Coronavirus death toll rises to nine in Nassau County

The number of deaths in Nassau County due to coronavirus rose to nine Monday after two Town of Hempstead residents — a man, 51, and a woman, 84 — succumbed to their illnesses.  Both had underlying medical conditions, according to County Executive Laura Curran.

She confirmed that the total cases of coronavirus in Nassau climbed to 2,442, including 552 new cases found in the last 24 hours. 

Curran noted that of the total cases, a number have been "resolved" due to patients overcoming their illnesses. 

Nassau has 52 residents who are hospitalized, with 11 in critical condition, Curran said. 

She also issued a stark warning against price gouging, or selling goods at inflated prices. 

"Price gouging is and remains illegal, and Nassau County will exercise its authority to prosecute any business that engages in price gouging," Curran said. "Especially since a state of emergency has been declared for our state and our county."

So far, 34 violations — each amounting to $5,000 in fines — have been issued to businesses found price gouging.  The cases included selling individual masks, cleaning supplies or daily items at high prices. Residents can send suspected cases to pricegouging@nassaucountyny.gov.

County Fire Marshal Scott Tusa and Assitant Chief Michael Uttaro are also leading an effort to ensure businesses comply with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's order that all non-essential businesses must remain closed. 

In the past few days, Tusa and Uttaro have had to break up large gatherings, including two weddings, and tell businesses that should not have been open to close.

Fines will not be levied against businesses with a first-time violation, but repeat offenders can be fined up to $5,000. 

Curran is sending an emegency resolution to the County Legislature, which was to meet on Monday, that would allow Nassau to legally accept donations of medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, for emergency service responders without having to go through the state. If passed, donation sites will be opened throughout the county.

County officials also echoed the concerns of  SUEZ North America, which oversees the county's sewage system. "Flushable wipes," which are marketed similarly to toilet paper, "do not disintegrate in water or our sewage system," Curran said. A recent uptick in these wipes being flushed has caused clogs, so residents are urged to dispose of them in the trash. 

The county launched an app to send Nassau residents offical coronavirus-related alerts. To access it, text COVID19NC to 888777. 

The New York State Department of Health hotline — (888) 364-3065 — is the only way to get an appointment for testing at the Jones Beach testing site for Nassau residents. It is open 24 hours, seven days a week.