Katie Morosky

Since Thanksgiving, Suffolk’s seven-day-average test positivity rate has grown from 3.7% on Nov. 26 to 5.8% on Dec. 5, a comparative increase of 57%. It’s a dramatic acceleration compared to the same period of time before Thanksgiving, during which the average positivity rate only grew from 3.39% on Nov. 16 to 3.55% on Nov. 25 — a comparative increase of less than 5%.

The state will implement changes to micro-cluster metrics aimed at preventing the virus from overwhelming hospital capacity.

Part of Riverhead and Hampton Bays have been designated a COVID-19 “yellow zone” micro-cluster, bringing a number of new restrictions on business, schools and social gatherings, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this morning.

With coronavirus infections increasing rapidly across the state, Bellone warned residents today that the county could be entering a “dangerous period” of the outbreak, and Cuomo said further statewide restrictions may be necessary to curb the spread.

Restaurants, bars and gyms in New York State must end indoor and outdoor service after 10 p.m. each day under a new curfew that will take effect Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in a phone conference this afternoon.

Gyms in New York State could begin reopening as soon as next week after more than five months of closure.

Bowling alleys can reopen Monday, and guidance for the reopening of gyms will be released next week, Cuomo says.

School districts will officially be allowed to reopen for in-person instruction this fall, so long as their region's infection rate remains low and their reopening plans are approved by the state.

A staff member at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp has tested positive for COVID-19, the camp announced yesterday.

Riverhead unveiled an extensive plan for reopening school to some in-person instruction, with staggered schedules, strict mask requirements and daily temperature checks among the changes the district is planning to bring students back to school safely this fall.