The numbers released by NY State today indicate Westchester County now has 798 cases of which 260 are new. The numbers reflect the increase in numbers of people who are being tested and the spread of the contagion reinforcing the importance of social distancing.
The numbers we received from the county today indicate there are 18 confirmed cases in the city of White Plains up 9 from yesterday. There is a lag in the provision by the state of the numbers broken down by municipality. We receive that information through Westchester County and the county is advocating for more rapid transfer of data from the state. As a result information regarding current cases in White Plains is not contemporaneous. We have no way of knowing at this time how many of the 260 new cases in the county, if any reside in White Plains but we will report that figure to you when we receive it from the county.
Pursuant to the governor’s directive all malls in New York state must suspend operations at 8pm tonight. This will result in the closure of The Westchester and The Galleria. Target and Shoprite will remain open as essential businesses, grocery and pharmacy, and Barnes & Noble will remain open due to its direct access from the street but the other businesses in City Center have closed.
I recognize that this is a very stressful time for all of our residents. These are uncharted waters. Unlike a weather event or a power failure there is no clearly defined beginning or end, and it is difficult to assess where we stand which leads to understandable anxiety. We are in regular contact with state, county and school district officials as well as White Plains Hospital and national experts. We are working well together to achieve the best outcome for our residents. The goal is to slow the rate at which new cases arise so that the necessary medical resources are not overtaxed and social distancing is vital to this effort. The power is in your hands.
Remember we are standing together by staying apart!