"Certainly, as the hours turn to days the likelihood of a successful outcome diminishes, and we are keenly aware of that," East Hampton Town Police Capt. Chris Anderson said on Friday morning.

Religious traditions and customary burials have been upended by the prohibition on gatherings as the coronavirus continues to spread. While the dead must still be buried, loved ones are somewhat stifled in their grief without being able to mourn as they normally would.

Another large segment of the South Fork’s work force was idled this week after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday halted all nonessential construction during the Covid-19 pandemic.     

Golf is apparently the last game in town, and, according to the head pro at Montauk Downs, Mark Fretto, new rules have enabled the beautiful public course there to remain open for play during the coronavirus siege.