Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s message to New Yorkers today: Stay home!
As testing expands, the number of confirmed cases is sharply rising, up 2,950 statewide overnight to 7,102. Suffolk County now has 371; Nassau has 745 and New York City has 4,008.
Starting Sunday, he’s ordering all non-essential businesses to close entirely.
Health care, utilities, mass transit, food providers and the like are considered essential services and are not covered by the order. There will be civil fines and mandatory closures for businesses that do not comply.
Read this Gazette post to find out what are essential services and what local officials are doing to protect workers vital to the operation of our community.
Strictest rules for vulnerable populations
With the rate of new infection doubling and the rate of hospitalizations requiring ICU beds tripling, Cuomo said, described the new measures as “closing the valve” to reduce opportunities for further spread
The strictest new rules governing the conduct of individuals apply to those age 70 and up; anyone who has a compromised immune system, and those with underlying illnesses. The new guidelines for them are:
- Remain indoors
- Go outdoors only for solitary exercise
- Pre-screen all visitors and aides for fever by taking their temperature
- Do not visit households with multiple people
- All vulnerable people should wear a mask when in the company of others
- To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask
- Always stay at lease six feet away from others
- Do not take pubic transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
For everyone else
For everyone else, the new provisions call for:
- Cancellation of all non-essential gatherings of any size and for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events)
- Any concentration of idniviuals outside their homes must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced
- When in public, individuals must practice social distancing by staying at least six feee from others
- Businesses and entities that provide essneital services must impelment rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet
- Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities were you come in close contact with people
- Individuals should iimit the use of public transportaiton to when absolutely necessary, and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders
- Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care, and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health
- Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations
- Use isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel if alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer is not available
Stay home, stop the spread, save lives
“These actions will cause disruption,” Cuomo said. “I understand that. They willl cause much unhappiness. I understand that also.”
But when we look back 10 years from now, “I want to be able to stay … I did everything we could do.”
“If everything we do saves just one life, I’ll be happy,” he said.
Which eateries are open on Shelter Island?
Read this Gazette post for contact information about Island eateries providing takeout and/or delivery services.
