🌱 Crowded ERs + Hewlett Schools Keep Mask Mandate + CityMD Open

Good morning, Five Towns! It's Tuesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Very cold; breezy in the a.m. High: 20 Low: 15.

Here are the top three stories today in Five Towns:

1. Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital reports that the ER is seeing high numbers of patients coming in for evaluation for omicron symptoms. Many come in looking for tests, hospital officials say, and staffing shortages due to quarantining are leading to long wait times in the ER. (Patch)
2. CityMD in Mineola reopened Monday for the first time in more than a week after staffing issues forced the location to close. Three other Long Island CityMD locations in Bay Shore, Merrick, and Patchogue closed for the same reason. (News 12)
3. Hewlett-Woodmere School District Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino sent an email explaining that the district will continue to adhere to the state mask mandate until its current expiration date of Jan. 15. Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman has lifted the mask mandate for all county agencies and is requiring districts to vote on mask mandates in schools. (LI Herald)

Today in Five Towns:

• Superintendent's Roundtable, Center for Adult Life Enrichment, Hewlett High School.
• Hewlett Elementary School Grade 5 Glow/Paint Night, Hewlett-Woodmere School District, 6:30 p.m.

From my notebook:

• Nassau County has opened 24/7 warming centers that will be open day and night in Hicksville, Uniondale and the Wantagh Administration Building, 1 King Road, Wantagh. (Patch)
• The Q-Zar entertainment complex in Carle Place has reopened with new video games, a digital axe-throwing area and a bar, after being closed for two years. (Subscription: Newsday)
• One person was hospitalized after a three-car crash in Levittown Monday morning. It happened at 9:30 a.m. near the intersection of Wantagh Avenue and Red Maple Drive. (Patch)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Jackie