As Coronavirus Spikes, Port Washington Warned To Stay Vigilant

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Officials from Nassau County, the Town of North Hempstead and five villages warned Port Washington residents Friday to remain vigilant amid rising coronavirus cases.

In a letter to the Port Washington community, officials said New York has seen an increase in positive tests for the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. Clusters have formed in Queens, Brooklyn and elsewhere throughout the state.

"Unfortunately, there has also been an increasing number of reported COVID-19 cases in Port Washington as well," the letter said.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth both signed the letter, as did county Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, council member Mariann Dalimonte, and the mayors of Baxter Estates, Manorhaven, Sands Point, Port Washington North and Flower Hill. Additionally, Port Washington school superintendent Michael Hynes also signed the letter.

"We do not want to be the next cluster, and we must work together to ensure that our community remains vigilant against the spread of COVID-19," the letter said.

Officials urged residents to continue social distancing from people outside their household, regularly washing their hands and avoiding touching their faces, avoiding large social gatherings and events, and — most importantly — wearing a mask in public when unable to remain a safe distance from others.

"These measures have been extremely effective at slowing and preventing the spread of the virus, and we implore you to follow them," the letter said.

Residents were also encouraged to download the states' COVID Alert NY app, which uses Bluetooth technology to alert people when they come in close contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus.

A spokesman for the Town of North Hempstead said officials crafted similar letters for other communities where there was concern about a rise in reported cases, including Great Neck and Westbury. Bosworth reached out this week to mayors, police departments and superintendents in Port Washington, along with state and county officials to collaborate on this message to the community.

Long Island's seven-day positivity average was 3.26 percent Thursday. In late October, it was at 1.3 percent.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned that the long-expected rise in cases has arrived in New York, buoyed by increasing cases across the nation, widespread fatigue over adhering to coronavirus regulations, and cooler weather keeping people indoors.

"If you look around the country, around the world, COVID is surging," he said Thursday. "In New York, we are not immune to what's happening around us - and with the cold weather and holiday travel, from here to January is going to be very dangerous."

Cuomo said the next few weeks will be challenging, especially since people want to see their loved ones. He warned New Yorkers cannot let their guard down.

"Love is sometimes doing what's hard - this year, if you love someone, it is smarter and better to stay away, as hard as that is to say and hear," he said. "We can get through this if we all continue to wear our masks, stay socially distant, avoid gatherings, wash our hands and above all, stay New York Tough."