Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced Wednesday that 25 residents have died in the last 48 hours, bringing the county total to 69 deaths.

He said the 25 people ranged in age from mid-50s to mid-90s. To put the numbers into perspective, the county executive took it back to Suffolk’s first case on March 8. The county’s first death was on March 16.

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"We are going to get through this, but it's going to get worse before it gets better," said Bellone.

He says there are over 7,600 positive cases in Suffolk County, with 20,000 tested. There are 897 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, an increase of 189. There are 242 ICU patients.

Bellone urged residents to follow guidelines and stay at home.

"You have the power, we all have the power to do something in this situation to make it get better quicker," he said.

The county executive said a safety messaging campaign will ramp up efforts to reach immigrant communities by utilizing police vehicles with signs on them. He says officers will also be going into retail stores to reiterate Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s guidance on social distancing.

Bellone wrapped up his update Wednesday by stressing the importance of the Census, now more than ever. He says participation is pivotal in getting the resources the county needs during this crisis.