STORM WATCH

Morning snow followed by deep cold this week on Long Island

Bellone reflects on Suffolk's COVID-19 response during final day of daily briefings

After 122 days, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone gave his final daily COVID-19 update.

News 12 Staff

Jul 8, 2020, 6:03 PM

Updated 1,626 days ago

Share:

Bellone reflects on Suffolk's COVID-19 response during final day of daily briefings
undefined
 
After 122 days, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone gave his final daily COVID-19 update. 
Briefing Notes:
- "We've made it up the mountain ... we know we still have work to do, but we passed the data-driven hurdles." -- Bellone marks phase four with a feeling of pride for the county, those who have been on the calls over the past few months.
- Bellone says he will still hold calls on an as-needed basis.
- Additional 69 COVID-19 cases - 'a little higher than we have seen.' 1.7% infection rate. Total cases overall reaches 41,799.
- Total antibody positive tests reach 20,104.
- Hospitalizations are down to 50 - a decrease of seven people over last 24-hour period. Number of people on ICU beds drop below 10 to a total of nine.
- Zero deaths in Suffolk over last 24-hour period. 
- Bellone marks phase four reopening across Long Island - which includes the opening of the Long Island Aquarium, Long Island Game Farm, increase in size of gatherings.
- Bellone: Bowling alleys, moving theaters, gyms, caterers need a plan for reopening.
 - County developing plan to start reopening gyms with social distancing, starting with class-based reservations and individual sessions, and accounting for ability to increase capacity.
- Bellone thanks local media for their work, and says he will sign an executive order to make July 8 Local Media Appreciation Day.
PHOTOS: Coronavirus heroes on the front lines
undefined