Bellone On People 'Flouting' Coronavirus Protocols: 'It Was Dumb'

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — After a holiday weekend that saw individuals "flouting" social distancing guidelines in both Montauk and on Fire Island, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the behavior was "just dumb."

As Long Island looks to move into Phase 4 on Wednesday, a "huge milestone for us," and one reflective of the tremendous progress Suffolk County has made over the last several months, Bellone said it was important not to forget the impact of coronavirus.

"We've been through hell here," he said. "We don't want to go back there. We've seen nearly 2,000 die from COVID, the incredible emotional turmoil for families and loved ones. Businesses are still struggling to survive; the economy has been devastated. People have made incredible sacrifices."

The current numbers, Bellone added, "are a sea change."

On Monday, Bellone said, the infection rate was 1.1 percent; an additional 43 individuals tested positive for coronavirus out of 3,812. The total number of positive coronavirus cases in Suffolk County stands at 41,685, with 19,978 testing positive for antibodies.

Hospitalizations were down by 31, for a total of 63; the number of patients in ICU dropped by three, to 16.

Hospital capacity stands at 3,044, with 1,093 beds available countywide, or 64 percent capacity; of 473 ICU beds, 210 are available, or 56 percent capacity.

Over the past 24 hours, 13 patients were discharged from the hospital, and one patient lost their life.

On Sunday, Bellone said that Suffolk County had seen five out of seven days with zero deaths reported; at the height of the coronavirus crisis, 64 deaths were reported in a single day.

"These numbers are great, relative to where we have been — that's why we are on the verge of Phase 4," Bellone said.

And that is exactly why, Bellone added, there is a need to follow the guidance. Speaking of a crackdown in Montauk during inspections for COVID-19 safety regulation compliance that saw three business owners charged over the July 4 weekend, as well as warnings issued on Fire Island, Bellone said the behavior of those who are "flouting the health guidance" and refusing to social distance or wear face coverings "is just not acceptable."

Speaking of photos he had seen on Fire Island beaches, Bellone said: "It appeared as if people were going out of their way intentionally to violate guidance, when there was so much area where they could have social distanced. It comes down to common sense...We're just at the beginning of recovery — and we have to protect that."

Of those violating social distancing protocols, Bellone said: "It was dumb and it's unacceptable. It's a slap in the face to all the people who have sacrificed and worked so hard to get us to this point."

The Suffolk County police marine bureau headed to Fire Island where they saw compliance — at first, Bellone said, adding that as soon as police left, those individuals "went back to ignoring health guidelines."

Those who refuse to wear a mask and keep six feet apart can face summonses and misdemeanor charges, officials said.

Bellone said the plan is to enhance police patrol and establish a presence at spots, including fixed posts, where compliance has been an issue, with summonses issued. In addition, Bellone said, coordination will be enhanced with law enforcement partners on Fire Islands and other areas.

"Fire Island is an amazing place and most of the people were there with families, looking to be safe and enjoy summer," Bellone said. "We want everyone to enjoy summer, but what we saw out there? Unacceptable," he said.

The only way to get the economy fully open, as well as schools, come fall, is to adhere to social distancing and the face covering mandate, Bellone said.

Of those who refuse to comply, he said: "It just doesn't make sense. We will undo all the progress we have made." The county, he said, will take additional action and make sure to send a strong message: "Making it as loud and clear as possible that this is not acceptable and if there are continued violations, there will be consequences," Bellone said.