Coronavirus In Nassau: Positive Cases, Deaths Jump Overnight

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County saw its largest single-day increases in new cases of the coronavirus and deaths from it. The county saw 1,200 new positive cases and 15 deaths since Monday, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran reported.

As of Tuesday morning, 8,544 people have tested positive for the virus and 63 have died. The 11 men and four women who died yesterday were between 33 and 97 years old, Curran said.

The virus is also affecting Nassau County's first responders. There are 80 police officers in the county with the virus, Curran said, and that figure includes Nassau County and village officers. An additional 147 officers are in quarantine.

Thirteen people from the sheriff's department, including corrections officers at the Nassau County Jail, have the virus and 39 are in quarantine. Eight inmates at the Nassau County Jail have tested positive for the virus.

Twenty Nassau County Police Department officers and seven sheriff's department employees returned to work Monday, Curran said.

To help stop the spread of the virus, Curran urged anyone who is feeling ill to stay home, no matter who they are.

"Don't be a hero," Curran said. "Even if you're a first responder or an essential worker, if you're not feeling well, just stay home."

Curran said due to the closure of many businesses and services, funerals and wakes are being postponed. The county is working with funeral homes to create guidance to help families cope.

"Not being able to have a funeral to say a proper goodbye to your loved one isn't easy," Curran said.

The ban applies to all deaths, not just those related to the coronavirus. Funerals in churches and other places of worship are not allowed. However, burials are still taking place, and families can have graveside services for their loved ones if there are not too many people in attendance.

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Curran said the county has continued to crack down on businesses that are price gouging during the state of emergency. So far, the county's Office of Consumer Affairs has received 330 complaints about price gouging and issued 70 violations. Each violation comes with a $5,000 fine. Those who suspect businesses of price gouging can report it to prcegouging@nassaucountyny.gov.

While it's hard to judge the economic impact of the virus, Nassau businesses have been hit hard. Curran put together an economic council to assess the impacts. Nassau businesses owners are encouraged to visit hofstra.edu/economicimpact and fill out a survey about how the crisis has affected them. The data will be used when the county petitions the federal government for aid, Curran said, so that its claims can be backed up with facts and data.

"As dim as that light at the end of the tunnel appears right now, we'll find our balance again," Curran said. "Life always finds its balance after a crisis."

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