A 'wake-up call' in Suffolk
Instances of virus spread raise compliance concerns
A man wearing a mask heads into La Margherita Restaurant and Pizzeria in Medford on Monday. Credit: James Carbone
The cases cropped up as the positive testing level on Long Island jumped to 2% on Monday, a substantial increase from previous weeks, and the total number of daily confirmed cases surpassed 100 in Suffolk for the first time in weeks.
The lifeguards who tested positive work at Smith Point and Cupsogue county beaches, officials said.
The backyard party took place in Holtsville, a state official said. The four people who tested positive were among 18 people who attended the backyard party and barbecue, for a total of 22% infected, officials said.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone called the new cases a "wake-up call," and vowed to step up enforcement of coronavirus mitigation directives.
“It’s an example of why it is critically important that we remain vigilant,” said Bellone, adding that the party hosts followed capacity limits and were not issued citations. “We have to remain vigilant. We have to wear face coverings. We have to socially distance. This is not over. This fight is not done."
The number of new positives today, as of 3 p.m.: 69 in Nassau, 102 in Suffolk, 315 in New York City and 912 statewide.
This map shows the concentration of cases in each community, with Nassau's data updated as of July 12 and Suffolk's data as of July 13.
The map above shows the concentration of cases in Long Island communities. Search the map and view charts showing the latest local trends in testing, hospitalizations, deaths and more.
NY's travel quarantine list gets 4 more states, loses 1
Travelers from Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin must now self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York State, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday. Delaware was placed on the list last week, but was removed after that state’s metrics did not meet the levels required, Cuomo's office said.
There are now 22 total states on the isolation list.
Starting today, travelers from states on the list must fill out a form upon arriving in airports stating where they will be staying for their self-quarantine.
What it's like at a Long Island summer camp
Camper Sam Allison has his temperature taken before lunch at Park Shore Country Day Camp in Dix Hills. Credit: Johnny Milano
After months of at-home schooling, Sam Allison has a new routine: The 10-year-old wakes up in Melville, eats breakfast, puts on sunscreen and dresses for a day at Park Shore Country Day Camp in Dix Hills.
It's his fourth summer at Park Shore, but his first during a pandemic. His weekdays start differently than years past — instead of being picked up by the camp bus, his mom now drives him.
Eliminating transportation is one adjustment many camps have made to keep kids safe; other modifications have been mandated by the CDC and local health departments.
Newsday takes you through a recent day at camp, from the 9 a.m. drop-off to 3 p.m. departure.
How some are staying creative during the pandemic
Denis Ponsot with one of his paintings at a show before the pandemic hit. Credit: Denis Ponsot
Four months into the crisis, and Long Island painters, authors and musicians are reacting in different creative ways.
The virus has become a motivator, compelling some to pick up a paint brush, open a laptop, pick up an instrument and make the most of the precious commodity of time.
Denis Ponsot, a painter who has exhibited his work in Nassau and Suffolk counties, launched virtual watercolor classes at the Art Guild of Port Washington.
Find out how other Long Islanders have been using this time to spark their creativity.
More to know
Former Capt. Eric Slavsky of the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department unveils a sign for Heroes Way Tuesday. Credit: Barry Sloan
A stretch of Old Country Road in front of Plainview Hospital was renamed "Heroes Way" on Tuesday to honor pandemic health care workers and first responders.
The Trump administration has rescinded a rule that would have required international students to transfer schools or leave the country if their colleges hold classes entirely online this fall.
Long Island’s first criminal trial since the start of the pandemic got underway in a Mineola courtroom Monday after months of New York’s courts using a virtual format.
New York & Co.'s parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday and plans to close “a significant portion” if not all of its stores.
Hearings on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes will be held by the New York State Legislature, less than a week after Cuomo sought to put the issue to rest with his own report.
The NHL announced eight additional COVID-19 cases among its players, as training camps opened for the 24 teams participating in the league’s return-to-play plan.
News for you
Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with local East End strawberries at Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe in Riverhead. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Ice cream tour turns 10. The annual Long Island Ice Cream Tour is still on for this year, and you'll be able to enjoy it across the Island while obeying pandemic guidelines. The tour split into two days this year, with Part 1 on Sunday and Part 2 set for Aug. 8.
Jimmy Fallon returns to studio. At Rockefeller Center this week, "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” went back to the studio (sans audience) with its band and small stage crew taking precautions. Check out the recap.
Will there be high school football this year? Long Island coaches discuss the chances for a season. Some are cautiously optimistic, others are not sure.
Plus: Your business has opened. Now what? Join us for Newsday's latest free virtual event on Wednesday for a discussion and interactive Q&A on how to operate your business during uncertain times. Reserve your spot.
Get real-time updates about the virus' impact on the Island by visiting our live blog and watch our latest daily wrap-up video, which looked at how Long Islanders feel about schools possibly opening in the fall.
Sign up for text messages to get the most important coronavirus news and information.
Commentary
What should the school experience be like in the fall? As the pandemic continues to impact every aspect of life, Newsday Opinion wants to hear from you.
One-size-fits-all won’t work as New York lays out a path forward for schools in the fall. What should the state do?
Share your thoughts about how the upcoming school year should be changed by filling out this form.
