Update 6:30 p.m. Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon, allowing for the closing of certain town facilities.
That declaration followed similar moves by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
As of 6:30 p.m., Suffolk County reported two cases in Huntington.
Huntington school superintendent James W. Polansky announced Thursday evening that the district is canceling or postponing all after-school events, all field trips and discontinuing the use of facilities by outside groups and individuals.
Earlier in the day, Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people, effective Friday. in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus by discouraging contact. Cuomo’s decision immediately led to questions about why schools and large stores remain open.The new rules will apply to Broadway theaters as of Thursday evening. In addition, facilities with an occupancy of 500 or fewer will have their the legal capacity reduced by 50%,
- Bellone declared a state of emergency Thursday, to authorize emergency spending as needed. In addition, the Emergency Operations Center will open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- A press conference by Health and Welfare Council of Long Island to promote participation in the US Census was canceled.
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State championship games for ice hockey, bowling, girls basketball and boys basketball were all postponed, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association said.
- The Hartigan Irish Run, scheduled for March 28, was canceled.
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The Centerport United Methodist Church announced that it was canceling in-person worship services, starting Sunday, and is working on using technology for stopgap use.
Lupinacci urged Huntington residents to use all available online services offered by the Town to avoid making an unnecessary visit to Town Hall. Residents should contact Departments directly with questions about services, applications or forms that are available online, the town said. Residents can use the black mailbox outside the main entrance to Town Hall labeled “Town Hall Mail” to drop off mail for Town Hall, including payment of taxes. The town also posted advice on preventative measures.