Baldwin is among hardest-hit by Covid-19

Elected officials coordinate food drives to aid residents

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Baldwin is among the Nassau County neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by the Covid-19 strain of coronavirus, with 643 confirmed positive cases as of Monday, according to county Department of Health records. Of the more than 130 communities in Nassau, Baldwin is the ninth-hardest-hit.

The statistics come from the county Department of Health’s interactive Covid-19 map, which tracks the number of confirmed cases by neighborhood. Baldwin’s cases are spread over two areas, with 484 in Baldwin, and 159 in Baldwin Harbor. The map does not include cases pending confirmation by the New York State Department of Health.

The news came as the state reported a total of 229,642 positive Covid-19 cases in the state as of April 17, with 28,539 cases confirmed in Nassau County since the outbreak began in early March.

While the New York State on Pause restrictions and closures have been extended to May 15, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said over the weekend there were signs that the number of new coronavirus cases was leveling off, and talks had begun to reopen the economies of New York and neighboring states that were shut down to slow the spread of infection. 

“New York believes we have reached a plateau” of new coronavirus cases, Cuomo said last week. “This is relatively good news in a world of bad options.” But he urged residents to continue practicing social distancing.

In addition to New York, the states involved in the talks include Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

As New Yorkers continue to self-isolate and wear masks in public in an effort to further spread coronavirus, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, whose district includes Baldwin, provided Personal Protective Equipment to local essential workers.

“Our first responders and essential workers are on the front lines of this health crisis, putting their safety on the line to help protect the community,” Kaminsky said. “Providing them with this equipment so they can continue to do their jobs safely is the least we can do.”

With donations and help from several local residents, including Brian Rathjen of Rockville Centre, Kaminsky delivered 100 surgical masks to Sanitary District 2 and another 100 masks to the Gala Fresh Farms Supermarket in Baldwin.

It’s critical that first responders, health care workers and essential personnel have access to PPE in order to do their jobs safely and effectively, Kaminsky said. To donate to Kaminsky’s PPE drive, email Kaminsky@nysenate.gov.

The senator also recognized Dr. Sean Randazzo, an assisting physician at Stony Brook University Hospital, a volunteer firefighter at the Baldwin Fire Department and longtime Baldwin resident, as “Helper of the Week” for his work on the front lines of the Covid-19 outbreak. Each week, Kaminsky highlights a 9th District resident who has gone above and beyond to help local communities deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Originally slated to graduate from medical school May 21, Randazzo and his fellow medical students were made doctors so they could immediately begin working in hospitals to help with the overflow of Covid-19 patients.

“When Dr. Randazzo enrolled in medical school, I’m sure he didn’t expect his graduation to be accelerated so he could help fight a pandemic, but he answered the call and is on the front lines of this crisis helping people recover,” Kaminsky said. “He, along with his fellow healthcare professionals, first responders and essential workers are heroes and deserve all our support.”

As a Baldwin resident and graduate of Kellenberg High School, Randazzo credited his time as captain of Ladder 2 as the biggest influence in his decision to become a doctor.

Kaminsky isn’t the only elected official looking out for his constituents. Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, whose district includes Baldwin, has partnered with Long Island Cares to sponsor an essential supply drive to support local families who are in need of vital goods.

“During these trying times, it’s important to remember those in need,” Mulé said.

The virtual supply drive allows residents to shop from their homes and purchase essential supplies, including food, water, soap and diapers, for local families affected by the crisis. Additionally, Long Island Cares provides a variety of vital services to assist those experiencing hunger, homelessness and poverty.

To contribute to Mulé’s drive, visit yougivegoods.com/debramule. For more information, contact Mulé’s office at (516) 571-6205 or dmule@nassaucountyny.gov.

State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who also represents Baldwin, started a virtual food drive on March 18 in collaboration with Long Island Cares. Five percent of every online purchase goes back to Long Island Cares. To donate, visit yougivegoods.com/griffin.

“Next to [New York City], Nassau County has been the hardest hit county in the state,” Griffin said. Baldwin “is one of the communities that has been hit particularly hard. I fully support Governor Cuomo’s decision to direct a task force to research the surge in specific communities.”

It’s vital that everyone continues to follow social distancing guidelines to continue to flatten the curve, she added.

“I am grateful for all our health care workers,” Griffin continued, “but especially those at our local hospitals like Mount Sinai-South Nassau, Mercy and [Nassau University Medical Center]. I have consistently advocated for nurses who work in our hospitals on Long Island to have the PPE they need to continue to fight the virus and help save lives. Their hard work, expertise and dedication have saved many lives. The consistent support throughout our communities has been heartwarming, and I look forward to seeing us beat the coronavirus once and for all.”

 

Scott Brinton contributed to this story.