Stony Brook Southampton Hospital on Friday announced that for the first time since March 8, it has no new, suspected, or confirmed Covid-19 patients.
"This is a significant milestone in our fight against the coronavirus and is a result of the excellent care provided by our medical staff and healthcare workers," Robert S. Chaloner, chief administrative officer of the hospital, said in a statement. "We continue to test all admitted patients for Covid-19. We request that all our East End communities continue to follow C.D.C. guidelines, including wearing facemasks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing."
The hospital also said it has released a patient who recovered from Covid-19 after being hospitalized for 120 days.
The news came as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo released information showing Long Island's Covid-19 daily infection rate, measured as the number of new positive cases compared to the total number of tests administered, dipped down to .9 percent Thursday from 1.2 percent on Wednesday and 1.1 percent on Tuesday.
Suffolk County registered 54 new cases on Thursday and one of the five deaths that were reported statewide.
Governor Cuomo said state officials continue to monitor "alarming" virus statistics across the nation.
"So much of our ability to fight this destructive virus is dependent on what each of us does in day-to-day life, and social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands make a huge difference as we stay New York Smart," he said in a statement. "I ask New Yorkers to continue practicing those good habits and closely following state guidance, and I urge local governments to enforce that guidance."
While Suffolk County's infection rate has remained low, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital said it is preparing for a second virus surge later this year.