'Now Is Not The Time To Let Our Guard Down': Officials Look Ahead
NORTH FORK, NY — With Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone discussing next steps as plans are outlined re-open the economy and certain regions in New York State could "un-PAUSE" beginning on May 15, Southold Town and Greenport officials issued a joint statement urging caution and vigilance.
"This has been, and continues to be, a difficult time for all of us. There are glimmers of light. The community of Southold has taken all of the necessary steps to protect other members of this town, our families and ourselves," officials said. "That is something we can all be proud of. Southold has seen a decline in the increase of new confirmed COVID-19 cases; a greater decline than had been seen during the month of March, officials said.
On March 8, the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Suffolk County was reported in Southold Town. As of Thursday, there were 327 confirmed cases townwide.
Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard and Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell wanted to assure residents that "we will continue to work together with all of our partners, including Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and his response team, other towns and villages, and the Suffolk County Department of Health to meet the challenges that are still before us. As a community, we must stay vigilant and continue to work together."
Flatley said the past several weeks have been extremely challenging as all tried to adjust to the executive orders from Albany "but all for a good reason. This is our way of helping to flatten the curve of this national pandemic. We have watched our confirmed cases of COVID-19 rise steadily though the month of March and we have suffered the loss of life associated with it. Now is not the time to let our guard down as we experience the downswing of the curve.”
Hubbard thanked the public for following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and New York State. "Together, we can continue to slow the spread and keep each other safe. Village Hall may be closed but, we continue to work and stand ready to serve you once we can open again. Thank you to our police, first responders, medical personnel, teachers and neighbors —stay strong," he said.
Russell added that the though the past weeks have been challenging, the people of Southold have "shown their strength and resolve in adjusting to an event like no other ever before. Our schools, which made sure the education of our children would continue. Our volunteers and community based organizations who came forward in our time of need — and our heroes, the first responders and healthcare workers, whose courage and commitment never wavered. We are at a critical juncture. We must continue to be diligent and take all precautions necessary to continue the trend," he said.
On Monday, Russell announced that swimming and congregating are now prohibited on Southold Town beaches.
The measure is in effect immediately and until further notice. Parking at town beaches and road ends will also be limited to only vehicles with town resident parking permits, Russell added.
"With warmer weather coming, we want to ensure that our beaches are enjoyed by the public in a safe manner that encourages social distancing," Russell said.
New York State, he added, has already prohibited swimming and put a plan in place for reduced parking at state beaches and parks.
Flatley said that town beaches will be monitored by traffic control officers and that the mandate regarding only resident parking permits being allowed will be strictly enforced.
Russell also announced that resident parking permits that expired on December 31, 2019 will be valid until June 15 to allow residents more time to renew them.
Looking ahead, Russell said: "There will continue to be challenges that face all of us. The new normal might not be the normal we’ve known. As a community, we must stay the course and follow all safety precautions as we flatten the curve — and look to help our small businesses, our community members, and ourselves move to a brighter day.”
For information on Southold Town's coronavirus response, click here.
This article originally appeared on the North Fork Patch
