Suffolk Coronavirus: Hospitalizations Hit Record Low

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — With warmer weather coming and the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations reaching a "milestone" low in Suffolk, residents can begin planning for camping trips at county parks.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said Friday that the county's camping reservation system was overwhelmed when it was first back up and running recently. But now, work has been ongoing to move forward and, as of 4 p.m. Friday, the system was once again ready to being accepting new reservations beginning June 15.

"We're trying to get the message out to the camping community," Bellone said.

Hospitalizations at 'milestone' low

For the 24-hour period ending on May 27, the number of patients hospitalized for coronavirus decreased by 10 and dipped below 300 for the first time since the first week in March, a "milestone," Bellone said.

The number of patients in ICU beds also dropped by seven to 85; hospital capacity stands a 3,087 beds, with 1,000 available, or 68 percent, Bellone said. In addition, there are 595 ICU beds countywide, with 231 available, or 61 percent. The number of fatalities increased by eight, for a total of 1,879, Bellone said.

Lawmakers push to reopen remaining sectors of the economy

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine and Town Councilman Dan Panico asked Bellone to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo to hasten the opening of the remaining retail and allow for outdoor dining.

Despite lower numbers across the board, most retail and main street shops remain closed while similar businesses in Connecticut are open, lawmakers said.

This week, small business owners struggling to survive in the coronavirus pandemic joined with lawmakers to demand "reopening equity" — asking that they can open under the same rules that "essential" big box stores have been operating under since March.

An event took place on the corner of South Country Road and Woodruff Street in Bellport Village, in front of the firehouse, with Romaine and members of the town board joined by local business owners calling for equal rules for all.

Those in attendance demanded that small retail businesses be able to fully open immediately, no matter their size.

Bellone speaks on George Floyd case

The county executive issued a statement on the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis: "Like all Americans, I was absolutely horrified by the tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands of an officer of the Minneapolis Police Department ... This video has shocked the conscience, the very soul of our nation. We saw with our own eyes a helpless, unarmed black man, our fellow citizen, crying out for help and gasping for air at the mercy of a person whose sworn responsibility was to protect him. It is unconscionable that any human being would show such a callous disregard for any person pleading, saying he cannot breathe. I fully expect those involved to be held accountable for their actions and justice to be served.

“As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain, sadness, and righteous anger that the family of George Floyd must be experiencing at the time. I can also tell you that every law enforcement professional across the nation is just as sickened by this disturbing incident as well. The men and women who serve to protect us do so because they believe in public service, helping others, and their mission to protect us all.

“This killing is not a reflection on law enforcement itself, but it is not an isolated incident either. We have seen too many other senseless killings of unarmed black men and women across the nation. Without question, our justice system has at times failed to live up to the standards that we should all expect. While we cannot bring George back, we must stand together and use this opportunity to do better as a community, heal our wounds, and build trust with one another," Bellone said.