COVID-19: UPDATE 3/16

3/16 9pm

Important information is provided from the CDC, NYS Department of Health and County Government as well as interviews with Suffolk County Legislator William “Doc” Spencer, M.D. and Robert Scully, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Medicenter in Huntington Station and Northport,

According to sources, on March 15 at 5 p.m., there were 48 cases of COVID-19 in Suffolk County. As of tonight, March 16 at 5 p.m., there were 72 cases and three deaths in Suffolk County, one in Huntington. It was reported that a man over 85, succumbed to the illness.

Spencer is chairman of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Health Committee as well as a practicing ENT Pediatric Surgeon.  Spencer reported that the mobile testing site should be operational with 48 hours. NYS Department of Health is starting to accept appoints for Suffolk County residents.

Please call 1-888-364-3065 if you show symptoms or think you were exposed to the virus. They will triage the callers and set appointments for testing accordingly.

Dr. Scully is active in the community and personally seeing patients. He reminds patients that this is still flu season and washing hands and using sanitizer is a good practice and important to do.

On non-medical news involving COVID-19, Suffolk County is expediting certification with the Small Business Administration (SBA) that will assist local business with financing to get through this difficult time.

Long Islander will be working with the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce to help put together a guide to assist neighborhood restaurants. Please remember this is a community effort.

Next update tomorrow at 3pm.