Published on March 24, 2020

Message From NC Legislator Howard Kopel | Coronavirus Update

As of today, New York State is reporting that 2869 residents in Nassau have tested positive for COVID-19. This is an increase of 427 cases from yesterday.  There are 70 residents who have been hospitalized, 14 of those are in critical condition, and unfortunately 10 residents have died. More than 5000 residents are currently in quarantine.Infection rates are still increasing and at an alarming rate, and these numbers will increase; the apex is currently forecasted for 14 to 21 days from now.  However, health care providers have a sufficient quantity of hospital beds, critical care beds, and ventilators available to meet the needs of the County.

Please note that last night, Governor Cuomo enacted an executive order banning the non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason such as parties, celebrations or other social events.  This ban will be enforced by the police department.

The Governor also announced that residents can be tested at the Jones Beach facility by appointment only. Preference will go to health care workers, first responders, close contacts of sick patients and nursing home workers. To date, more than 1/2 of calls received by the Nassau County Coronavirus hotline have to do with residents requesting their test results. The state is in complete control of testing and the county cannot provide this information.

Maintenance landscapers have been deemed essential by the state and will be able to continue standard yard maintenance, such as mowing lawns, to protect the health and well-being of Nassau County residents.  However, landscapers are not permitted to start new projects or perform work that is cosmetic in nature.

Today, the County Executive announced the reopening of all county golf courses and driving ranges beginning Thursday, March 26th. Playgrounds, Tennis and basketball courts, as well as all ball fields will remain closed. Parks will remain open for walking and bike riding.

The County is collecting personal protective equipment to be distributed to first responders and healthcare providers Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm at field 3 in Eisenhower Park. They are in need of packaged, unopened bulk quantities of gloves, masks, sanitizer, show covers, and other equipment.  

If you are in good health, hold a valid driver’s license, and are willing to volunteer your time, the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is in need of your help! Drivers are needed for the distribution of food and to help take Veterans to doctors’ appointments in this difficult and trying time. Contact Ralph Esposito, the Director of the Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-6565 if you can volunteer your time. Together we will help each other get through the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nassau County has already issued 34 tickets for price gouging various much-needed items during this time of scarcity, with potential fines up to $5,000 each. Residents can report price gouging to pricegouging@nassaucountyny.gov.

During this difficult time, our great small businesses have been struggling. Many local restaurants and bars are still serving the public in take-out and delivery capacities. If you can, please help by supporting our bars and restaurants.

I have added a list of COVID-19 resources to my legislative website. View them here: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance. You may contact me at 516-571-6209 or by email.

Howard Kopel
Legislator, District 7