Coronavirus: NY Police Enforce Social Distancing At Montauk Parks

MONTAUK, NY — With crowds headed to Montauk despite a stay-at-home mandate to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, New York State Police have been deployed to Montauk's state parks to enforce social distancing protocols — and close the parks when they reach capacity, officials said.

After expressing concern about the numbers of visitors to state parks in East Hampton Town and urging state officials act to ensure adherence to social distancing, East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said he was notified additional state police and park officers will be deployed to monitor the parks in Montauk.

The officers have begun enforcing social distancing, limiting visitors, and closing the parks when they reach capacity, according to Theresa Santoro, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Suffolk County regional representative. The enforcement officers will be working extended hours to address the increased crowds in Montauk, Santoro said.

“I applaud Governor Cuomo and his staff for their leadership and responsiveness to my request and our residents' concerns,” Van Scoyoc said. “As spring weather continues drawing people outdoors to use park lands and beaches, town officials will be implementing additional measures, as needed, to reduce risk and ensure compliance with social distancing and other mandates.”