Coronavirus on Long Island (May Updates)

LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- Eyewitness News coverage of coronavirus on Long Island from May 2020. Continuing coverage can be found at [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/long-island/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]abc7ny.com/longisland[/url].[br /][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/feature/health/covid-19-help-information-and-resources/6118594/" TARGET="" REL=""][b]COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates[/b][/url][br /][Ads /][br /][b]UPDATES [/b][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/new-york/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]New York City[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/new-jersey/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]New Jersey[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/long-island/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Long Island[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/northern-suburbs//" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Westchester and Hudson Valley[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/connecticut/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Connecticut [/url][br /][br /][b]REOPENING INFORMATION[/b][br /][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/whats-open-closed-in-new-york-area-during-covid-19-pandemic/6123699/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]What's Open, What's Closed[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/politics/reopen-ny-the-metrics-and-phases-to-reopening/6185348/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Reopening New York State[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/reopening-new-jersey-what-will-reopen-and-when/6188416/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Reopening New Jersey[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/reopening-connecticut-phase-1-underway-in-4-phased-plan/6188462/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Reopening Connecticut[/url][br /][br /][h3]CORONAVIRUS LONG ISLAND LIVE UPDATES AND NEWS[/h3][br /][br /][b]MAY 29, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Southampton restricts beach access after 'hellish' Memorial Day weekend[/b][br /]The Town of Southampton is [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/southampton-restricts-beach-access-after-hellish-memorial-day-weekend/6219859/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]temporarily closing all its beaches[/url] to non-residents after rowdy crowds gathered at some town beaches Memorial Day weekend. Video and pictures obtained by Eyewitness News showed people congregating on a small beach at the end of North Sea Road last Saturday.[br /][br /][b]Long Island teen petitions Cuomo to allow students to finish driver's ed online[/b][br /]A teenager on Long Island [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/li-teen-petitions-cuomo-to-allow-students-to-finish-drivers-ed-online/6219673/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]launched a petition on change.org[/url] asking New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to allow student drivers to complete driver's education online. East Islip 10th grader Dylan Baranek said he was so eager to drive that he went right to the DMV on his 16th birthday back in December.[br /][br /][b]MAY 28, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Nassau County plans to fast track outdoor business applications[/b][br /]Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced Thursday [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/business/nassau-county-plans-to-fast-track-outdoor-business-applications/6217670/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]the county will begin fast tracking applications for small businesses seeking to use outdoor county road space [/url]under the county's new Open Streets pilot program.[br /][br /][b]Oral care doctors prepping for new, safer reality after pandemic[/b][br /]Doctors are getting back to work on Long Island as the coronavirus pandemic wanes, including dentists and orthodontists, but [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/oral-care-doctors-prepping-for-new-safer-reality-after-pandemic/6217435/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]appointments may be very different from what patients are used to[/url]. At Luccarelli and Barrese Orthodontics in Mineola, the safety protocols will begin in the parking lot.[br /][br /][b]MAY 27, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]'Miracle preemie' born to mom in coma goes home from Long Island hospital[/b][br /]A "miracle preemie" born during the COVID-19 pandemic to a mother who was in a coma [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/miracle-preemie-born-to-mom-in-coma-goes-home-from-li-hospital/6214915/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]went home from the hospital[/url] Wednesday to a rousing ovation from doctors, nurses and other staff members.[br /][br /][b]Phase 1 reopening[/b][br /]Nassau and Suffolk counties [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/long-island-enters-phase-one-of-reopening/6214702/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]are moving into Phase 1 of reopening[/url], which includes manufacturing, construction, agriculture, wholesale trade, and retail stores, which can now offer curbside pick-up only. Businesses must submit a safety plan to the state to qualify. The reopening also means construction can resume on the new arena at Belmont Park, the future home of the Islanders. It's been exactly two months since any work has happened there.[br /][br /][b]MAY 26, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Nassau Coliseum to launch drive-in movie weekends this summer[/b][br /]The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum announced it [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/entertainment/nassau-coliseum-to-launch-drive-in-movie-weekends-this-summer/6213824/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]will launch a drive-in movie weekend[/url] this summer.[br /][br /]Films will be displayed on a large back-lit screen outside the venue facing Hempstead Turnpike. Audio will be made available through a partnership with Hofstra radio station WRHU.[br /][br /][b]Lawmaker, families want investigation into Cuomo nursing home directive[/b][br /]A New York lawmaker joined families who lost loved ones in nursing homes Tuesday to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/lawmaker-families-want-probe-into-ny-nursing-home-directive/6212973/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]question what they call a "misguided" directive by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Department of Health[/url] to send COVID-19 patients to long-term care facilities.[br /][br /]Assemblyman Mike LiPetri is now demanding an independent investigation and accountability for the reported 5,000 nursing home deaths during the coronavirus pandemic.[br /][br /][b]Paw it Forward Pet Pantry in need of donations in Valley Stream[/b][br /]In the basement of a home in Valley Stream is the [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/pets-animals/paw-it-forward-pet-pantry-in-need-of-donations-on-long-island/6212844/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Paw it Forward Pet Pantry[/url]. Daniella Scala-Nathan started it with her husband Robert Nathan three years ago to help pet owners affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, but they kept it going to help people on Long Island.[br /][br /]But during the past few months, the shelves empty out at times, in part because pet stores haven't been able to donate stock. Donations from individuals are also are down.[br /][br /][b]Businesses prepare for phase one reopening Wednesday[/b][br /]New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave Long Island the [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/long-island-businesses-prepare-for-phase-one-reopening-wednesday/6213309/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]green light to enter phase one[/url] of reopening Wednesday.[br /][br /][b]Reopen Long Island: Everything you need to know[/b][br /]What does phase one mean for residents in the Long Island region and what are the guidelines? Find out [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/what-reopens-on-long-island-this-week/6212828/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]here[/url].[br /][br /][b]LIRR, Metro North increase service with regional reopenings[/b][br /]While New York City remains on PAUSE, the Hudson Valley and Long Island Phase 1 reopenings mean [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/traffic/lirr-metro-north-increase-service-with-regional-reopenings/6208619/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Metro-North and the LIRR will increase service[/url] while planning for further phased restorations.[br /][br /][b]MAY 25, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Beach lifeguards deploy new safety protocols amid COVID-19 pandemic[/b][br /]Beach lifeguards in our area are now [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/beach-lifeguards-deploy-new-coronavirus-safety-protocols/6210788/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]deploying a whole new set of safety protocols due to the coronavirus[/url].[br /][br /]Most lifeguards have been given their own individual PPE, are sitting in separate chairs, and are wearing masks while on the beach. Lifeguards are also being assigned to monitor social distancing on the beach.[br /][br /][b]NY death benefits[/b][br /]Gov. Cuomo announced that the state and local governments will [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/ny-provides-death-benefits-for-public-heroes-who-died-of-covid-19/6210404/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]provide death benefits for public heroes[/url] who died from COVID-19 during this emergency.[br /][br /][b]MAY 24, 2020[/b][br /][b]Reopening NY[/b][br /]As New York continues to push forward with its reopening plan, Gov. Andrew Cuomo [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/what-reopens-in-new-york-this-week/6208524/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]announced a comeback of sports, camping and veterinarian offices[/url].[br /][br /][b]Preparing LIRR for reopening[/b][br /]Cuomo said they are working on getting the transportation system ready. The MTA will be cleaning and disinfecting trains and buses every day. [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/traffic/lirr-metro-north-prepare-for-regional-reopenings/6208619/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]LIRR cars will be added to trains[/url] so that people can socially distance when on board while reminding people that masks are mandatory when riding public transportation.[br /][br /][b]MAY 22, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Long Island Brewery honors hometown heroes with 'Toast your Hero' campaign[/b][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/li-brewery-recognizing-acts-of-kindness-with-toast-your-hero-initiative/6207302/" TARGET="" REL=""]A Long Island brewery is recognizing acts of kindness with a toast.[/url][br /][br /]It is quite the scene - a bright blue fire truck showing up in neighborhoods across Long Island. It is all part of a Blue Point Brewery's way to honor hometown heroes and those who have stepped up over the last couple of months through their 'Toast your Hero' campaign.[br /][br /][b]Reopening Plan[/b][br /]The Long Island region could open next week, according to Governor Cuomo. He says that deaths need to decrease a bit and tracers need to be in place, but he sees both of those things happening. The region will then move into Phase 1 of the reopening plan.[br /][br /][b]Signature Bank honors health care workers with haircuts[/b][br /]On Long Island, essential workers who have been caring for COVID-19 patients received a little special treatment themselves. Health care workers from Mount Sinai South Nassau [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/signature-bank-honors-health-care-workers-with-haircuts/6203753/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]were given free haircuts[/url]. Signature Bank sponsored the event to honor our health care heroes.[br /][br /][b]NY state beaches welcome COVID-weary residents[/b][br /]In New York, state beaches will be open to the public this Memorial Day weekend, as NYC beaches remain closed. [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/ny-state-beaches-welcome-covid-weary-residents/6203651/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Jones Beach and the beach at Robert Moses State Park[/url] both opened at 6 a.m. Friday and will remain open until 9 p.m.[br /][br /]The beaches are limited to 50% capacity, and officials expected this to be reached by 10 a.m.[br /][br /][b]MAY 21, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]MTA urges New Yorkers to plan alternative travel to beaches[/b][br /]The MTA urged customers Thursday to plan alternative travel through Memorial Day weekend as the agency will continue to run its limited Essential Service Plan implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means commuter trains, subways and buses continue to be reserved for essential workers only. All passengers riding trains or buses are required to wear a mask or face covering and engage in appropriate social distancing.[br /][br /][b]Summer School[/b][br /]Summer school will be held [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/ny-summer-school-to-be-conducted-through-distance-learning/6201903/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]through distance learning statewide[/url]. There will be no in-person learning this summer. A decision has not been made yet on the fall.[br /][br /][b]Long Beach boardwalk reopens[/b][br /]Social distancing measures do apply, and every other bench on the boardwalk is blocked off to ensure that happens, but the [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/long-beach-boardwalk-reopens-/6201321/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Long Beach boardwalk[/url] is open again.[br /][br /][b]Bethpage Air Show[/b][br /]The coronavirus pandemic may have grounded the real show at Jones Beach on Long Island, but the first-ever [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/community-events/first-ever-bethpage-virtual-air-show-takes-place-this-weekend/6200026/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Bethpage Virtual Air Show[/url] will take off online this Memorial Day weekend.[br /][br /][b]MAY 20, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Retired NYPD officer gets standing ovation after beating COVID-19[/b][br /]A retired NYPD officer [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/retired-nypd-officer-gets-standing-ovation-after-beating-covid-19/6199392/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]left the hospital to a round of applause[/url] after spending 60 days battling COVID-19.[br /][br /]Anthony Greco, of Wantagh, left Mount Sinai South Nassau on Wednesday as the crowd cheered his name.[br /][br /][b]What beaches are open in NY, NJ and CT?[/b][br /]Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but during the coronavirus pandemic, life at the beach in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/are-beaches-open-heres-what-to-know-in-ny-nj-and-ct/6198805/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]will be somewhat different this year[/url].[br /][br /][b]Huntington limiting beach access for the summer[/b][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/this-suffolk-county-town-is-restricting-beach-access-for-the-entire-summer/6199164/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Huntington beaches in Suffolk County[/url] will also be opening in stages starting on Memorial Day weekend with access limited to residents only for the rest of the summer.[br /][br /][b]Nassau County issues beach guidelines[/b][br /]Nassau County is [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/nassau-county-acts-to-limit-beach-access/6199048/" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]limiting access and establishing social distancing requirements at Nickerson Beach Park at Lido Beach,[/url] which it controls, and recommending the same guidelines for the 62 other beach operators in the county.[br /][br /][b]Long Beach restricts beach access[/b][br /]When beaches reopen this Memorial Day weekend only [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/long-beach-limits-beachgoers-to-residents-only/6198216/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Long Beach residents[/url] will be allowed to use the beach, but no one else.[br /][br /][b]MAY 19, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]After lifetime of service, WWII nurse honored on 100th birthday[/b][br /]A community of heroes, veterans and loved ones showed up to honor a U.S. Army nurse and WWII veteran on her 100th birthday on Long Island.[br /][Ads /][br /]Irene Haber, of Bethpage, was a nurse at Plainview Hospital when it first opened -- and in honor of her birthday and service, the hospital[url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/after-lifetime-of-service-wwii-nurse-honored-on-100th-birthday/6197322/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""] organized a drive-by parade on Tuesday[/url].[br /][br /][b]Long Beach Council votes to restrict beach access to residents only[/b][br /]In response to the City of New York's restrictions on NYC beaches, and to comply with the governor's mandate to a 50 percent reduction of capacity, the City Council of Long Beach voted on Tuesday evening to temporarily open the city beaches to residents of Long Beach only.[br /][br /][b]Long Island town honors high school students with banners[/b][br /]Greenport High School [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/education/long-island-town-honors-high-school-students-with-banners/6196511/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]has found a unique way to honor its seniors by placing banners[/url] of students on street poles around the village. The banners have helped the school raise $9-thousand towards caps and gowns, yearbooks, balloons and flowers, and class of 2020 baseball caps for graduation.[br /][br /][b]With NYC beaches closed, lawmakers want Nassau beaches to be resident-only[/b][br /]With New York City beaches to remain closed for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic, many neighboring shore towns are fearing an influx of beachgoers they say they aren't ready to handle. As a result, lawmakers in Nassau County [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/with-nyc-beaches-closed-calls-for-li-beaches-to-be-resident-only/6195923/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]are introducing emergency legislation[/url] to restrict access to residents.[br /][b]MAY 18, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Nassau County kicks off Memorial Day initiative with posters for front door[/b][br /]Nassau County kicked off a [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/nassau-county-kicks-off-memorial-day-initiative-with-posters-for-front-door/6194560/" TARGET="" REL=""]new Memorial Day initiative on Monday[/url].[br /][br /]Lawmakers, in partnership with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, are allowing residents the ability to pay their respects to the nation's fallen heroes. It follows after the tradition of placing American flags on graves at military cemeteries on Memorial Day was canceled due to the pandemic. Now, there are posters that can be printed and placed proudly on your front door to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces.[br /][br /][b]Official joins calls to save beloved programs for college students with autism[/b][br /]A community college on Long Island planning to cut two programs designed to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder is [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/education/ny-state-education-committee-member-joins-calls-to-save-programs-for-college-students-with-autism/6193784/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]facing new pressure to reverse course following a report [/url]by 7 On Your Side Investigates.[br /][br /][b]Greenport nursing facility reports no known cases[/b][br /]Peconic Landing Retirement Community, an assisted living facility on Long Island that was the site of the earliest known cases of COVID-19 in Suffolk County, is now reporting no known cases among its residents.[br /][br /]In total, the site has had 13 deaths and 67 positive cases. Visitation at Peconic Landing remains restricted and safety measures are in place.[br /][br /][b]Nassau County Memorial Day initiative[/b][br /]Lawmakers in partnership with the Boy and Girl Scouts are allowing residents the ability to pay their respects to our nation's fallen heroes. It follows after the tradition of placing American flags on graves at cemeteries on Memorial Day was canceled due to COVID. Now posters can be printed and placed proudly on residents' front doors to honor men and women of the armed forces.[br /][br /][b]Long Beach to restrict daily beach passes under summer beach plan[/b][br /]Officials in the City of Long Beach said they will be restricting the number of daily beach passes this summer [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/long-beach-will-restrict-daily-beach-passes-under-summer-beach-plan/6193979/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]in an effort to control capacity[/url]. The decision on whether to stop selling passes will depend upon the crowd at the beach at any given time.[br /][br /]It's part of the beach plan the city will be submitting to the state for review by Wednesday. The plan will also include whether the boardwalk will reopen.[br /][br /][b]Suffolk County beaches[/b][br /]Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said access to county beaches on Memorial Day Weekend will be reserved for Suffolk residents only.[br /][b]MAY 16, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]PPE donation helps Nassau County first responders[/b][br /]First responders in Nassau County [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/ppe-donation-helps-nassau-county-first-responders/6188463/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]received another batch of personal protective equipment[/url] (PPE) as they continue their frontline efforts to battle COVID-19. County officials partnered with M and C Venture Group to donate thousands of face shields for fire departments and ambulance companies.[br /][br /][b]MAY 15, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Curran excited for LI beaches reopening on Memorial Day weekend[/b][br /]Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said Friday beaches reopening for Memorial Day weekend "is very exciting" for Long Island.[br /][br /]"We live on an island," Curran said. "We love our beaches. That is the reason so many of us choose to live here, so this is good news."[br /]She said local municipalities will be responsible for enforcement of the rules on the beaches.[br /][br /]Meanwhile, Nassau County reported 11 new deaths Friday, while Suffolk County confirmed 12 new fatalities. The death toll on Long Island has risen to 3,736, with 76,583 total cases.[br /][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/feature/health/covid-19-help-information-and-resources/6118594/" TARGET="" REL=""][b]COVID-19 Help, Information and Resources[/b][/url][br /][br /][b]LI running group run for good cause[/b][br /]A running club on Long Island is taking their passion for running and [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/li-running-group-hit-the-hills-in-fight-against-covid-19/6186341/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]turning it into a project to help frontline workers[/url] in the fight against the coronavirus.[br /][br /][/b]MAY 14, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]New York Air National Guard to fly over Eastern Long Island Friday[/b][br /]On Friday, two military planes and one rescue helicopter from the New York Air National Guard will [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/ny-air-national-guard-to-flyover-eastern-long-island-friday/6182118/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]fly over across Eastern Long Island[/url].[br /][br /]The flyover will begin just after 12 p.m. at Stony Brook Southampton and finish around 2 p.m. near Long Island Community Hospital.[br /][br /][b]7-year-old Long Island girl donates American Girl doll money to hospital[/b][br /]A 7-year-old girl from Long Island is heeding the call to give during the coronavirus pandemic, breaking open her piggy bank to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/6182177/ TARGET="_blank" REL=""]donate the money she was saving[/url] for an American Girl doll to Northwell Health.[br /]Desiree Mohammodi was honored Thursday for her selflessness by Northwell President and CEO Michael Dowling, who presented her with the American Girl doll of her dreams: The American Astronaut.[br /][br /][/b]MAY 13, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Amid record unemployment, these businesses are hiring in tri-state area[/b][br /]The economic outlook in the tri-state may not be as grim as it looks as [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/business/amid-record-unemployment-these-businesses-are-hiring-/6179708/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]many companies are looking to hire[/url]. From pharmacies to grocery stores to construction companies -- businesses are trying to fill positions.[br /][br /][b]Spunky 104-year-old COVID-19 survivor shares her story[/b][br /]A 104-year-old woman with a fighting spirit and a whole lot of spunk is [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/spunky-104-year-old-covid-19-survivor-shares-her-story/6179549/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]sharing her story after beating COVID-19[/url]. Lilian Menendez is the most senior among the seniors at Apex Rehab & Healthcare in South Huntington, Long Island.[br /][br /]This 104-year-old miraculously beat COVID-19, but then again, Menendez is no ordinary woman.[br /][b]Pizzeria donates 1,000 slices to first responders[/b][br /]Marco and Fabio Gambino, who are partners at West Babylon's Alitalia Pizzeria, wanted to give back to the community who throughout the years has given so much to them.[br /][br /]They wanted to return the favor with something they know how to do best, [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/localish/long-island-pizzeria-donates-1000-slices-to-first-responders/6163513/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]provide hot and fresh pizza slices for free[/url].[br /][br /][b]Drive-in movie theaters seeing resurgence during COVID-19[/b][br /]The coronavirus pandemic has provided a resurgence for a form of entertainment relatively unseen in recent decades: the drive-in movie theater. On Long Island, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board recently announced the launch of a [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/entertainment/drive-in-movie-theaters-seeing-resurgence-during-covid-19/6178820/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]brand-new drive-in movie series[/url] at town facilities.[br /][br /][b]MAY 12, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Hempstead announces plans to help restaurants reopen[/b][br /]Officials on Long Island are looking ahead to coronavirus restrictions being lifted and planning how life for residents can start to get back to normal -- including [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/hempstead-announces-plans-to-help-restaurants-reopen/6176917/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]restaurants reopening[/url].[br /][br /][b]Planning for churches to reopen[/b][br /]A Catholic church on Long Island is crafting a plan to reopen public masses. Church officials are focusing on when and how to reestablish public liturgies in a way that does not irresponsibly place parishioners in danger.[br /][br /][b]Belmont Park reopening[/b][br /]Belmont Park is starting training sessions as it prepares for live races. Staff members and the gate crew wore masks as the main track in Elmont opening Tuesday morning and several horses completed practice runs.[br /][br /][b]Lynbrook High School's virtual choir touching hearts[/b][br /]We may be in the middle of a pandemic, and school is closed in Lynbrook, but music is bringing students and the community together.[br /][br /]As virtual choirs go, this one is so good, Eyewitness News [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/6175895/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]just had to meet some of them[/url].[br /][br /][b]ICU nurse on front lines of COVID-19 pandemic talks heartbreak, moments of joy[/b][br /]One nurse at St. Francis Hospital is [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/icu-nurse-on-front-lines-of-pandemic-talks-heartbreak-moments-of-joy/6176125/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]sharing her stories of heartbreak and moments of joy[/url] while working in the front lines during the COVID-19 outbreak.[br /][br /]Karen Takes, a nurse working inside the Intensive Care Unit, says COVID-19 has been a monstrous moving target. Her regular long shifts have stretched even longer.[br /][br /][b]Lawmakers urge Town of Hempstead to share stimulus money[/b][br /]Senators from Long Island and those with the Long Island congressional delegation are [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/lawmakers-urge-town-of-hempstead-to-share-stimulus-money/6176429/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]calling upon the Town of Hempstead[/url] to share the $133 million the town received in federal stimulus money with Nassau County and villages within the town.[br /][br /][b]MAY 11, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Technology companies race to create worker health screening devices[/b][br /]As businesses look to reopen, technology companies are racing to create devices that can be used to test workers' temperatures and more.[br /][br /]Soter Technologies, based in Ronkonkoma, has [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/technology-companies-race-to-create-worker-health-screening-devices/6173076/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]created a machine called SymptomSense[/url], which can test someone's temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and blood oxygen level in as little as five seconds. The machine is similar to a walk-through airport security detector.[br /][br /][b]Nurses get to know patients who can't speak for themselves through storyboards[/b][br /]Some nurses on Long Island are going to great lengths to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/li-nurses-get-to-know-patients-who-cant-speak-for-themselves-due-to-covid-19/6172856/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]get to know their COVID-19 patients[/url] who can't speak for themselves.[br /][br /]A new initiative at Stony Brook University Hospital allows families of coronavirus patients to provide pictures and details and important information for storyboards so the staff can get to know the patients who can't communicate themselves.[br /][br /][b]American Idol surprise for LI doctor[/b][br /]A Long Island doctor got the [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/american-idol-judge-virtually-surprises-li-doctor-/6171742/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]surprise of a lifetime[/url] from one of the American Idol judges.[br /][br /][b]Masks delivered on Mother's Day[/b][br /]Thousands of KN95 masks were [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/face-masks-delivered-to-mothers-working-at-li-hospital/6171611/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]delivered to mothers[/url] who work at Long Island Community Hospital.[br /][br /][b]PPE distribution[/b][br /]The Village of Freeport in Nassau County is distributing PPE to residents free of charge. Residents can show up at Village Hall on North Ocean Avenue to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/village-of-freeport-giving-out-free-masks-to-residents/6171581/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]receive free masks[/url].[br /][br /][b]MAY 10, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]PPE donations[/b][br /]Officials in Valley Stream accepted more than 3,000 surgical masks and hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food to distribute to local seniors and veterans.[br /][br /][b]Colleagues surprise nurse whose entire family battled COVID-19[/b][br /]There was a [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/colleagues-surprise-nurse-whose-entire-family-battled-covid-19/6168743/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]special Mother's Day surprise for a Long Island nurse[/url] whose entire family battled COVID-19.[br /][br /]Luz Naranjo is back home recovering after spending 10 days on a ventilator. Her colleagues at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital drove by her home in Garden City Park to show their love.[br /][br /][b]MAY 9, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Long Island superintendent teaching students how to juggle on YouTube[/b][br /][Ads /][br /]One Long Island educator has figured out a way to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/education/long-island-superintendent-teaching-students-how-to-juggle-on-youtube/6167570/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]get students' attention while they are home during the pandemic[/url].[br /][br /]Syosset Schools' Superintendent Tom Rogers has been posting videos on YouTube teaching students how to juggle.[br /][br /][b]Car parade held for LI teen who finished 300th round of chemo[/b][br /]A community in Suffolk County [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/car-parade-held-for-teen-who-finished-300th-round-of-chemo/6168136/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]organized a car parade on Saturday to honor a teenager[/url] who just finished her 300th round of chemotherapy.[br /]18-year-old Taylor Ryan has a rare disorder called Histiocytosis. Like all the other seniors at East Islip High School, the coronavirus pandemic means she won't get to take part in a graduation ceremony.[br /][br /][b]Nassau County could reopen in June[/b][br /]Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said "back of the envelope math" shows the end of June as the estimated timeline to reopen the county.[br /][br /]During her daily briefing on the coronavirus Saturday, Curran said she is encouraging the state to look at it's criteria so that the parts of the economy that can safely reopen, like construction and appointment retail, are allowed to do so.[br /][br /][b]High school graduation[/b][br /]Students, parents and teachers celebrated [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/li-high-school-honors-graduates-with-drive-by-celebration/6166268/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]graduation day for seniors[/url] on the streets for one Long Island high school.[br /][b]MAY 8, 2020[/b][br /][b]Island Harvest Food Bank feeding thousands of LI families Friday[/b][br /]A drive-thru food bank on Long Island Friday [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/island-harvest-food-bank-feeding-thousands-of-li-families-friday/6163319/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]is feeding thousands of families in need[/url] during the coronavirus pandemic. Island Harvest Food Bank is hosting the event, located at Westfield Sunrise at One Sunrise Mall in Massapequa, handing out New York State agricultural products to help people in need of food assistance.[br /][br /][b]FEMA ambulance teams leaves Long Island[/b][br /]Nassau County bid a fond farewell to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/fema-ambulance-teams-leave-li-after-aiding-first-responders/6162906/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]FEMA ambulance teams[/url] deployed to New York for the coronavirus pandemic.[br /][b]MAY 7, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Workers at linen cleaning company say they were fired for staying home sick[/b][br /]Half a dozen laundry workers on Long Island were fired, they say, [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/laundry-workers-say-they-were-fired-for-staying-home-sick/6161160/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]for staying at home after suffering symptoms of COVID-19[/url].[br /][br /]At least five laundry workers for a company in Hempstead, which cleans used linens from nursing homes and hospitals, said they were fired for staying home when they weren't feeling well. Some of those workers had coronavirus.[br /][br /][b]Fond farewell[/b][br /]Nassau County bid farewell Thursday to FEMA ambulance teams deployed to New York for the pandemic.[br /][br /]The ambulances were sent to the county in early April to aid first responders during the peak of COVID-19. The caravan left as they blared their sirens in tribute.[br /][b]MAY 6, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Long Island woman creates ceramic angels to honor hero nurses[/b][br /]Wednesday kicks off National Nurses Week -- seven days devoted to celebrating true heroes on the frontlines fighting against COVID-19.[br /]But for one woman, since the beginning of April, she's dedicated more than 12 hours a day - and thousands of her own money - [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/ny-woman-creates-ceramic-angels-to-honor-hero-nurses/6157725/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]creating clay angels honoring the selfless souls[/url] in scrubs. And now her tireless act of kindness have started a national movement trying to put a smile on every nurse's face.[br /][br /][b]Nurse juggles treating COVID-19 patients, making sure own family doesn't get sick[/b][br /]Glenna Arato is an O.R. nurse at Port Jefferson's St. Charles Hospital. And like many others, she found her situation was [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/6157603/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]altered due to the coronavirus pandemic[/url].[br /][br /]While thinking about her patients, Arato had to also think about her family. Her husband, who is a doctor, is a lung cancer survivor. He is immunocompromised, so she needed to take added precautions at home.[br /][br /][b]Contact tracers wanted[/b][br /]Officials in Nassau County say the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is shrinking and they are now working with the state on contact tracing criteria to get the county reopened.[br /]The county currently has close to 30 contact tracers but officials are encouraging people to apply for the job on Nassau County's health department website.[br /][br /][b]Nurses applauded[/b][br /]Dozens of nurses were applauded outside Nassau University Medical Center on Wednesday, the county's only public hospital. Officials wanted to recognize the nurses in honor of National Nurses Day.[br /][br /][b]Nassau County leaders call for action to protect nursing home residents[/b][br /]Nursing homes have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 and now officials in Nassau County are [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/leaders-call-for-action-to-protect-nursing-home-residents-from-covid-19/6157350/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]calling for action to protect the elderly and vulnerable[/url].[br /][br /]Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, nearly 5,000 other New York state families have lost a loved one inside a nursing home. It's a mind-blowing figure that Hempstead Village leaders say must not increase.[br /][br /][b]Huntington introduces town-wide diet[/b][br /]A lack of exercise and poor eating habits associated with stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic are plaguing many residents, with some dubbing the weight gain the "quarantine 15." Now, one part of Long Island is taking steps to remedy the situation with [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/huntington-battles-quarantine-15-with-town-wide-diet/6156497/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]a town-wide diet[/url].[br /][br /]Suffolk County Health Committee Chair Legislator Dr. William Spencer and Huntington Clerk Andrew Raia joined Huntington Hospital's Director of Bariatric Surgery Dr. David Buchin Wednesday to unveil the details of the program, aimed to get people healthier so that if they catch the virus, they'll increase their chances of survival.[br /][br /][b]MAY 5, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]LI family learns experimental COVID-19 treatments can vary by hospital[/b][br /]Many families who have critically ill loved ones hospitalized with COVID-19 are willing to try anything to help them recover, including [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/family-learns-experimental-covid-treatments-can-vary-by-hospital/6153536/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]some experimental treatments[/url] we've heard so much about.[br /][br /][b]Boy Scouts unveil 'Coronavirus Merit Badge' for Scouts making PPE[/b][br /]The Boy Scouts on Tuesday [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/boy-scouts-unveil-coronavirus-merit-badge-for-scouts-making-ppe/6152934/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]unveiled a "Coronavirus Merit Badge" for Scouts[/url] making personal protective equipment for frontline workers battling the COVID-19 epidemic.[br /][br /]Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and Councilman Anthony D'Esposito joined with Long Island Boy Scout Troops to unveil the badge, the first-ever in the United States.[br /][br /][b]Nassau County launches antibody testing for frontline workers[/b][br /]Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced a partnership Tuesday with Northwell Health [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/nassau-county-launches-antibody-testing-for-frontline-workers/6153382/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]to provide COVID-19 antibody testing[/url] for all of the county's first responders and essential personnel. The testing will be available by appointment to police officers, police medics, correction officers, deputy sheriffs, fire service and other essential law enforcement and government workers from the county, cities, towns, and villages within Nassau County who directly interact with the public while working.[br /][br /][b]MAY 4, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Small business owners struggle with PPP as money begins to run out[/b][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/business/small-business-owners-struggle-with-ppp-as-money-begins-to-run-out/6150317/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Small business owners across the area have been struggling[/url] with the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), whether it be navigating through the complicated application and getting rejected without reason, to waiting weeks for the money to arrive with no communication from the lender.[br /][br /][b]Fighting littering[/b][br /]Authorities on Long Island introduced new legislation due to a new problem on the rise in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislator Joshua Lafazan wants to prohibit the improper disposal of PPE in Nassau County and wants littering laws to include gloves and masks.[br /][br /]Currently, people are only fined for littering on county property, the legislation would prohibit littering of PPE anywhere in the county.[br /][br /][b]New testing site[/b][br /]A new testing site opened Monday at Westbury Health Center in Nassau County. All tests are provided in outdoor facilities and it's open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment only.[br /][br /][b]Restaurant owners deliver donated meals to healthcare workers overnight[/b][br /]When Long Island's John Murray discovered that overnight healthcare workers were being overlooked, he wanted to [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/restaurant-owners-donate-meals-to-overnight-healthcare-workers/6143314/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]take matters into his own hands[/url] and give back to his community.[br /][br /][b]MAY 3, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Death toll surpasses 3,000[/b][br /]Long Island's death toll has surpassed 3,000, while total cases have topped 73,000.[br /][b]Beach warnings[/b][br /]Town of Hempstead beaches opened Sunday but there were signs around to make sure visitors followed social distancing guidelines.[br /][br /][b]MAY 2, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Long Island couple ties the knot on Zoom[/b][br /]The groom, Richard Henry's two sisters, and Faith Henry's dad, siblings and grandmother all watched [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/family/long-island-couple-ties-the-knot-in-front-of-family---on-zoom/6146129/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]the young couple tie the knot via zoom[/url] on Saturday evening. While most brides and grooms are postponing their wedding until social distancing rules are relaxed, they bumped up the date before Richard deploys next week.[br /][br /][b]MAY 1, 2020[/b][br /][br /][b]Lindenhurst Diner conducts business as usual while adapting to the new normal[/b][br /]Long Islander Peter Glykos, who owns the Lindenhurst Diner, [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/localish/how-diners-on-long-island-are-adapting-during-the-pandemic/6142892/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]closed his doors and made adjustments[/url] even before restaurants were required to close from the coronavirus pandemic.[br /][br /]He wanted to get ahead and make sure that all his staff members were safe. It was important to him that he got ahead of the pandemic so his business can continue to thrive in the community.[br /][br /][b]Supervisors on LI plan coordinated opening for parks, beaches[/b][br /]Supervisors across Suffolk County and Nassau County [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/society/supervisors-across-long-island-come-up-beaches-parks-reopening-plan/6142911/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]announced Friday a joint-planning effort[/url] to reopen some of the areas' beaches and parks as the summer approaches. The supervisors discussed syncing the timing of beach, park and facilities openings in order to ensure the variation between towns doesn't lead to a surge in crowding at one location due to closure at another.[br /][br /]--[br /][br /][br /][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/coronavirus/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""][h3]MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE[/h3][/url][br /][b]abc7NY Phase Tracker: [/b][br /][iframe SRC="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/2591289/embed" HEIGHTSMALL="300" HEIGHTMEDIUM="540" HEIGHTLARGE="720" /][br /][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/feature/health/covid-19-help-information-and-resources/6118594/" TARGET="" REL=""][b]COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates[/b][/url][br /][br /][b]UPDATES [/b][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/new-york/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]New York City[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/new-jersey/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]New Jersey[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/long-island/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Long Island[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/northern-suburbs//" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Westchester and Hudson Valley[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/connecticut/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Connecticut [/url][br /][br /][b]REOPENING INFORMATION[/b][br /][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/whats-open-closed-in-new-york-area-during-covid-19-pandemic/6123699/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]What's Open, What's Closed[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/politics/reopen-ny-the-metrics-and-phases-to-reopening/6185348/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Reopening New York State[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/reopening-new-jersey-what-will-reopen-and-when/6188416/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Reopening New Jersey[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/health/reopening-connecticut-phase-1-underway-in-4-phased-plan/6188462/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Reopening Connecticut[/url][br /][b]RELATED INFORMATION[/b][br /][url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/community-events/click-here-to-share-your-stay-home-stories-viewers-share-their-coping-tips-with-abc7ny/6065819/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Share your coronavirus story with Eyewitness News[/url][br /][url HREF="https://abc7.com/health/coronavirus-stimulus-check-scams-other-covid-19-hoaxes/6055638/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Stimulus check scams and other coronavirus hoaxes[/url][br /][url HREF="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus[/url][br /][br /][url HREF="https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-19-cases-by-zip.pdf" TARGET="_blank" REL="nofollow"]Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address[/url][br /][br /][iframe SRC="https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/85320e2ea5424dfaaa75ae62e5c06e61" HEIGHTSMALL="720" HEIGHTMEDIUM="720" HEIGHTLARGE="720" /]