The Village of Great Neck, according to Newsday, continues day-by-day to be at or near the top of the list of new cases of Covid-19 on all of Long Island. It cannot be just a coincidence that we consistently hold this distinction, which is alarming to residents of the entire peninsula. I have urged our mayor and trustees, along with Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County officials, to investigate why we have such a high rate of Covid-19 cases and to identify and implement creative steps to reverse this situation.
The last time I raised these concerns in this newspaper I was met, not unexpectedly, with the highly defensive response that this was somehow an attack on the Orthodox and Persian communities. The fact of the matter is that violations of the rules on masking, social distancing and limits on gatherings are taking place all over Long Island and by people of all religions and ethnicities. Because of the unique demographics of Great Neck, and the Village of Great Neck in particular, it is more than likely that at least some of the non-compliance is taking place in Orthodox or Persian institutions or residences. I have no specific examples and have no idea what is going on in those institutions or homes, but I do know that we have a serious problem here that must be dealt with from wherever and whomever it is emanating.
We are all well aware of the high rates of disease and non-compliance in the Orthodox areas in Brooklyn and the Five Towns. Issues of religious freedom have been brought up in response to tough new state regulations. There was a wonderful Op-ed piece in The New York Times on Oct. 10 by constitutional law Professor Douglas Laycock of the University of Virginia entitled “Religious Practice in a Pandemic.” He addressed the issue of strict virus regulations vs. the right to free exercise of religion and said:
“Covid-19 kills some and permanently injures others; the threat to human life is real and immediate. Those who flout the rules endanger everyone around them, and this is sufficient reason for regulating even a worship service.”
And the New York Board of Rabbis recently issued a statement which included the following:
“We cannot defend individuals in our Jewish community who demonstrate a blatant disregard for the COVID-19 health protocols and endanger their lives and those of other people. COVID-19 is a non-discriminating disease that must be fought by all people following the rules without exception.”
The state has imposed regulations on individuals, businesses, schools and religious and other institutions in an attempt rein in the spread of the disease, and largely left it up to local governments to enforce them. I recognize that neither the Village of Great Neck nor the Town of North Hempstead has its own police force nor code enforcement officers who could effectively undertake this, leaving it primarily to the Nassau County Police Department. Town Supervisor Bosworth has urged residents to call the county police to report violations, specifically those related to large gatherings. (“Please also remember that social gatherings of 50 individuals or more are dangerous and not permitted under state law.) We encourage you to be vigilant and report these infractions, as it only takes one event and one gathering to create a super spreader event. We must all work together to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. Governor Cuomo’s office advises that large or illegal gatherings should be reported to your local police department’s non-emergency line first. You can reach the 3rd Precinct at: 516-573-6300 and the 6th Precinct at: 516-573-6600.)”
However, how realistic is it to expect the police to enthusiastically respond to numerous calls about people not wearing masks, maintaining proper social distance or too many people in a church, synagogue or home?
This is why I feel it so important that our village officials, even with their admittedly limited powers, take the lead and step up their efforts to reach out to residents and religious institutions to explain how irresponsible behavior affects not just themselves but everyone else living, working or going to school in the village. Rather than view the concerns expressed by residents as a threat or charge against any particular group, let’s use this crisis as an opportunity to bring everyone together.
Steven Markowitz
Great Neck
