Mineola, NY - I have been looking forward to addressing the issues important to the residents of Nassau County in my 3rd annual State of the County address.
However, given current developments related to the spread of COVID-19, right now my first priority is working to ensure the health and safety of every resident of Nassau County. Moments like these require full engagement from our elected leaders. That’s why I’m postponing my annual State of the County Address initially scheduled for 7:00PM Wednesday, March 11th at Elmont Memorial High School.
I have consulted with our legislative leaders, Rich Nicolello and Kevan Abrahams, and they concur. I am marshalling all County resources to ensure testing, tracking and reporting on coronavirus cases. These are the key factors in combatting community spread.
I’m asking all residents to stay informed and not let fear and anxiety overtake the facts. Continue to take the necessary precautions based on expert guidance, but otherwise you can and should continue living your everyday life. Nassau is ready with battle-tested protocols in place and boots on the ground. We’re in constant contact with our state and federal partners to assess and respond to the situation, and we will continue to provide updates to the public as soon as we get them.
I want to thank our Department of Health staff, whose professionalism in responding to this emerging outbreak has demonstrated why our Health Department is the highest ranked in the State.
The safety of our residents will always come first. Our response will continue to be proactive and comprehensive. However, I want to reassure our residents: there is no need for fear but take necessary precautions.
Wash your hands regularly.
Use gel hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face.
Stay home if you are feeling ill.
Do not go around the elderly if you are feeling ill.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
Nassau County is ready, resilient, and together we will get through this.