Bellone: Suffolk County Coronavirus Positive Rate Trending Down

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The rate of positive coronavirus tests in Suffolk County is below 10 percent for a fourth consecutive day, Executive Steve Bellone announced Tuesday.

New York state on Tuesday reported 1,667 new COVID-19 cases in Suffolk County out of 17,303 tests for a positivity rate of 9.6 percent.

"Although it is too early to call this a pattern, our hope is that this signifies that the worst of the holiday surge is behind us," Bellone stated. "As I said last week, now is the time for us to get these numbers back under control. If we continue to limit gatherings, practice social distancing, and wear masks, in conjunction with vaccinations ramping up, we will save lives and accelerate our recovery.

"Remember, vigilance got us through the first wave and it will get us through the second. We are in the home stretch, but can’t let up now."

In late December, Suffolk County launched its "Take Your Shot" public awareness campaign. The county's goal is for roughly 850,000 residents to get the coronavirus vaccine. To spread the word, the county is calling upon its health department, police, fire rescue and emergency services, Suffolk 311, and its minority affairs office; as well as launching a paid radio announcement campaign featuring health officials such as Dr. Gregson Pigott, commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Health Services.