March 20th Coronavirus Update

For Residents New York State has ordered all non-essential businesses to close on the evening of Sunday, March 22nd. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and utilities are considered essential and will not have to close.   New York State has launched a new email system to provide daily updates about COVID-19. Additionally, Suffolk County has begun providing COVID-19 updates through SMS text messages.  To sign up, please enroll in the State’s notification program and/or text COVIDSUFFOLK to 67283 to get updates texted to your mobile device from Suffolk County.   New York will implement a 90-day moratorium on evictions for residential and commercial tenants. We will do all we can to help those financially suffering because of the #COVID19 pandemic.   For assistance in finding child care please contact the Child Care Council of Suffolk hotline at 646-926-3784. We are prioritizing child care for essential workers, including health care workers, first responders, grocery and pharmacy employees and others who are critical to keep our essential supports operational.

For Consumers On Monday, all sit-down bars and restaurants, casinos, gyms and theaters were closed until further notice, with an allowance for sit-down establishments to provide takeout, grab-and-go and delivery during the period of this closure. On Thursday, all indoor portions of retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys were closed.  Beginning Saturday, all barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing salons, nail salons, hair removal services and related personal care services will be closed and on Sunday, all remining non-essential businesses are to be closed. Grocery Retailer Senior Shopping Hours updates-March 20, 2020 Dollar General 8-9am-Daily  Stew Leonard 7:30-8:00am-Daily Stop and Shop 6:30-7:30am-Dail Uncle Giuseppe’s 7-8:00am-Daily Giunta Meat Farm 6:30-7:30 M/W/F Target 8-9am Wednesdays Walmart 6-7am Wednesdays

For Businesses For area businesses, it has been advised that you reach out to your regional Empire State Development office and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for small business info. Empire State Development has compiled a helpful FAQ that is continuously being update as information becomes available. Businesses may request designation as an essential business by fill out this form and submitting it to the Empire State Development. The Suffolk County Business Recovery Unit -- a key component of the County’s overall plan -- is now operational within our Labor Department.   To be connected to the unit, our local businesses can Dial 311 and once prompted press 2 to be transferred to the unit, email or visit its website. We also want to encourage our residents to fill out the Business Recovery Survey located on the top right of the Suffolk County Government homepage. While it can be accessed on a mobile device, we recommend the use of a desktop or laptop.

For Employees

• Employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income less than $1 million will provide job protection for the duration of the quarantine order and guarantee their workers access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000.
• Employers with 11-99 employees and employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income greater than $1 million will provide at least 5 days of paid sick leave, job protection for the duration of the quarantine order, and guarantee their workers access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000.
• Employers with 100 or more employees, as well as all public employers (regardless of number of employees), will provide at least 14 days of paid sick leave and guarantee job protection for the duration of the quarantine order.

COVID-19 Testing

Sign-up for SMART 911

If you are in need of Emergency Services, the Suffolk County Police Department is requesting residents who dial 911 to disclose any and all health concerns or symptoms in order to help protect responding officers and emergency service workers.

Managing COVID-19 Related Stress and Anxiety

• Taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Taking care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Making time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connecting with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

To the greatest extent possible, please avoid travel except for essential needs. If you do go out, please remember to follow “social distancing” guidelines and avoid close contact with others and touching shared equipment.

Also, while you may not be able to dine out at this time, I highly encourage you to order takeout or delivery during this time to help support your favorite local restaurants and food establishments.

***This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please visit the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, New York State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local media for the most up-to-date guidance for you and your family.***

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