Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke's column on Covid-19

I first would like to take this opportunity to thank all our dedicated Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and our DPW workers.  These are the men and women who have been out there, on the front lines for the past two months.  Their hard work and dedication to our community has been crucial in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Glen Cove. 

I recently met with Glen Cove Hospital’s Executive Director, Kerri Scanlon and the Hospital's Medical Director, Dr. Brad Sherman. They want the community to know that the hospital is well prepared, not only for COVID positive patients, but to treat any other medical issues. The Emergency Room is open, and rooms are separated out for non-COVID patients. Unlike many other hospitals we have heard about, they are well stocked with PPE and are prepared for any emergency. 

I believe that the best way to say thank you to our first responders, healthcare staff and essential workers is to continue following the guidelines we have been given over the past two months.  By wearing masks, washing our hands frequently, and continuing to social distance, we can truly show them how grateful we are. 

We are planning to re-open City Hall in the near future.  However, we will first be implementing protective measures to protect both the public and City Employees.  Some of  our plans include:  Permitting access to City Hall from the rear of the building only - the public will be required to make an appointment before coming to City Hall and there will be a check-in area before entering the building - temperature checks when entering building - and everyone must wear a mask. 

As we work to re-open our City, we will abide by the guidelines and directives provided by the Governor’s Office.  New York State has been divided into 10 Regions.  We are in the “Long Island Region”. The state will monitor core factors to determine if a region can re-open based on the following criteria. These criteria are designed to allow phased re-openings to begin:

• The infection rate is sufficiently low;
• The health care system has the capacity to absorb a potential resurgence in new cases;
• Diagnostic testing capacity is sufficiently high to detect and isolate new cases;
• Robust contact-tracing capacity is in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.

We all want things to get back to normal, and they will.  However, we must work together to do it in a responsible way that puts health and safety first.  I know this is a stressful time for everyone.  Like you, I worry about my own family and friends in addition to our City employees, our residents and the businesses that are suffering through the unprecedented economic strain resulting from this pandemic.

I urge you all to remain vigilant but try and enjoy the beautiful areas of our City that are open for your enjoyment.  Take a walk through Morgan Park, Welwyn or Garvies Pt. Preserve.  The Golf Course, tennis courts and pickleball courts are open if you would like to get a little exercise.  Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. I know that we're going to get through this, together.