Coronavirus: Town Of Smithtown Takes 'Social Distancing' Actions

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown has taken additional measures in its bid to protect people from the spread of the new coronavirus. "Social distancing" is being encouraged by the Town to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

School closures, meeting cancellations and information on conducting business safely was listed by the Town.

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Smithtown Senior Center

The Town of Smithtown will be closing the Senior Center for two weeks starting Monday through March 30 as a way of protecting the health and safety of those most vulnerable to COVID-19. Residents who come to the Senior Center for lunch and need these meals can make arrangements for meal delivery while the building is closed. The Meals on Wheels program will continue to operate to home-bound seniors. To arrange for meals to be delivered, contact the Senior Center at 631-360-7616.

School Districts

All four Town of Smithtown school districts will be closed for two weeks, from March 16 through March 27, due to the executive order by Suffolk County. Parents should check each school district's website for information on online classes, spring recess and changes to the calendar.

• Commack School District
• Hauppauge School District
• Kings Park School District
• Smithtown School District

The next weeks away from school should not be viewed as a typical vacation, the district said. Families should consider restricting travel and avoiding large gatherings.

Town Meetings

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 meeting on March 24 and the Planning Board meeting on March 18 were both postponed until sometime in April.

The Planning Department is still open. However, it will be closed to the public during this time. A drop box has been placed inside the vestibule where residents can safely submit plans and applications. If you need the Planning Department, call ahead to 631-360-7540, fax 631-360-7546 or email your questions to planning@SmithtownNY.gov.

If you need to reach the Building Department, call 631-360-7520, fax 631-360-7639 or email buildingmail@smithtownny.gov.

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.

Groceries and Supplies

The Town asked residents to not hoard groceries or supplies.

"Long lines at the grocery store or wholesale supply chains will only increase the risk of exposure to you and your family. Additionally, please remember there are many families who are in need of meals and supplies year round. Many of the local food banks, Long Island Cares and Island Harvest are out there on the front lines, ensuring no one is left hungry during this period of social distancing."

To Donate

• LI Cares
• Island Harvest
• Smithtown Food Pantry

There are three confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Town of Smithtown as of Monday morning, officials said. Suffolk County Health experts said each confirmed coronavirus case was 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, download the Town of Smithtown Mobile App.

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.

There are two coronavirus-related deaths in Suffolk County and 74 confirmed cases, according to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. The two who died are a man in his 80s, one of the first diagnosed cases who was in isolation at St. Catherine's Hospital; he had an underlying health condition, Bellone said. The second is a man in his 90s who was in isolation at Huntington Hospital Bellone added.

Here's the latest on coronavirus updates in the United States as of Monday.