Bellone Under Mandatory Quarantine; Police Officer Tests Positive

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is under mandatory quarantine at home after two high-ranking members of the county's senior leadership team were confirmed to have the new coronavirus.

Bellone had been self-isolating at home since last Saturday night when Suffolk County Deputy County Executive Peter Scully was confirmed positive for coronavirus; he is in mandatory isolation at home. He didn't have classic symptoms like as coughing but did have chills and a sore throat, Bellone said.

"Many of his symptoms have subsided," Bellone said, adding Scully has continued to work remotely like the rest of the county team.

Those who were in close contact, meaning they were within 6 feet of Scully for more than 10 minutes, were also under mandatory quarantine and tested. That included Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Piggott, Bellone said. Piggott said he was feeling well and is only under quarantine because of his contact with Scully.

After the test results came back, Bellone said Chief Deputy County Executive Dennis Cohen has also tested positive. "The Department of Health notified me that I am under mandatory quarantine," Bellone said, as are other member of his senior leadership team.

The confirmed cases highlight the need for the public to listen to the Department's of Heath guidance, including practicing social distancing and not congregating in groups, Bellone said. Playgrounds across Suffolk County were closed Thursday, he said.

"That's how, ultimately, we are going to get our arms around this crisis and get through this with as few deaths as possible," Bellone said. "Our highest priority is to reduce the impact of the virus to the greatest extent possible."

Officer with coronavirus

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart also confirmed that the first Suffolk County Police officer tested positive for coronavirus; the officer, who works in the highway department, is expected to recover, she said.

Out of an abundance of caution, Bellone, who is asymptomatic, has been working from his home office and coordinating the county's response all week.

Suffolk County offices, which closed Saturday night after Scully's positive confirmation, are being cleaned and all who have been in close contact with Scully were identified.

"The guidance we put out is important to follow, including the top levels of government," Bellone said. "Leadership by example is important."