Coronavirus Causes Closures In Town Of Smithtown

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown and Smithtown Central School District enacted a number of closures, adjournments and scheduling changes "out of an abundance of caution" to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus throughout its communities, Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim's Office announced. The response comes following the state of emergency declared by Suffolk County Thursday.

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Smithtown Senior Center

To protect the health and safety of those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, the Town of Smithtown will be closing the Senior Center for two weeks starting Monday, March 16 through March 30.

"We understand this inconvenience and are taking every measure to ensure your quality of life remains optimal during this current health crisis," the Town said.

For residents who come to the Senior Center for lunch, the Town can make arrangements to deliver those meals while the building is closed. The Meals on Wheels program will still deliver to home-bound seniors.

Smithtown Central School District

Schools will be closed to the public starting Monday through Sunday, March 22. All activities and building use is canceled for the week. The school district will continue to monitor the public health situation and reevaluate whether or not to extend the closure towards the end of the week. For a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Smithtown Central School District website.

"The next week away from school should not be viewed as a typical vacation," Town officials said. "Families should consider restricting travel and avoiding large gatherings."

Limit Community Spread

The Town Board meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. March 19 was moved to 2 p.m. in the Victor T. Liss Board Room. The public portion of the Town Board meeting was suspended by the Town of Smithtown as a way to protect residents' health. Residents wishing to be heard on the record, should email: townclerk@smithtownny.gov before the meeting. All written public comments will be added to the record.

The Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Board will be making adjustments to limit the number of people in the room at the same time. The Town will update the public on those scheduling adjustments in real time.

Residents wishing to watch Town Board, Planning and Board of Zoning meetings can do so via live stream by logging into www.SmithtownNY.gov

As of Friday afternoon, there are two confirmed coronavirus cases in the Town of Smithtown. Suffolk County Health experts said each confirmed COVID-19 case had been contracted through community spread. Many parades, events and races have been postponed already.

"If you are planning on holding a large event, you may wish to consider rescheduling it to a later date, to help protect the safety of our residents," the Town said.

For up-to-the-minute announcements on cancellations, you can download the Town of Smithtown Mobile App.

The Town asks that residents planning on coming to Town Hall or other official town buildings for permits, services or assistance, to call ahead or attempt to speak with department staff over the phone instead. Many Smithtown functions can be found or completed online at www.SmithtownNY.gov as opposed to in person.

For those having a medical emergency, call 911. For those who believe they were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, call your doctor immediately and be vigilant in limiting your exposure to others, the Town said. It is vital for all residents to continue washing and sanitizing hands frequently.

"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," the Supervisor's Office said. "Thank you for your continued patience as we attempt to limit any further risk for community spread of the coronavirus."

Here's the latest on coronavirus updates in the United States for the weekend of March 13.