Long Beach declares State of Emergency to stop spread of coronavirus

The City of Long Beach has declared a state of emergency in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus after one case is reported.

Interim City Manager Donna Gayden said the declaration of is “in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus.” She said “This move simply allows the city to more efficiently respond to the situation and potentially be reimbursed for costs associated with the pandemic.”

“It is not a reason for increased anxiety,” she added.

Many city-run operations, including activities for seniors and young people, are temporarily closed.

A number of restaurants in Long Beach are delivering food, but are closed to patrons. Some have shut down entirely.

Parents groups are home-schooling children.

As of Monday morning, the city has one case of coronavirus. Gayden said in an announcement that the individual is “self-quarantined” and that neighbors have been notified.

The city council meeting set for Tuesday night, March 17, is closed to the public. Residents can stream the meeting on Youtube. There will be no good and welfare for this meeting.

The city has closed the Recreation Center, Magnolia Senior Center, the Ice Arena, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. The Public Library is closed. Long Beach schools last week announced they will be closed this week.

Gayden said “these measures are being taken in an abundance of caution and are aimed at slowing the rate of transmission. We each have a role to play in helping to make sure these efforts are effective, so I ask that everyone please do what you can to practice social distancing and limit our collective exposure to this virus.”

On Monday morning, the Lido Kosher Deli said it had closed down half of its seating capacity. The deli can seat 20 people. Owner Wally Goetz said the deli is making deliveries and the front counter is doing a brisk business.

“This does hurt,” Goetz said. But, he added, “Our goal is to keep our employees working.” He said waiters will serve as drivers for the duration of the closure.

Alexis Trolf, owner of Lost At Sea, closed his restaurant. Trolf posted a message: “In recognition of the current situation, and with regards to the health of our guests, our employees, and our common family, we will be suspending operations…until we develop[ a sound and safe strategy to proceed. For now, we will miss you, and we look forward to rubbing elbows again sooner rather than later.”

Last week, Trolf said he would close rather than risk the health of his employees and customers.

Carol O’Neill, executive director of the EAC Network, a non-profit funded by Nassau County to provide a variety of services to the needy, said its Meals-on-Wheels program will continue as longer as suppliers are able to deliver food. O’Neill said about 300 people, many of them non-ambulatory, receive Meals-on-Wheels.

O’Neill said deliveries are currently being made, but expressed concerns if traffic is halted from New York City.

“I have no control over vendors in Queens,” she said. “But the vendors I have now are very concerned and working.”