Nassau County officials say they are on day 24 of a consecutive decrease in hospitalizations – one of the seven metrics required to begin phase one of reopening under state guidelines.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran says as of Monday, there are currently 697 residents hospitalized due to COVID-19. On Monday, there were 14 new cases admitted to the hospital, down two from the day before. Patients on ventilators decreased by seven from the day before, to bring the total to 190 residents.

One of the criteria the county still has not met is new hospitalizations. Under the state guidelines, the county must have two hospitalizations per 100,000 residents.

However, officials say they are meeting the requirements for the total number of beds available and the total share of ICU beds available at area hospitals.

Curran stressed an important metric to meet is the additional of more contact tracers. There are currently 50 tracers in the county – Nassau needs more than 400 to meet the state criteria.

Curran says the disease detectives are a crucial part of the department and has helped contain the virus.

When it comes to reopening, Curran urged everyone to understand the importance of reopening safely.

“I caution that we do have to follow the guidelines of the state, their executive order supersedes anything we do on a local level,” says Curran.