Manhasset 2020_08_21

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Serving Manhasset, Munsey Park, North Hills, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Plandome and Flower Hill

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Friday, August 21, 2020

Vol. 8, No. 34

FALL HOME & DESIGN

AMERICANA SUSPECT CHARGED BY FEDS

SUOZZI, RICE BLAST USPS CUTS

PAGES 23-27

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Gyms to reopen as infection rate hits new low Facilities will be limited to 33% capacity, masks still required BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that gyms throughout New York are permitted to reopen at 33 percent capacity as early as Monday. Protocols that will be enforced for every facility include wearing a mask at all times, social distancing of six feet, cleaning and disinfection supplies available for patron use at all times, and classes by appointment or reservation only. The gyms must also use air filters with a designated efficiency. Cuomo said on Monday that local elected officials have the option to delay the reopening of the facilities until Sept. 2 to provide local health officials time to conduct inspections. Officials are also permitted to delay the resumption of indoor fitness classes beyond Sept. 2. “The localities have a role here. They have to inspect the gyms before they open or within

two weeks of their opening to make sure they’re meeting all the requirements,” Cuomo said. “The local elected will make the decision in a jurisdiction and the local health departments must inspect before or within two weeks to make sure the guidelines are in place.” Martine Hackett, an associate professor of health professions at Hofstra University, said she believes Cuomo made the right decision to open the gyms but anticipates future closures of facilities for several reasons. “We know from a public health perspective, physical activity is a huge positive,” Hackett said in a phone interview. “So on one hand, reopening the gyms is a great step. On the other hand, gyms also represent one of the biggest challenges for maintaining control of the virus. Whether it’s singing, breathing heavily, it is easier for the virus to spread in an enclosed space.” Continued on Page 34

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK, COURTESY OF THE MANHASSET-LAKEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Firefighters battle a blaze at 47 Plandome Road. See story on page 2.

PSEG promises refunds, but answers most wanted BY R O S E W E L D ON Even as PSEG Long Island announced that it would reimburse customers who lost electricity during Tropical Storm Isaias for spoiled perishables,

elected officials are still displeased with the company’s response and lack of communication during its aftermath. The company, which estimates that some 420,000 customers lost power during

or following the storm, announced on Monday that it would reimburse residential customers up to $250 and commercial customers up to $5,000 for food spoilage or medication Continued on Page 34

For the latest news visit us at www.theislandnow.com D on’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Theislandnow and Facebook at facebo ok.com/theislandnow


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