Coronavirus: Nassau County Closes All Schools For 2 Weeks

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — All public and private K-12 schools in Nassau County have been ordered to close for two weeks amid dozens of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus.

Laura Curran, the county executive, announced the extraordinary measure Sunday morning. The number of confirmed cases in the county reached 90, with 18 hospitalized, two of whom were in critical condition, she said. There were 314 people under mandatory quarantine.

Curran said they looked at the coronavirus case projections and felt they'd reached the appropriate level to close all schools. She said state officials are trying to come up with a plan for health care workers who have kids in school. While school buildings will be closed for instruction, teachers will be able to use the buildings for remote teaching and to hand out lunches, Curran said.

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Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, the county health commissioner said it was "clear" that community spread is happening, leading to the school closures.

If public places remain open, children will gather, he said.

"It's about social distancing," Eisenstein said, adding that the plan is to isolate people. "That means staying home."

While Eisenstein acknowledged children can still visit parks and beaches, he strongly suggested avoiding parties and bars, as well as bar mitzvahs and sweet 16 celebrations.

"That is not a great idea," Eisenstein said.

He later added: "We don't want to see a celebration lead to a funeral."

Curran said there is no plan yet to order bars and restaurants to close. Eisenstein called it a "tight balance," noting that it's key for sick people to remain isolated and for people in public places to keep a safe distance away from others.

"If you are not well, do not go out," Eisenstein said.

The school closures come after New York saw its first two confirmed coronavirus-related deaths. An 82-year-old woman who had emphysema died Friday night at a hospital in Brooklyn, 10 days after she was first admitted. A 64-year-old Suffern man who had significant other health problems died Thursday.

Concerns over coronavirus — which has infected more than 156,000 people worldwide as of Sunday morning and caused about 5,800 deaths — have had far-reaching effects. In a series of drastic moves, the NBA, NHL and MLS suspended their seasons and the NCAA canceled March Madness tournaments. The PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship after the first round. The virus also prompted President Donald Trump to restrict travel from Europe.

Cuomo banned gatherings of 500 or more people, shutting down Broadway. Events, gatherings or businesses with fewer than 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent. Exceptions will be made for spaces where individuals do not make sustained close contact, such as schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores and retail stores. Cuomo also banned all visitors to nursing homes and senior care facilities.

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