SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — All public and private K-12 schools in Suffolk County have been ordered to close for two weeks amid dozens of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. Steve Bellone, the county executive, announced the extraordinary measure Sunday after a similar announcement in Nassau County.

The decision was based on the recommendation of the county health commissioner and in consultation with the superintendent's association, Bellone said. The local emergency order to close schools takes effect Monday. "As we prepared over the last several days for the potential closure announcement, we had discussions with state officials and the Suffolk County School Superintendent's Association about critical issues involving meal programs for kids and childcare," he said.

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments on Long Island, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter. "There is evidence that the virus is already present in many communities we serve, and our efforts now must be aimed at preventing its spread," Bellone said. "As part of our larger social distancing efforts, we believe that closing schools is the right thing to do at this time."



As of the last report, Suffolk County had 41 confirmed cases, with 18 in Southold Town, county officials said. While kids are home from school parents are encouraged to continue to follow Suffolk County Department of Health guidance and practice social distancing, as well as washing hands frequently to help contain the spread of the virus. If anyone in the family is symptomatic, residents are asked to stay home and quarantine themselves on a precautionary basis.

"While schools are closed for instruction, administrators and teachers will still have access to school buildings for local district planning, distance-based education purposes, temporary grab-and-go meal programs and childcare issues," Bellone said.

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming advocated for the closure of all schools in New York State, sending a letter in support of the measure to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.