New York State Remains on PAUSE through May 15th:

• All schools and nonessential businesses remain closed, all non-essential workers are directed to work from home and everyone is required to wear a face covering and maintain a 6-foot distance from others in public.
• Fines for violations of social distancing guidelines were increased to $1,000 to help address the lack of adherence by some New Yorkers.

Violations of NY PAUSE and the social distancing guidelines may be reported by calling (631) 852-COPS or 3-1-1.

• Governor Cuomo outlined a phased plan to re-open New York starting with construction and manufacturing, implemented in phases based on regional analysis and determinations. 

• 35 counties without a significant risk of a COVID-19 surge in the near term have been approved to resume elective outpatient treatments.

• Preliminary Phase II results of Antibody Testing Study show 14.9% of the population have COVID-19 antibodies. Find more information and FAQs on antibody testing.

• New York State is expanding diagnostic testing criteria to allow all first responders, health care workers, transit workers and essential employees to be tested for COVID-19 even if they aren’t symptomatic. 

• New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.

• New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

The fight to control the spread of COVID-19 in communities across Suffolk County continues. And while the reduction of related hospitalizations and deaths from this virus is encouraging news, the improvements made thus-far have been a direct result of our efforts to socially distance. Therefore, it is essential that we remain vigilant about following guidelines that have slowed the spread of COVID-19 and its suffering.



Prevention:

Practice social distancing by putting space between yourself and others. Practice healthy habits to help slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
•  Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are/stay home if you are sick. 
• Clean and then disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Keep in mind some people have COVID-19 and don’t have any symptoms

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

For people who are sick:

• Stay home.
• Monitor your symptoms.
• Keep sick household members away from others. 
• Use soap and water, a bleach and water solution, or EPA-approved household products. You can make your own cleanser with a mixture of 1 cup of liquid unscented chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of water.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

COVID-19 Testing

Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider. For additional information call the New York State Department of Health’s Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

The criteria to get tested has been revised to increase testing for frontline workers, including all first responders, health care workers, and essential employees who interact with the public, while continuing to prioritize resources. Testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider for individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• An individual is symptomatic or has a history of symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, and/or trouble breathing), particularly if the individual is 70 years of age or older, the individual has a compromised immune system, or the individual has an underlying health condition; or
• An individual has had close (i.e. within six feet) or proximate contact with a person known to be positive with COVID-19; or
• An individual is subject to a precautionary or mandatory quarantine; or
• An individual is employed as a health care worker, first responder, or other essential worker who directly interacts with the public while working; or
• An individual presents with a case where the facts and circumstances – as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state or local department of health officials – warrant testing.

Drive Thru Testing

The drive-through sites are prioritizing sampling for symptomatic individuals that are part of the highest risk population, those who have been in close contact with a positive case, and, as necessary, health care workers, nursing home employees and first responders on the front lines.

Testing is by appointment only. Residents who believe they have been in close contact with a case and have symptoms, and would like to be tested can be assessed by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 888-364-3065. 

Hotspot Testing Sites

Suffolk County, in collaboration with HRH Care, Reef Technologies is sponsoring hot spot testing. This is targeted testing for communities where we have seen and exponential grown in COVID 19 positive individuals. All people desiring testing MUST make an appointment with HRH Care @ 845-553-8030. A nurse will triage the call and see if you are experiencing symptoms in accordance with CDC guidelines.

• Huntington-Huntington High School, 188 Oakwood Rd, Huntington
• Brentwood-Brentwood Recreation Center, 99 3rd Ave., Brentwood
• Riverhead County Center, 300 Center Dr., Riverhead
• Wyandanch Location: HRHCare Wyandanch, 1556 Straight Path Wyandanch
• Amityville Location: HRHCare Amityville, 1080 Sunrise Highway Amityville
• Coram Location: HRHCare Elsie Owens Center, 82 Middle Country Road, Coram

Antibody Testing

New York State is conducting an antibody testing survey to develop a baseline infection rate. The preliminary results of phase two show 14.9 percent of the population have COVID-19 antibodies. The preliminary results of phase one of the state’s antibody testing survey released on April 23rd showed 13.9 percent of the population have COVID-19 antibodies.

Food Insecurity

Call Suffolk County 311 for:

• Food Banks and Food pantries
• Community Organizations helping with food provision to those in need
• Grocery stores offering delivery services
• SNAP
• School Districts offering Grab-and-Go food
• Island Harvest LyFT vouchers for rides to food banks and pantries
• LI Cares Mobile outreach for Vets, Seniors and disabled
• Food Boxes at Hot Spot Testing Centers

SCPD Food Drive 

As COVID-19 continues to have profound impacts the economic landscape, we are seeing more and more of our neighbors struggling to put food on their tables. 

In an effort to help Suffolk residents who are dealing with food insecurity, the Suffolk County Police Department in collaboration with the Suffolk County Police Women’s Association is hosting a county-wide food donation drive this Friday - May 1st - from 10:00AM to 1:00PM.

Items Needed

• Canned Meats
• Beans
• Canned Vegetables
• Rice, Pasta, Sauce, Etc.
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Household Items
• Baby Items
• Gift Cards

For the Sixth Precinct, Axis Church located at 2884 Route 112 in Medford will be our area’s donation site with donations received being distributed by Axis Church to families in need.

Additionally, organizers will also be collecting snacks for hospital staff who have little time for a full meal. Energy Bars, Protein Snacks, Gum, Hard Candy, Individually Packed Items. Please place these items in a separate bag, clearly marked.

Officers will be present during the drop off times to assist with removing donations from vehicles and maintain social distancing protocols.

Keep Informed

Residents who have questions related to COVID-19 should continue to visit the County website: www.SuffolkCountyNY.gov or call Suffolk 3-1-1 (631-853-6311 if outside the County) where you will be directly connected to a live operator who can direct your call to the appropriate place.

***This remains an evolving situation, so please call 3-1-1 or 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.***