Northport Village Creates Coronavirus Task Force

NORTHPORT, NY — Northport Village Mayor Damon McMullen updated residents Sunday on the new coronavirus, including the announcement of a task force, exposure status, protecting first responders, ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and more.

"The health and safety of our residents, employees, and first responders is and will always remain our top priority," McMullen said in a news release.

Trustee Mercy Smith was appointed to lead the Village's emergency management task force. Donald Tesoriero, assistant to the mayor, will aid her.

"Their leadership will ensure seamless interaction and communication with Federal, State, County, Town officials and departments," McMullen said.

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The Village's COVID-19 Emergency Management Task Force includes elected officials, police and fire department members, and Village Administrative Leadership.

The task force is conducting daily planning and preparation meetings to gather information, and assess resources and essential services. It's implementing new guidance and policy from the Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, the Department of Homeland Security, and New York State, County, and Town agencies about the coronavirus as it comes in. In addition, the task force is in daily communication with the school district and community organizations.

"We are prepared to respond appropriately given the needs of the community," McMullen said.

As of late Monday morning, there are 63 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 100 people under mandatory quarantine in Suffolk County, according to officials. None of the coronavirus cases are in Northport Village as of Sunday morning. But as medical labs become fully automated within the next few days, McMullen said he's expecting the number of confirmed cases to rapidly increase.

The Village is aware of the potential exposure that resulted in the voluntary closure of the First Presbyterian Church of Northport, McMullen said. The Village has not received a positive test confirmation for COVID-19, and officials believe those impacted are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for self and mandatory quarantine.

In order to protect first responders, the Village asks residents to follow these precautions. For those who are quarantined (mandatory or self-imposed) in your home, officials ask that you fully inform the 911 operator of your situation. The Village also asks those in quarantine to place a sign/note on the front door to alert first responders to take infection-prevention precautions before entering the home or business.

The Village election is still scheduled for 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Registered voters may download, print, and complete an application to secure an absentee ballot at the Northport Village website. A registered voter and/or their designee must submit an original, completed, and signed application to Village Hall, at 224 Main St., to secure an absentee ballot. Completed absentee ballots will be accepted until the polls close on Wednesday. For questions, you can contact the Village Clerk's Office at 631-261-7502.

The Village Board meeting scheduled for Thursday will still happen, but with no public participation. There will be no commissioner reports or new business.

The Village also shared coronavirus preventative measures.

"While the spread of this virus has been reported every day, we should keep in mind that, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: 80 percent of those infected "spontaneously recover" without any medical intervention," McMullen said. "But about 15-20 percent – those who are elderly and in risk groups – are more susceptible and may need more supportive care if infected, so there is a greater risk for those people, which means we all must take precautions."

The spread may still happen even while people aren't showing symptoms, McMullen said. If you or a family member were exposed to the coronavirus, call your doctor, McMullen said. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include mild to severe fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For those who have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19, McMullen said. If possible, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive.

These are everyday precautions people can take:

• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places.
• Put distance between yourself and other people to reduce your risk of being exposed to virus.
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

McMullen encouraged those planning to visit Village Hall for permits, services or assistance to call ahead or try speaking with department staff over the phone. Many Village functions can be completed on the website.

"While we understand that residents may be temporarily inconvenienced by these changes, our top priority is ensuring that each member of this community remains safe and healthy during this time," McMullen said.