COVID-19’s impact and moving forward safely

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Though there have been many sacrifices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and its related shutdowns, Long Island leaders are cautiously optimistic that businesses will be able to recover.

However, while Long Island prepares to enter Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan, they want to remind people not to take newly allowed freedoms for granted.

That was the sentiment of a special panel that included Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency; Christine Riordan, president of Adelphi University; Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulan; and Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, who were guests of LIBN|Now on Thursday, June 18.

Riordan said Adelphi took a $9 million hit from the virus in this fiscal year and added that the fall semester will look different than in previous years.

“We want everyone to be safe and comfortable and we know the importance of in-person education,” she said.

Riordan said the coming semester at Adelphi will have both online and in-person options with the majority of staff working remotely. Face masks will be required and those living in residence halls will need to get tested weekly.

Toulon said “the safety of those in our custody is a priority.” He said the county correctional facilities will employ contact tracers, and require temperature checks and masks for staff and inmates will also need to wear masks as well.

“Our long-term goal is to do this until there’s a vaccine,” Toulon said.

Pontieri said it’s challenging to keep everyone safe while crowds of restaurant and bar patrons frequent Patchogue’s downtown.

“We have our public safety people talk to them and they have masks with them,” Pontieri said. “It’s very fluid and difficult to control.”

Kessel said he worries that as more things open up, people don’t become complacent about staying safe.

“People are starting to be lax and that can be very dangerous,” he said. “We can’t relax and think this is just gone now. If people think this is over, they’re kidding themselves.”