

Download our COVID-19 Resource Guide (PDF)

NEW YORK STATE VACCINATION PLAN

Suffolk County has created a new website with up-to-date information about vaccine distribution in our area as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Visit https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/vaccine. At this link, residents can determine their eligibility and make appointments. 

There’s a lot to know about the COVID-19 vaccine. New York State launched a website to answer your questions and deliver the facts. Visit www.ny.gov/vaccine to learn more.

New York State will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in phases based on need and risk. Read more about the state’s guidance for vaccine distribution at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine.

Eligibility search tool: You are able to enter your information and answer a few questions, and the search tool will let you know if you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. This tool can be found on http://www.ny.gov/vaccine under the "What You Need to Know" tab, or directly at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/what-you-need-know.

FAQ: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/frequently-asked-questions..

SUFFOLK COUNTY VACCINE APPOINTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Presiding Officer Rob Calarco and his colleagues in the Suffolk County Legislature are now available to assist constituents ages 60 and older in getting onto a COVID-19 vaccine waitlist. Those who live or work in Suffolk County may call their legislator Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. It is important to note this is not an appointment, but a waitlist. Due to the influx of calls, we encourage individuals to call 311 if they cannot reach their respective Legislator. Click here to find out who your legislator is.

NEW YORK FORWARD: REOPENING GUIDELINES

New York Forward: The state’s “NY Forward” website, https://forward.ny.gov/, has information about rules and restrictions directly targeting areas with the highest transmission of COVID-19 cases & surrounding communities as well as industry guidance.

Business Reopening Look-up Tool: Empire State Development recently launched a business reopening look-up tool. A business can use this tool to determine whether or not the business is eligible to reopen, and the public health and safety standards with which the business must comply. The look-up tool can be found at www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward.

STAY INFORMED WITH TEXT UPDATES

Suffolk County residents can have local updates sent to their phones. Text COVIDSUFFOLK to 67283 to be alerted of the latest information, health guidance, and other developments.

COVID-19 TESTING

Find a Test Site Near You: Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

Track Testing Metrics: The state has unveiled a daily metric dashboard to track COVID-19 test results by region. Visit https://forward.ny.gov/covid-19-regional-metrics-dashboard.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Call your doctor if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or who has recently traveled from an affected area or where there is community spread.

Visit the CDC for more information

CONTAINMENT AND PREVENTION

  • Practice social distancing by putting space between you and others.
  • Postpone elective events.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Visit the CDC for more tips.

IMPACTED BUSINESSES

Suffolk County has launched a Business Recovery Unit to address the concerns and questions that businesses have amid the coronavirus outbreak. Visit the Business Recovery Unit website for updates and resources, including information on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Contact the Business Recovery Unit by calling 311 or emailing business.recovery@suffolkcountyny.gov.

For information regarding state regulations and general guidance, read Empire State Development’s Coronavirus FAQ for Businesses.

FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
Visit Suffolk County’s FEMA Public Assistance Information page to learn about COVID-19 disaster response and recovery information and guidance on eligible costs that may be reimbursed by FEMA.

UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

The New York State Department of Labor has implemented a filing system and extended hours to address the influx of unemployment claims. For more information, visit https://dol.ny.gov/.

SUFFOLK COUNTY SUPPLY DRIVE FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE SUPPLIES

Residents can email FRESfinance@suffolkcountyny.gov regarding large donations of supplies or a potential vendor of opportunity.

For corporations that would like to provide supplies, email supply19@suffolkcountyny.gov or visit the state health department website at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE MEDICAL RESERVE CORP.

The Suffolk County Medical Reserve Corp. is seeking volunteer medical professionals to be deployed to support the ongoing coronavirus public health emergency and emergency preparedness efforts. Visit Suffolk County’s Office of Emergency Management for more information.

PLASMA DONATIONS

Healthcare institutions are seeking plasma donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat severe cases. While the disease has no proven treatment, it is possible that plasma taken from those who have recovered, which has antibodies against the virus, could help. If you are interested in donating, find out if you are eligible at:

New York Blood Center: https://www.nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/convalescent-plasma-covid-19-donor-request-form/

 Mount Sinai Health System: https://www.mountsinai.org/about/covid19/convalescent-plasma-program

 Northwell Health: Northwell.edu/CombatCOVID

Stony Brook Medicine: https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/COVID_donateplasma

FOOD PANTRIES

Long Island Cares

The public is welcome to come to any of the following sites to receive food/supplies.

  • Long Island Cares, Inc.: 10 Davids Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788, (631) 582-FOOD
  • Long Island Cares First Stop Pantry/Harry Chapin Humanitarian Center: 220 Broadway, Huntington Station, NY 11746, (631) 824-6384
  • Long Island Cares South Shore Service Center: 163-1 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, NY 11757, (631) 991-8106
  • Long Island Cares Annex Baxter’s Pet Pantry: 161 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, NY 11757, (631) 991-8106
  • Hunger Assistance and Humanitarian Center of the Hamptons, 286 W. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, (631) 613-3344
  • Long Island Cares/The Nassau Center For Collaborative Assistance, 21 E. Sunrise Highway, Freeport, NY 11520, (516) 442-5221

Food is also being delivered throughout a dedicated network of nearly 350 agencies located in both Suffolk and Nassau Counties. To access Long Island Cares’ member agencies in your town, visit the find food page.

For emergency aid, email emergencyresponse@licares.org or call (631) 582-3663.

Island Harvest

Find a food pantry through Island Harvest at https://www.islandharvest.org/find-help/find-a-food-pantry/.

CHILD CARE

For assistance in finding child care, please contact the Child Care Council of Suffolk hotline at (646) 926-3784.

SUFFOLK POLICE

Reporting non-emergency incidents should be done online or over the phone by calling 631-852-COPS. To file a report online, visit www.suffolkpd.org/onlinereporting. Types of incidents that can be reported online or over the phone include harassing communications, lost property, criminal mischief, non-criminal property damage, minor motor vehicle crashes, identity theft and some larcenies. Visit www.SuffolkPD.org for more information.

SMART 911

Residents are encouraged to sign up for SMART911, which allows individuals and families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. Visit Smart911.com to sign up.

SUFFOLK SOCIAL SERVICES

The Suffolk County Department of Social Service remains open. Visit https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Social-Services for more information.

SUFFOLK PARKS

Suffolk County Parks remain open for our residents to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Playgrounds are closed.  All County-owned golf courses are open. Park visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and good hygiene to protect yourself and others. Visit Suffolk County Parks (https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks) for updated information.

NEW SUFFOLK TRANSIT POLICIES

Riders of Suffolk Transit are asked to go cashless with the Suffolk FastFare Mobile App. The app is available for use on all Suffolk County Transit buses and allows riders to easily purchase tickets on their smartphones anytime, anywhere.

NYS DMV NOTICE

The New York State DMV has resumed select services. See the guidance on reopening and instructions on visiting an office and making a reservation here: https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/dmv-reopening-guidance

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

It may not be easy to manage your stress, anxiety levels, and mental health right now. Help is just a phone call away.

New York State has launched a hotline for free emotional support, consultation, and referral to a provider. Call 1-844-863-9314.

The Association for Mental Health & Wellness’s Mental Health Helpline is available to all Suffolk County residents who require help in finding and accessing assistance for themselves, for a friend, or a family member. Call 631-226-3900 or email helpline@mhaw.org.

If you have an immediate need to speak to someone or know someone in crisis, you can contact Response of Suffolk County’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 631-751-7500. If a veteran is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE

If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Additionally, those reached at the numbers below can provide information, resources and a listening ear 24/7.

  • Crime Victims 24 hour Hotline: 631-332-9234
  • Hate Crime Hotline: 631-626-3156
  • Sex Offender Tip Line: Call 1-(855) PFML TIP or 631-316-3237
  • V.I.B.S. Victims Information Bureau, Suffolk: 631-360-3730 x 112
  • L.I. Against Domestic Violence Hotline: 631-666-8833
  • Brighter Tomorrows Inc.: 631-395-1800 Ext 110
  • Crime Victim Center (formerly Parents for Megan’s Law): 631-689-2672
  • Crime Victim Center (formerly Parents for Megan’s Law) All Violent Crime Hotline: 631-626-3156
  • Crime Victim Center (formerly Parents for Megan’s Law) Rape Crisis Hotline: 631-332-9234
  • The Retreat: 631-329-4398

COVID-19 RESOURCE FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS

The COVID-19 Health Literacy Project has created and translated accessible COVID-19 information into 37 different languages to help all patients, especially immigrants and non-English speaking communities, stay informed and healthy.

QUESTIONS?

Residents may utilize Suffolk County’s 311 service for questions related to coronavirus. A live operator will be available 24/7 to assist and connect callers to the most up-to-date and accurate information pertaining to Suffolk County’s efforts. Dial 3-1-1 if calling from Suffolk County, or (631) 853-6311 if calling from outside the county.

HELPFUL LINKS

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

New York State

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (English)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Spanish)

What the U.S. Government is Doing (English)

What the U.S. Government is Doing (Spanish)