Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Residents:
March 16, 2020 at 7:00 PM.
Dear Residents,
Today’s Update:
Today I signed a citywide Declaration of Emergency to address the threat that Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses to the health and welfare of residents, businesses, and visitors to the City of White Plains. Westchester County also declared a State of Emergency. Along with that Emergency Declaration I signed an Executive Order, which mirrors the Governor’s Executive Order prohibiting the in-premises service of food and drink by restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Carry-out or delivery is still allowed. In addition, movie theaters, gyms and exercise facilities, performance venues, and recreation centers have been ordered to close. Finally, following CDC guidelines, no events attended by more than 50 people shall be permitted. The order takes effect today at 8:00 PM.
At this time the White Plains Recreation and Parks Dept offices at 85 Gedney Way and Community Center located at 65 Mitchell Place will not be open to the public. However, staff will be available during business hours to answer calls and emails. Those interested in registration for Spring/Summer programs may do so on-line at www.cityofwhiteplains.com, or by calling the Recreation office at (914) 422-1336 during normal business hours.
The Governor today confirmed 221 additional COVID-19 cases in New York State, bringing the total to 950. There are 24 new cases in Westchester County, bringing the county total to 220. Coronavirus is now present in 23 NY counties and New York City. We have been informed that there are 8 positive cases in White Plains. Today the Common Council also passed legislation authorizing the City to enter into a Non-Disclosure Agreement with the County in order to receive specific address information of residents who have tested positive for Coronavirus for public safety purposes only. This information cannot be shared with the public, per HIPPA and the Non-Disclosure Agreement.
We know that like us, many residents are concerned with the availability of testing. The state has been ramping up its ability to test. It reports that 7,312 people have been tested to date. 2,040 of that number have been tested since yesterday.
The city is substantially decreasing the number of employees physically present at city buildings and facilities, based on guidance provided by the Governor’s office, but plans to continue to provide all essential services. These staffing decisions do not apply to the Department of Public Safety, of course.
Empress Ambulance, the city’s ambulance service provider, has instituted a new protocol that will apply to all service calls going forward. Out of an abundance of caution, all patients treated by Empress will be given a face mask regardless of the medical nature of the call. Empress staff have routinely been wearing face masks.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with coronavirus, please call either the White Plains Hospital Hotline at (914) 681-2900 or the NYS Dept of Health Hotline at 1-888-364-3065. Professional staff will screen you over the phone by asking you a series of questions and assess your need for testing.
We cannot urge our residents enough to do whatever you can to limit your interactions.
Looking for More Information?
In an effort to keep these updates to a manageable length, we have posted two new items under the heading “Latest News” on the home page of the City website, www.cityofwhiteplains.com. These items focus on:
1) Prevention information, including reliable links for public health information, and
2) City Program/Event/Meeting changes due to coronavirus.
These two pages are being updated regularly.
Thank you,
Mayor Tom Roach