Suffolk Coronavirus: 28 New Deaths; Total Rises To 124

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — There have been 28 new deaths caused by the new coronavirus in Suffolk County, Executive Steven Bellone announced in a somber update Saturday afternoon. The county's death toll rose to 124, marking an over-29 percent increase from Friday's update in what Bellone said is an increase "greater than what we've seen" throughout the course of the coronavirus. The age range of new deaths was mid-30s to mid-90s.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases is up to 12,189; an increase of over 1,200 from Friday's report. As the number of cases increase, Bellone asked residents to do what they can to stop the spread.

"The people who have been affected the most: those who have lost loved ones, those who have died," he said. "That is the most important reminder for us why we have to continue to stay home, isolate, follow all the guidance, to do the right things, take personal responsibility and do what is necessary to help contain this virus."

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Here's a breakdown of confirmed COVID-19 cases within Suffolk County:

• Islip: 2,926
• Babylon: 1,940
• Brookhaven: 1,930
• Huntington: 1,774
• Smithtown: 612
• Southold: 203
• Southampton: 186
• Riverhead: 139
• East Hampton: 52
• Shelter Island: 2

Over 26,000 Suffolk residents have been tested, and 1,416 total have been hospitalized; the latter number an increase of 118 patients, according to Bellone. There are 427 patients in the intensive care unit, marking 26 more since Friday.

There are 3,087 beds across the county, and 580 ICU beds — up 19 ICU beds from Friday. There are 631 beds and 72 ICU beds available in Suffolk. Hospital capacity remains a critical issue, Bellone said.

Since Friday, 96 COVID-19 patients were discharged, meaning they had the virus, were sick enough to be hospitalized and then recovered in the hospital.

"That's great news," Bellone said.

Nearly 1.7 million pieces of personal protective equipment has been distributed by the county, and Bellone said donations are needed. He thanked the Long Island Chinese American Association, which donated 20,000 ear loop masks; the county had given out 1.1 million ear loop masks to date.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending people to wear masks outside, but is urging that they're homemade, as N-95 and surgical masks are needed by health care workers, first responders and medics. Bellone acknowledged there are people sewing masks from home, and said donated masks could be used at nursing homes, by emergency medical services workers, the Suffolk County Police Department and othe ressential workers.

"To all of those who have been so incredibly generous and have risen to the challenge here and come together as a community to support the people on the front lines, I appreciate what you're doing," Bellone said.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company with locations in Hauppauge and Brookhaven, produced and donated hydroxychloroquine to New York State, Bellone said.

The American Red Cross' Convalescent Plasma Program was also highlighted by Bellone as a potential way to help save lives. Antibodies would be pulled from patients who tested positive and recovered from COVID-19, and then be injected into a sick patient with the hopes of aiding with their recovery, Bellone said. If you've recovered from the new coronavirus and would be willing to donate plasma, check out the American Red Cross website.

Hunger issues on Long Island have also been exacerbated by the coronavirus. Bellone encouraged donations to be made to Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, a pair of local food banks.

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