Suffolk Coronavirus: Graduation Ceremonies May Happen In Summer

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — All may not be lost for high school seniors who thought their chance to graduate in front of family and friends was derailed by the coronavirus.

On Friday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said that while only virtual or drive-by graduation ceremonies are currently allowed, state officials have agreed to "revisit" the issue in July, when the county is expected to be entering phase 4 of reopening the economy.

Bellone said he has worked with the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association to come up with a plan that would allow in-person graduation ceremonies; the plan will be sent to the state for review.

Of the potentially lost graduation ceremonies, Bellone said: "People feel a real sense of loss." Watching a child cross the stage to receive a high school diploma is something parents and students look forward to for years; it's one of the highlights of a person's life, he said.

"Every family in the county wants to see their kids graduate from high school but COVID-19 has turned everything upside down," he said, adding he believed graduations could be done with adherence to social distancing and safety protocols.

Bellone, who has a daughter in sixth grade, said she was upset to to be able to move up with her friends. "She said, 'I wish I had known that was going to be my last recess with my friends,'" he said. "It really hits you. And I can't imagine what parents of high school graduates are thinking and feeling now."

While public health issues remain paramount, Bellone said he and the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association have worked closely on a template with protocols and limited attendance that he believes could give students the chance to experience "a moment that is a highlight over the course of their lives, if we can do it, and do it safely. And I believe we can."

Long Island Ducks could be coming soon

During challenging times, it's important to give people something to look forward to, Bellone said. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has spoken at great length about sports coming back and how "that would be a real shot in the arm."

Bellone agreed and said he has been in talks with the Long Island Ducks, the Atlantic League Champions, to play this summer. He has been in communication with Frank Boulton, owner of the team, about a safety plan for reopening. The Long Island Ducks have "come up with a safety plan that's incredibly thorough, with significant protocols. We think it's a great plan," Bellone said.

The plan, which will be submitted to New York State for consideration, would limit capacity at the Long Island Duck stadium in Central Islip to 25 percent, with social distancing protocols.

While at the ballpark, Bellone said visitors would follow the same guidelines as they do at county beaches — when they are with their groups and are social distancing, they would not need to wear face coverings. Face coverings must be worn, though, in public spaces such as the rest room or concession areas, he said.

Protocols are also in place for sanitization and other issues.

Getting the team out onto the field, Bellone said, "would be great for the community. Something for people to look forward to. We're hopeful this can happen."

Number of reported daily deaths down

As of Friday, the number of reported positive coronavirus countywide stands at 40,239, an increase of 86. A total of 15,080 antibody tests has also been reported. Hospitalizations are down to 213, with a decrease of 12 as of the June 3 numbers, Bellone said. The number of patients in ICU declined by two during that same time period, for a total of 54 countywide, Bellone said.

Hospital capacity stands at 3,040 beds, with 1,008 available, or 67 percent; there are a total of 575 ICU beds countywide, with 242 available, or 58 percent, he said.

Over the past 24 hours, 24 patients went home to their families.

And the number of daily deaths reported has reached a new low —with one reported Thursday and two on Friday, for a total of 1,918.

Supplies for small businesses

With small businesses expected to open in Phase 2 on June 8, help is available for business owners who need personal protective equipment. Those interested can click here to receive two reusable face coverings and a gallon jug of state-made hand sanitizer.