Newsday Suffolk County government & politics reporter Rachelle Blidner examined how Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone handled the first year of the coronavirus pandemic in the county, from the first reported cases in March, 2020 to the deployment of pop-up vaccination sites in recent weeks.


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How Suffolk County executive Steve Bellone handled the pandemic

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Four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths and hospitalizations have fallen sharply. Mask-wearing is uncommon. Uptake of the updated vaccine is low. However, experts don't know how many millions of Americans with long COVID will continue to endure the long-term effects. NewsdayTV's Steve Langford reports. 

'Early days ... were traumatic for all of us' 

Several LI businesses are accused of stealing nearly $50 million in loans and grants meant to help small businesses during the pandemic. NewsdayTV's Steve Langford reports. 

'If you do this, we are looking — we are going to find you' 

A lot has changed in the three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who lost loved ones and for those who have lingering effects from the virus, life seems to have stood still. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

COVID on LI: Three years later 

Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt had to adapt to the decrease in in-person membership due to the pandemic. Nearly three years later, the church still offers virtual services. 

'Maybe the church didn't need to be in the four walls'

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While the city's tourism industry continues its gradual recovery, 61.8 million travelers to the city last year.

Report says NYC should see 'moderate growth' in jobs

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In New York, 50% of nursing home residents were up to date on March 24, but that figure dropped to 41% as of April 14.

COVID vaccines 'underutilized' in nursing homes, CDC finds

"A message must be sent to would-be thieves and con artists who contrive frauds to steal from critical relief programs," the judge said.

Bayville Adventure Park owner sentenced to 2 years in prison in $3.2M COVID-19 loan fraud

The company was dealt a blow when the October 2012 storm destroyed decades-old sets and costumes. Then, it was forced to cancel in-person shows for two years during the pandemic. But things are starting to look up.

The show goes on: Gilbert and Sullivan company rebuilding after Sandy, pandemic 

Patients were hit with bills for standard emergency room visits after receiving only tests for the coronavirus.

Northwell must pay $1M for COVID-19 testing charges

A 10% increase in Republican voting was linked to a 5% increase in the chance that any type of adverse event would be reported to the federal government.

Study: GOP states more likely to report COVID vaccine side effects

He is among 22 Long Islanders who have been accused of stealing nearly $50 million.

LI man sentenced to 10 years for $9.6M COVID aid fraud

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Long Island parents who have children with underlying conditions speak about the pandemic and "tripledemic" and how it affects them. 

Doctors warn about 'tripledemic' for children with underlying conditions

Timothy Heaton, a former Suffolk County correction officer who spent more than five months hospitalized battling COVID-19, was given his retirement shield by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Toulon Jr. 

A second chance at the rest of his life

State health and education officials are urging people to wear masks indoors as COVID-19, flu and RSV infections increase on Long Island. Newsday TVs Steve Langford reports. 

LIers speak out on masking recommendation

Opera Night Long Island, an open-mic event that brings together talented singers with different repertoire and styles, has returned to St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Northport after a pandemic hiatus. Singers hail the event as a way to help keep music alive for the community.

LI opera lovers keep music alive at open mic night in Northport

The executive director of the Southampton Animal Shelter of Hampton Bays, Pat Deshong, discusses the effects of the COVID boom in pet adoptions years later, and how it is now impacting that animal shelter and others.

COVID boom in pet adoptions

Patrice Piretti, 63, from Huntington Station, worked as a nurse and then a nurse leader at two Northwell Health hospitals, but then had to leave her job because Long COVID prevented her from working successfully. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

The new normal means figuring out life with Long COVID

On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced masks are no longer required on the Long Island Rail Road and other transit systems in New York.

Riders can take off masks if they want

Summer is winding down and kids are preparing to return to school. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Kids look forward to returning to school minus COVID-19 restrictions

"The days of sending an entire classroom home because one person was symptomatic or tests positive, those days are over," Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday.

Hochul announces new COVID-19 requirements for schools 

Meter parking fees in Babylon Village were increased Monday from a quarter for two hours to a quarter for one hour. The parking fee increases, among others, were a result of money lost due to the pandemic. Newsday TV's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Parking and other fees going up in Babylon Village

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 can get the antiviral oral medication Paxlovid from the vaxmobile, a partnership between Mt. Sinai South Nassau and the town of Hempstead..

First COVID-19 'Test and Treat' vaxmobile hits LI streets

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday said children will not be required to wear masks in school when classes resume in the fall, but that could change depending on virus numbers.