March 17th Coronavirus Update
 New York State is taking extraordinary steps to help slow the spread of CONVID-19. As you may have heard: - all schools in the State are to close by Wednesday, March 18th for two weeks ending April 1st;
- regionally, gatherings of 50 people or more are prohibited in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey; and,
- sit-down bars and restaurants, casinos, gyms and theaters have been closed as of 8:00 pm on Monday, March 16th*.
* Please note, takeout and sit-down restaurants are permitted to remain open for takeout, grab-and-go and delivery during the period of this closure. The State is also “strongly” advising “only services and businesses that are essential stay open.” These vital businesses include: - Groceries
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Medical facilities
Federal officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) go even further, recommending Americans not to gather in groups of more than 10 people, schooling be done at home and discretionary travel and social visits be avoided. While these changes have been difficult for many of our residents, some local business are working to assist our most vulnerable neighbors. Supermarket chain Stop and Shop announced today all of its “stores will open earlier in order to service only customers who are age 60 and over from 6:00a.m.-7:30a.m. daily” beginning Thursday, March 19th. “ Although we will not be requesting ID for entry, we ask that you please respect the purpose of the early opening – and do the right thing for your neighbors. Store associates do reserve the right to ask customers to leave if they are not a member of this age group.”
Other area businesses may be doing the same or expanding previously underused delivery options. Call your favorite local shops and restaurants to see!
 Social Distancing, necessary for slowing the spread of the coronavirus, may financially impact local business and families. If you have been unable to work due to this pandemic “NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. For more information about temporary unemployment insurance, please visit: https://www.ny.gov/services/get-unemployment-assistance.
Lastly, the New York State Department of Health is allowing people to make appointments at its Suffolk mobile testing site NOW.
The testing site is still being determined but is expected to come online later this week. Suffolk County residents who want to make an appointment for the test can call now and they will be triaged by a nurse or healthcare professional.
Residents can make an appointment by calling: 1-888-364-3065.
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