Rockland Coronavirus Update: Citations For Violations

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County has issued several citations for violation of the orders against gatherings during the new coronavirus pandemic. One in three Rockland residents who has had a diagnostic test for the new coronavirus has tested positive, according to state health statistics.

On Friday, inspectors observed more than 100 people present at the Viznitz Cemetery, on Route 306 in New Hempstead, with additional vehicles arriving during the time of inspection. Most of those present were not wearing masks/face coverings and were not maintaining social distance.

Violations were issued to the owner of the property, Congregation K'hal Torath Chaim Inc., under Article 1.17.1 of the Rockland County Sanitary Code and under the Commissioner of Health's Standing Order Prohibiting Gatherings of More than 10 Individuals.

Also on Friday, inspectors observed 32 people, including a bride in a wedding gown, groom, bridesmaids in similar gowns and all others dressed in formal wear in the rear of 12 Mark Drive in Wesley Hills.

Violations were issued to the occupant of the property, Julie Lichtschein, under Article 1.17.1 of the Rockland County Sanitary Code and under the Commissioner of Health's Standing Order Prohibiting Gatherings of More than 10 Individuals.

On Tuesday, inspectors from the Rockland County Department of Health observed at 1 Stetner St. about 7 people out front and 12 people in the back not adhering to social distancing with some adults not wearing face masks.

Violations were issued to the owner of the property, One Stetner Trust, under Article 1.17.1 of the Rockland County Sanitary Code and under the Commissioner of Health's Standing Order Prohibiting Gatherings of More than 10 Individuals.

The Standing Order can be seen here. The Rockland County Sanitary Code Section 1.17.1 states, "The Commissioner shall order the suppression and removal of all nuisances and conditions detrimental to life and health found to exist within the health district."

In addition, the Environmental Health section of the Department of Health has taken enforcement actions at these businesses:

1. Continental Glatt Kosher, 3/17/20 - wedding in progress. Posted closed
2. Atrium Plaza, 3/18/20 – wedding in progress. Posted closed
3. Paraiso Latino Restaurant, S.V., 3/23/20 – Buffet open to public. Taken out of service.
4. Fancy Buffet, S.V. , 3/23/20 – Buffet open to public. Taken out of service.
5. Polleria El Asador, S.V., 4/8/20 – Public sitting & eating. One person observed sitting & eating, violation corrected.

One in three Rockland residents who has had a diagnostic test for the new coronavirus since the outbreak began has tested positive, according to state health statistics. As of Sunday, of the 28,837 people in Rockland tested since the outbreak began, 11,366 have tested positive, a 34.5 percent rate.

The county health department reports that 481 Rockland residents are confirmed to have died of COVID-19.

West Haverstraw is the community with the highest rate of confirmed cases currently, according to the county's COVID-19 webpage.