Earlier this week Suffolk County Legislators Anthony A. Piccirillo and Robert Trotta called on Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to redirect facemasks to our senior population who are in grave need. The two Legislators asked that facemasks that were generously donated to the county from community groups and residents, and were earmarked for day laborers who congregate in large numbers; to also be distributed to our most vulnerable ; our seniors. “Our greatest generation who protected us from world devastation during WWII and the Cold War are the ones who are at the highest risk for contracting COVID-19, we need to protect them, just like they did for us” Legislator Piccirillo stated.
The controversy came after a County Briefing Conference Call; when it was learned that the Suffolk County Police Department would be dispatched to areas where day laborers would congregate and distribute the masks, free of charge.
“I simply asked – What about our seniors?” said Piccirillo. “I have been receiving numerous inquiries from our senior population about obtaining face masks, there is a great need for them” he added. When he inquired on the call about obtaining masks for seniors in need; the County Executive’s Office stated that they were not distributing these masks to the public. “I was outraged” stated the Legislator. “ To not equally distribute these extra masks to those who are in need, is a grave failure of this county government” added Legislator Piccirillo.
“I will continue to fight for all seniors within my district and across Suffolk County” said Piccirillo. “The notion that seniors are able to “Shelter in Place” is ludicrous” added the freshman Legislator. “We have been in quarantine for over 6 weeks; people including seniors sometime simply do not have a choice but to go to the store to get essentials, and we need to ensure they are just as safe as the day laborers who are congregating” said Legislator Piccirillo.
Legislator Piccirillo has created a call to action, asking Suffolk County residents to donate any extra masks they may have to the 8th Legislative District Office. “My District Office will now be collecting masks to distribute to those seniors who are in need” said Piccirillo. “If the County does not choose to redirect these facemasks we need to have a backup plan” added Legislator Piccirillo. “I am hopeful the County Executive will reconsider his directive and give seniors the same access to facemasks that day laborers have been afforded” added Legislator Piccirillo.
If you or anyone you know is willing to donate facemasks please contact Legislator Piccirillo’s office at 631-854-9611 or by email at Anthony.Piccirillo@SuffolkCountyNY.GOV.
