Coronavirus Stops Meals Inside Town's Senior Center

SOUTHOLD, NY — After Suffolk County's first coronavirus patient was identified as a worker at the Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic, Southold Town officials and others began announcing precautions to protect seniors, one of the most vulnerable groups in the face of the virus.

On Monday, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell announced that "out of an abundance of caution," while no directive has been ordered, the town is suspending its congregate meals program offered weekdays at the town's Human Resource Center in Mattituck.

"Meals for the homebound, however, will continue to be provided," Russell said. "Protocol has been put in place that will protect, to the greatest extent possible, those who rely on this much-needed service."

Those who are over the age of 60 and mobile, but who want to limit their risk of exposure, can call 631-298-4460 for meals that will be served curbside, Russell said. People must call and register prior to receiving the service.

Peconic Landing also announced Monday that it would limit non-essential visitors until further notice, to protect members.

Southold Town officials are taking other steps to protect residents amid news of the county's first coronavirus case. On Monday, Russell said the town government remains fully operational, for the time being.

At Tuesday's town board work session, Russell said he will ask the board to alter the current cancellation policy as it pertains to the town's recreation programs.

"Typically, when someone wishes no longer to participate in a program, they are required to notify the recreation department two weeks prior," Russell said. "I am seeking to waive any deadline; however, we have not canceled any programs."

In addition, Russell said he has directed Southold's Department of Public Works to "take extra measures to clean and disinfect all areas of town facilities, especially area of public access."

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley and he, Russell said, maintain communication and coordination with all involved agencies including the Suffolk County Department of Public Health and the Suffolk County Office of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management, as well as health care providers.

Russell also said, he and Flatley are coordinating a plan of action with local health care providers, schools, Greenport Village and first responders.

The town has coronavirus information currently on its website and will continue share pertinent information with the public as it becomes available, Russell said.