Suffolk Could Roll Back Reopenings Due To Coronavirus Surge

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Amid a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone warned Tuesday that without immediate action, business reopenings could be rolled back.

"COVID cases are surging in Suffolk County," Bellone said, adding the new cases are likely linked not just to superspreader events, but to small gatherings. "We think the current spike is related to Halloween parties that were happening seven to eight days ago."

His comments came as the coronavirus rate across Long Island almost tripled in the past two weeks.

"We've seen cases surge around the country and the world for some time now and despite the spike, we were able to keep these numbers down on Long Island and across New York," Bellone said. "We bucked the odds for an extended period of time and maybe we thought we could avoid the fate of communities that are putting restrictions back in place. We can no longer say that. We are no longer beating those odds."

Over the last seven days, Suffolk County has a 2.17 percent positivity rate, compared to 1.1 percent on Oct. 30, 1.4 percent on Oct. 31, and 1.2 percent on Nov. 1. On Election Day, Nov. 3, the positivity rate was 1 percent, Bellone said. But on Nov. 6, that number spiked to 2.5 percent, with 260 positive cases. The next day, the positivity rate was 2.7 percent, with 260 cases; and on Nov. 8, the rate was 3.8 percent, with 324 cases countywide.

"These numbers are disturbing," Bellone said.

If the numbers keep escalating at their current pace, Suffolk County is poised to become a cluster zone, which would mean more restrictions.

"We have seen countless places have to roll back their economic reopenings," Bellone said. "That is where we are headed — toward one of those cluster zones."

A positivity rate of 3 percent hasn't been seen in Suffolk County since May 25, Bellone said. The rate rate has remained at 2 percent or lower from June through November.

"What's happening here? Why are we seeing this pretty abrupt surge?" Bellone asked.

The answer, he said, is not only superspreader events such as a wedding at the North Fork Country Club, but small gatherings during Halloween.

So far, county officials are investigating at least one Halloween party and there may be others, he said.

Those small gatherings may not be in violation of the state limit of 50 people or fewer, Bellone said. A Bellport birthday party fell within the state guidelines of 50 individuals but 36 of those who attended tested positive for the coronavirus, the county executive said.

"This is an example of what can happen at these small gatherings," Bellone said.

With numbers escalating, Bellone said, "It's critical that we get this under control."

Plans in place to stem the tide

Bellone said the county is ramping up its contact tracing operations. With about 50 case investigators currently working, the goal is to double those numbers, then double them again, and again for a third time, he said.

It's essential that individuals get tested so the virus can be tracked and people can isolate and quarantine, he said.

Unlike March or April, there are numerous testing sites throughout the county; multiple sites are free and rapid testing sites are also available, Bellone said. To find testing sites in Suffolk County, click here.

Residents who do attend gatherings are asked to take precautions, such as opening windows, staying outside or wearing face coverings.

The surge in new cases is being seen primarily in individuals between the ages of 25 and 65, said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County's health commissioner.

But, Bellone said, with family gatherings such as Thanksgiving coming, more vulnerable family members could be at risk of contracting the virus. He advised that such family gatherings be limited in size.