Published on March 15, 2020

Coronavirus Update

To Our Friends, Family and Residents, 
 
All of us at Village Hall are deeply concerned for the health, safety and welfare of everyone in our Village, Country and throughout the World who are or may be affected by the COVID-19 virus. We are confronting difficult and unprecedented challenges in our personal and professional lives.   In the days and weeks ahead, we need to unite and work together to succeed in conquering this threat to our health and way of life.
 
We are committed to our fundamental principles of leadership and service to our residents and neighbors. We remain steadfast to fulfill our mission to provide the highest level of advice and service.  

Until further notice, our offices at Village Hall will continue to be open during normal business hours (9:00 am to 4:30 pm) to serve you. We are working closely with our State, Nassau County and Town of Hempstead officials and agencies to disseminate information intended to help prevent spreading the virus.

1. IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS DIFFICULTY BREATHING, FEVER, AND A SORE THROAT, YOU SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL HELP WITHOUT DELAY.  
 
DO NOT GO TO A HOSPITAL, URGENT CENTER OR YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE.  THEY MAY NOT BE EQUIPPED TO HELP YOU AND YOU MAY BE SPREADING THE DISEASE TO OTHER PEOPLE.   CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR THE EMERGENCY HOTLINES.  THEY ARE ABLE TO DIRECT YOU TO A TESTING LOCATION AND ARRANGE FOR TESTING AND CARE.

NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY HOTLINE (OPEN 24/7)  888-364-3065
NASSAU COUNTY HOTLINE (OPEN 9:00 TO 4:45)  516-227-9570

2. Nassau County Executive, Laura Curran, has issued a State of Emergency Declaration, allowing the County to move more rapidly to offer assistance and to take other action.   
 
More than 90 cases have been reported in Nassau County and we have at least 6 confirmed cases in the Five Towns.  The virus is here and is spreading.   We believe that by appropriate precautions we can reduce the number of people who contract the illness.
 
This morning, Nassau County closed all public and private schools for 2 weeks.  All school busing has been suspended.  
 
The State, County and Town have not ordered the closure of houses of worship.  However, they strongly recommend that all social and religious gatherings should be postponed.  This includes weddings, bar-mitzvahs, synagogue and church attendance, parties, christenings, festive meals for brit milah and sheva brachot, and the like.  The list is too long to mention every form of gathering.  The important take-away is that we should all practice SOCIAL DISTANCING.   
 
Most synagogues in the Five Towns have closed, and many more are making similar announcements hourly.  The Diocese of Rockville Center has announced that Catholics are not required to attend mass until farther notice.  We urge all Village residents to listen to the medical experts and religious leaders to avoid social contact.  
 
3. Restaurants have not been ordered to close, but many have done so.  We strongly recommend that rather than eat at your favorite dining facility, place a take-out order.  Most restaurants are offering home delivery and curbside pickup.
 
4. Supermarket and warehouse stores are limiting the number of people who enter the store.  They are also changing store hours.  Check with your destination before you travel there so that you can make appropriate plans.
 
5. Exercising is important but going to a gym is not critical to that process.  Avoid gyms, spas and other fitness facilities until the current situation is over.
 
6. While the medical community still needs to learn much more about the virus, doctors agree that COVID-19 is especially dangerous for people over the age of 60 or anyone who has underlying medical issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses or a compromised immune system.  If you are in this category, you must be extremely diligent to avoid exposure.  It is better to offend someone and not attend an event or go shopping rather than make a decision that literally puts your life at risk.
 
7. Cedarhurst Village Justice, Andrew Goldsmith, has adjourned all cases and closed the Village Court. However, if you have a matter that must be addressed immediately to avoid a suspension of your license or registration, the Court will make an appointment to address your case.  Call the Court at (516) 295-5522 for more information.
 
8. We can minimize or prevent the spread of coronavirus by taking these steps:Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcoholAvoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Stay home when you are sick, even with a cold.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.  Wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or antiseptic wipes.For more information see the CDC website or call the NY State Coronavirus hotline to speak with a representative 888-364-3065.

9. If you would like to be added to the Village’s email list, please email us at info@cedarhurst.gov

10. Stay up to date with Village news by following us on Facebook and visiting our Village website.

We extend our sincerest wishes for good health for you and your families.
Yours truly,
Benjamin Weinstock, Mayor
Ari Brown, Deputy Mayor
Myrna Zisman, Trustee
Israel Wasser, Trustee
Daniel Plaut, Trustee