OBA Coronavirus Update 5/14/2020
May 14, 2020
As we transition from NY Pause to NY Forward, we would like to update our Ocean Beach residents.
Suffolk and Nassau Counties, including Fire Island, will be able to move forward together based on how they meet the seven criteria that Governor Cuomo has established for each region to achieve.
At this time, Long Island is achieving four of seven criteria; we are still missing the required metric for new hospitalizations, sustained decline in hospital deaths and contact tracing. Steve Bellone, the Suffolk County Executive, and his team project that our region will meet all seven criteria on or about May 25 and will begin the re-opening process then. Construction, agriculture, retail – curbside pickup only, and manufacturing are included in Phase 1.
Phase 2 which would potentially kick in around June 8 would include retail – instore shopping, professional services, and real estate. Phase 3 would be around June 22 and would include restaurants. Finally, phase 4 would be another two weeks later including Education and Arts. All of these openings would be under guidelines that have yet to be published by the Governor’s Office. All of this is subject to change obviously based on our response to the Coronarivus.
Additionally, low risk activities have been approved to resume statewide, but details have not yet been provided including tennis, landscaping/gardening, drive in movies and more.
Community leaders and elected officials from all Fire Island communities continue to work closely with the Suffolk County Executive and his team, representatives from the Towns of Islip and Brookhaven, FINS, the FIA, the Fire Island emergency response teams, Suffolk County PD, to identify and strategize the actions that need to be taken to re-open Fire Island in particular. In addition to all of the general concerns we are aware of, Fire Island has specific challenges with beaches, and ferry service.
As previously mentioned, there is a specific Summer/Beaches Opening committee established by Steve Bellone as well as a Fire Island specific sub-committee. These committees are expected to share their recommendations on May 18 for discussion and approval by our county and state leaders.
Driving permits from FINS have been extended through May 22 for contractors and year round residents.
(Year rounders have limited additional driving capabilities through June 26.)
Ferries continue to be a major topic of concern; there are a lot of actions being taken to protect both the ferry crews and riders and we are recapping them here. Please note that taking the ferry is a choice you make and you need to understand the guidelines under which the ferries are operating. The Coast Guard determines guidelines for ferry operations and has NOT mandated any capacity reductions. Fire Island Ferries is doing more than is mandated in an effort to keep their crews and passengers safe, not because they have to, but because it is the right thing to do.
Ferry Update
Ferry crew are essential workers and should be treated as such with our utmost thanks and appreciation for continuing to provide ferry service to us during this frightening time.
Ferries are not required to adjust their capacity, but Fire Island Ferries has committed to do their best to limit their capacity to 50% or less. This has been achieved without exception so far this season. As the season progresses, FIF will adjust their schedules and equipment availability to accommodate increased passengers. For Memorial Day in particular, FIF will have equipment and crews available to handle high ridership as in the past. We all obviously hope this is not the case. Please use your best judgement in determining when to travel. At this time, with so many not working or working from home, it is probably best to avoid Friday and Sunday afternoons.
FIF is prepared to have Security on board ferries to OB and OBP on Memorial Day Weekend if needed.
A Public Address system has been installed at the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal and is streaming CDC information including wearing a mask/face covering and hand washing. Announcements can now also be made on board the ferries.
Passengers are required to wear a mask/face covering on the ferry. No mask, no ride. Passengers must keep them on at all times, so no eating or drinking on the ferry.
The West Terminal servicing Seaview and OBP is now open, so the Main Terminal is now servicing only Ocean Beach, Dunewood and Fair Harbor.
Ferry service directly to Seaview was added a few weeks ago.
Passengers must exercise social responsibility and socially distance while waiting to board.
Based on availability of equipment, ferries may be able to be boarded up to 30 minutes prior to departure time in Bay Shore.
Ocean Beach Guidance signs have been put at up at the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal to discourage any unaware visitors.
Ferries are being disinfected in Bay Shore between trips.
Restrooms are open at the Bay Shore Ferry Terminal.
Passenger freight can be dropped off at the freight house prior to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday and up until the last ferry on Friday evening. Fire Island Ferries is looking to limit passenger baggage in order to allow for greater social distancing on board.
Passenger freight will accept a small cart, but with essentials and perishables only. Items such as cases of wine or water should be delivered to the freight house.
Water Taxis are available for cross bay service and usage has greatly increased.
Let us also share with you what is being done to ensure that potential visitors fully understand what our current status is on Fire Island and in Ocean Beach in particular so that they are encouraged to hold off on visiting until a later date. Here are the actions that have been taken to that end:
What Visitors can Expect in Ocean Beach – managing expectations!
Restaurants are not open for dine-in.
Bars are NOT open.
Hotels are not open.
Take out food and alcohol is available for at home consumption only.
Masks must be worn at all times in public in the Village of Ocean Beach including town, walks and beach.
No Smoking is allowed in public in Ocean Beach including town, walks and beach.
Limited ferry schedule.
Beaches are for passive use only – walking only, no swimming, no beach chairs, no coolers. No ball playing or other organized activities.
Transient Marina is closed.
Signage placed at Ferry Terminal in Bay Shore.
We will continue to provide reports to you on an ongoing basis.
Stay safe and healthy,
The Ocean Beach Association Board of Directors