Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Residents: March 10, 2020 at 4:15 PM.
Dear Residents,
As the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continues to rise and in an effort to contain its spread, the Governor has announced an emergency public health strategy targeting a one-mile radius around the area in New Rochelle where the virus was first detected. The Governor today confirmed 31 additional cases in New York State, bringing the total to 173. 108 of those cases (10 new cases) are in Westchester County.
At this time, for privacy and safety reasons, NYS DOH is not providing either municipal or county governments with specific information about where those who have tested positive live. Although, the current Westchester County cases have been linked back to the New Rochelle cluster area. The city, along with the county, is advocating for the state to release additional information.
The St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the White Plains Community Center scheduled for Thursday, March 12th, has been canceled.
White Plains Library Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala, which had been scheduled for March 14th, has been POSTPONED. The Foundation made this decision out of an abundance of caution and concern about the evolving nature of this outbreak.
The City stepped up cleaning and disinfecting at all city buildings and facilities last week and continues to make this a priority.
Residents who are concerned and/or have questions about coronavirus should call the NYS DOH hotline at: 1-888-364-3065. This hotline is staffed 24/7. We urge everyone to continue to practice common sense preventive measures. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
In addition to general guidance provided to the public, NYS has been providing sector-specific guidance to groups such as health care workers and nursing homes. We expect more of this in the coming days. We continue to work with state, county, and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and will continue to update residents on a regular basis.
For more information access these trustworthy resources:
NYS DOH:
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Westchester County DOH:
https://health.westchestergov.com/