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Covid-19: Suffolk Holds Emergency Preparedness Drill

After the first positive case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed on Long Island, officials are working to ensure they are prepared in case the virus continues to rapidly spread.

Suffolk County officials held an emergency preparedness drill.

Suffolk County officials held an emergency preparedness drill.

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
Suffolk County officials held an emergency preparedness drill.

Suffolk County officials held an emergency preparedness drill.

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
Suffolk County officials held an emergency preparedness drill.

Suffolk County officials held an emergency preparedness drill.

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone

On Thursday, March 5, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that a 42-year-old Nassau County man had tested positive for COVID-19, the first diagnosis on Long Island.

Health officials said that 83 people were being monitored for possible coronavirus exposure on Long Island, with six people testing negative. Twenty-six cases are being monitored in Suffolk and 62 are under surveillance in Nassau.

Howard Zucker, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health noted that in the case on Long Island, the patient is not at Stony Brook University Hospital, nor is he in the ICU, though he is subject to quarantine.

On Thursday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said he brought together all departments to conduct a tabletop exercise regarding coronavirus. During the emergency preparedness drill, officials assessed and evaluated multiple potential scenarios regarding the virus and its spread.

“The training event allowed us to asses and evaluate preparedness, run through possible scenarios, and ensure each department is familiar with procedures and protocols so that we can guarantee our response is as efficient and effective as possible,” he said. “As this situation continues to evolve, Suffolk residents should know that County Government is doing everything possible to confront and contain it.”

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