East Hampton Offers Coronavirus Guidelines To Residents

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton officials issued coronavirus containment measures to residents on Thursday.

Following a meeting convened by East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc to enact a coordinated response, East Hampton elected officials, emergency responders, and school administrators issued guidelines to community members in order "to limit the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 during this critical period of time," a release said.

East Hampton officials said they were "urging all community members to do their part to help contain the spread of the virus and its impact on our citizens, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, who are most vulnerable."

To that end, recommendations were outlined:

• Practice “social distancing”: Avoid unnecessary gatherings. Utilize teleconferencing or other means of communication instead.
• Curtail unnecessary errands and activities.
• If you feel sick, stay at home.
• If you have traveled to one of the countries with widespread coronavirus, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control (Italy, China, Iran, and South Korea), or had contact with a person who has, or if you have had contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, self-quarantine or mandatory quarantine may be necessary. Please consult with a health-care provider (call first before visiting a hospital or doctor’s office), and follow Suffolk County Health Department guidelines.
• Follow disease prevention guidelines: Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Refrain from touching your face. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently, including door handles, light switches, desks, sinks, etc. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and immediately throw it into the trash, or cough into your elbow if necessary. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation, in concert with county, state, and federal officials and will update the public as needed as to actions and recommendations as the situation evolves," the release said. "At present, we strongly encourage all to practice social distancing, and reconsidering holding public events or large gatherings."