West Nile Spraying Cancels Several Activities

Movie night and the scheduled barbecue were cancelled Tuesday night at the Port Washington Yacht Club, in addition to outdoor activities at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club and the Plandome Country Club due to West Nile insecticide spraying in Nassau County.

It's business as usual, however, for some other organizations. These groups were informed by the Nassau County Health Department that they were located far enough away from the planned insecticide spraying to help protect against West Nile Virus.

The popular Sundown Series at the Parent Resource Center, which features Jeff Sorg, will still be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. "We did not cancel because we checked with the Nassau County Health Agencies, and learned we're outside the areas being sprayed," said PRC Executive Director Angela Cappiello.

Mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile in Sands Point as well as Flower Hill. And as a response, the county's Department of Public Works will conduct the ground spraying in sections of Plandome, Plandome Manor, Plandome Heights, Manhasset, Munsey Park, Flower Hill, and Sands Point. The spraying will begin Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and continue until 5 a.m.

The anticipated spraying of Scourge, the county's insecticide of choice to deter the spread of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes, has prompted locals to wonder how to minimize exposure. For some, it's a moot point.

The Sands Point Preserve, for example, closes at 6:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled spraying. Nearby, members of the Village Club of Sands Point also won't be affected. "We don't have any activities planned outdoors tonight," noted Ed Ronan, the club's general manager. "The pool closes at 7 p.m.  The dining room with outside seating is not open on Tuesdays."

Meanwhile, Manorhaven Pool and North Hempstead Beach Park will remain open. According to a spokesman, the town does not have any parks or public pools in the vicinity of the areas that will be sprayed.

Learn more about how to protect against West Nile Virus and minimize exposure to Scourge.