Coronavirus Update: Nassau Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public Health'
ELMONT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The number of coronavirus cases on Long Island is growing.
Officials said there are a combined 56 cases between Nassau and Suffolk counties, with hundreds more in mandatory and voluntary quarantine.
But the message remains clear: "We will get through this."
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The situation is being characterized as "an imminent threat to public health" in Nassau, and a state of emergency has been declared in Suffolk.
"We do know that more tests mean more positives, so we have to be ready for that," Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said.
Thursday morning update regarding the coronavirus outbreak in Nassau county
Posted by Laura Curran on Thursday, March 12, 2020
Isolation rooms are ready at county health centers, with special filters that work like reverse air conditioners to protect medical staff and their patients.
"Anything that is air transmitted or droplet transmitted requires this HEPA and negative pressure space," said Dr. Tarika James of Nassau University Medical Center.
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One of the positive cases is an 81-year-old resident of The Bristal assisted living facility in North Hills.
She was diagnosed on Wednesday with COVID-19 and she still remains in the hospital," The Bristal's Steven Krieger said.
The facility followed immediate protocol, cleaning, isolating, and keeping visitors away.
"He told me I'm not allowed in the door, so he jus took the arrangement, and brought it in," flower delivery worker Ralph Van Duzee said.
Concern is growing.
"We've reached out to the Department of Health and Office of Emergency Management for gloves and masks because there was a run on our supply and we've been able to be resupplied by the state," said David Nemiroff of NuHealth Family Health Centers.
Multiple senior citizen centers across Long Island have been shut down, but they are continuing to provide services such as meals, which are being delivered to their homes.
"Containing community spread is the best thing that we can do to protect ourselves," Curran said.
And although isolation for the elderly can be lonely, Curran said to "think twice about going to that family gathering, that grandchild's birthday party."
A rabbi in West Hempstead who works closely with families has tested positive for the disease.
County leaders said the imminent threat and state of emergency declarations will help access greater resources.
Che reminded people to continue practicing social distancing by avoiding large gatherings.