Nassau Coronavirus: 792 Deaths, More Than 22K Cases Countywide

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — As the grim death toll across Nassau continued to climb, spiking by 69 in 24 hours to a total of 792 lives lost to the new coronavirus, County Executive Laura Curran said Saturday that she supported Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "regional, methodical" approach to re-opening schools.

Curran reported that as of Saturday, there were a total of 22,584 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus, an increase of 1,072 from Friday. But, she pointed out, a "significant number" of those cases have already resolved; the number tracks total COVID-19 patients from the beginning of the outbreak.

A total of 2,430 patients are currently hospitalized due to coronavirus-related issues, an increase of five, she said. But on the upside, there were 275 patients discharged in 24 hours, she added. "Again, for the sixth day, we are seeing significantly more discharges of COVID patients than new patients coming in," Curran said.

Altogether, there are 481 patients on ventilators, an increase of four. In the police department, 138 have been confirmed positive countywide. In quarantine, there are 161 — and 170 police department members that have been cleared. In the sheriff's department, Curran said, 55 have tested positive, 77 are in quarantine, and 47 have been cleared. A total of 19 inmates have tested positive, with five pending and awaiting test results, with 16 cleared, Curran said. Two additional fire marshals have tested positive, for a total of three, with four cleared, she said.

Reopening schools a "hot topic"

On the "hot topic" of the day, Curran said the question is one echoed by residents who are wondering when schools will reopen again — when the economy will be moving again. "Guess what? Schools are part of getting the economy moving again," she said. "But this has to be done in a regional manner, a methodical manner; it has to be based on the data."

Nassau County, she said, is an important part of a "robust regional area" and regional economy, part of the tri-state metropolitan region. "We are not an island unto ourselves," Curran said.

With the hashtag right now #inthistogether, Curran said 400 years ago, the poet John Dunne would have said residents are all "part of the main."

To that end, she said, the reopening of schools has to be done in a regional manner. "I support 100 percent the governor's approach," which Cuomo said includes reopening schools across the metropolitan area, and hopefully across the state and with New Jersey and Connecticut, simultaneously.

"It has to be done that way so we don't see a spike in new cases," Curran said. "Because we know with new cases comes more hospitalizations, more death."

Not alone

For those struggling with addiction issues, domestic violence or who are feeling alone, Curran said help is available by calling 516-227-TALK.

Donations, local heroes "bright spots"

Curran thanked the number of businesses who have made donations to help.

Last week, she said, the call was put out to residents to shout out local heroes. "There has been a tremendous response. We are all looking for bright spots. This shows that we are in this together," she said.

Whether it's the deli worker, the bagel shop owner, a caring neighbor or a library staff making masks with 3D printers, Curran said: "Keep them coming. Let us know the good things that are happening."

To shout out a local hero use the hashtag #nassauhero or email heroes@nassaucountyny.gov