Coronavirus: Suffolk County Closes All Schools For 2 Weeks

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — All public and private K-12 schools in Suffolk County have been ordered to close for two weeks amid dozens of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. Steve Bellone, the county executive, announced the extraordinary measure Sunday after a similar announcement in Nassau County.

The decision was based on the recommendation of the county health commissioner and in consultation with the superintendent's association, Bellone said. The local emergency order to close schools takes effect Monday.

"As we prepared over the last several days for the potential closure announcement, we had discussions with state officials and the Suffolk County School Superintendent’s Association about critical issues involving meal programs for kids and childcare," he said.

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"There is evidence that the virus is already present in many communities we serve, and our efforts now must be aimed at preventing its spread," Bellone said. "As part of our larger social distancing efforts, we believe that closing schools is the right thing to do at this time."

As of the last report, Suffolk County had 41 confirmed cases, with 18 in Southold Town, county officials said.

While kids are home from school parents are encouraged to continue to follow Suffolk County Department of Health guidance and practice social distancing, as well as washing hands frequently to help contain the spread of the virus. If anyone in the family is symptomatic, residents are asked to stay home and quarantine themselves on a precautionary basis.

“While schools are closed for instruction, administrators and teachers will still have access to school buildings for local district planning, distance-based education purposes, temporary grab-and-go meal programs and childcare issues," Bellone said.

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming advocated for the closure of all schools in New York State, sending a letter in support of the measure to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"Dr. Erin McGintee, a physician and constituent in my legislative district advises, 'Proactive school closures have been shown to be one of the most powerful non-pharmaceutical interventions that we can deploy,'" Fleming wrote.

She added: "I understand the decision is a difficult one given that many families rely on their school community for services. However, allowing children and staff to attend school creates opportunity for COVID-19 to spread, putting at risk the extremely vulnerable such as the elderly and those who are immunocompromised."

Fleming told Patch that she is working on a plan to help develop mobile spots where families who may have depended on the food provided at school can avail themselves of "grab and go" meals, with local food banks participating.

While she said she realizes the food issue at school is critical, and is working to provide those grab and go meals countywide, Fleming said, "It's critical to stop the spread" of the virus. Closing the schools, she said, "is a tough decision but we have to contain the spread."

Fleming, aware that the county's 311 call center is bearing an "unexpected strain," even volunteered, along with her staff to answer the calls.

The closures come after New York saw its first three confirmed coronavirus-related deaths. An 82-year-old woman who had emphysema died Friday night at a hospital in Brooklyn, 10 days after she was first admitted. A 64-year-old Suffern man who had significant other health problems died Thursday. On Sunday, Cuomo announced a third person had died. The woman, who had multiple other major health problems, was admitted within the last week and died in New York City.

Concerns over coronavirus — which has infected more than 156,000 people worldwide as of Sunday morning and caused about 5,800 deaths — have had far-reaching effects. In a series of drastic moves, the NBA, NHL and MLS suspended their seasons and the NCAA canceled March Madness tournaments. The PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship after the first round. The virus also prompted President Donald Trump to restrict travel from Europe.

Cuomo banned gatherings of 500 or more people, shutting down Broadway. Events, gatherings or businesses with fewer than 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent. Exceptions will be made for spaces where individuals do not make sustained close contact, such as schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores and retail stores. Cuomo also banned all visitors to nursing homes and senior care facilities.

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