Dear Mayors and Commissioners,
In the interest of preventing the spread of coronavirus, the Town of North Hempstead is taking important precautionary steps. I have declared a state of emergency for the Town effective immediately, in conjunction with Nassau County and the Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay. The state of emergency will allow North Hempstead to implement public safety measures, purchase essential items and services quickly, suspend parking regulations, and respond to emergency needs.
Additionally, the Town Board meetings originally scheduled for March 19 and April 2 are being cancelled. The public hearings and agenda resolutions that were intended to be held at those meetings will be moved to an upcoming meeting at a later date. The Town will hold a special meeting of the Town Board on Monday, March 30 at 10 a.m. with a public hearing extending the building moratorium in the Waterfront Business District. The health and safety of everyone in our town is of paramount importance. We care deeply about our residents and want to make sure we are taking every precaution possible.
Please also be aware that Governor Cuomo has introduced new mass gatherings regulations requiring events with 500 or more individuals in attendance be cancelled or postponed. Any event, assembly, or place of business with less than 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent, with exceptions being made for schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores, and retail stores. These new regulations will go into effect today, Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. I would also like to urge you to thoroughly document all expenses your municipality incurs related to this emergency as you may qualify for certain reimbursements from the state and federal governments.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge our incredible first responders and healthcare providers throughout the Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County. They have proven to be steadfast and effective in the wake of the arrival of coronavirus here on Long Island, and I cannot thank them enough for their invaluable work.
As a reminder, it is important that we heed the advice of medical professionals and stay away from large groups or gatherings, remain at least six feet away those around you, and stay home when possible. Most importantly, if you are feeling ill remain in your home until you have contacted your doctor. If you or anyone you know has additional questions or concerns, please visit cdc.gov or call the New York State Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065 where callers can speak to an actual medical expert.
Warm regards,
Judi