Northport Village Mayor On Coronavirus: 'Please Stay Home'

NORTHPORT, NY — Damon McMullen, mayor of Northport Village, on Monday wrote a letter addressed to families, community members and businesses. In it, he asked villagers to continue exercising caution during the new coronavirus outbreak, shared what the Village has done during the pandemic and thanked those who have helped the community.

"We would like to thank our Northport Village residents for their extraordinary efforts in
fighting the COVID-19 virus," he wrote. "Whether it is donating masks, gloves or other personal protective equipment, patronizing our local Northport Village business or supporting first responders you have helped our community. We would like you to know that the Village of Northport is here for you. We are a strong community that has stood together in the face of adversity before and we will emerge stronger together."

McMullen urged everyone to stay home as much as possible to help keep the coronavirus from spreading. He acknowledged a strong sense of "cabin fever," but requested that those who do go out to practice social distancing, as well as follow Gov. Andrew Cuomo's guidelines regarding wearing a mask or face covering.

He thanked the "amazing workforce" of essential employees and volunteers, including the Northport Fire Department, Northport Police Department, the Northport Village Highway and Sewer employees, and all employees in the Village of Northport. He also gave appreciation for health care professionals, pharmacy workers, grocery store employees, cashiers, transportation operators, postal carriers, sanitation workers, business owners and all essential workers.

Northport Village employees were recently brought back to perform services for residents with the condition that New York State directives are strictly adhered to.

Trustee Mercy Smith convened a group of over 80 members of the Northport Business Community to share information, resources, and craft innovative strategies to drive revenue now and
throughout recovery, McMullen said. Smith launched a Facebook page dedicated to local commerce called "Northport Open for Virtual Business" to help local businesses generate much-needed revenue and to keep people employed during. For Northport Village business owners or those in the area who would like information regarding Small Business Administration Funding, impacts of Executive Orders, and marketing and online promotion opportunities, email Smith at m.smith@nothportny.gov to be added to the group.

Smith has also been on daily phone calls with the County of Suffolk task force to supply the Village with up-to-date information, including securing all supplies and personal protective equipment needed. She is also collaborating with County and State officials to craft a phased reopen plan that addresses the local needs of Northport Village residents and businesses.

Northport Village Trustee, Ian Milligan, worked with the Village's boating community to make sure boat owners have sole access to their boats. He coordinated the installation of floating docks and ensured that New York State Law regarding marinas and boating is strictly adhered to.

McMullen declared a Village emergency on March 16, which he said ensured the Village was able to get all necessary items to protect residents.

The mayor included a list of things residents should continue doing:

• Stay at home as much as possible and enjoy family time
• Put distance between yourself and other people to reduce your risk of being exposed, please wear masks and face coverings when you are out in public
• It is important to exercise, but please do so independently, keeping at least six feet from any other person
• Avoid touching you face, nose or eyes
• Wash your hands often
• To assist local Northport Village businesses, shop locally, including purchasing take-out food from Village eateries or purchasing a gift card from one or more of the Village eateries.

McMullen then asked residents to take the following steps to protect first responders and essential workers:

For those quarantined (mandatory or self-imposed) due to possible or confirmed COVID-
19 exposure, the Village asks that you fully inform the 911 operator of your situation. Quarantined residents are asked to place a sign on their front door to alert first responders to take infection-prevention precautions before entering the home or business.

"It is imperative we protect our personnel so that they will be able to continue to meet the emergency needs of the community," McMullen said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Northport Village has 74 confirmed coronavirus cases, amounting to 10.07 cases per 1,000 people; below the Suffolk and Town of Huntington averages.

"This is due in no small part to our Village residents who have once again met the challenge and have combated the virus in our community," McMullen said. "I am confident that the Village of Northport will continue to get through this crisis healthy and strong."