State of emergencies declared to combat COVID-19 outbreak

Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus throughout Westchester, County Executive George Latimer initiated a state of emergency. The Town of Rye, as well as the Village of Port Chester, quickly followed suit.

The declaration allows all three entities to move in a more expeditious way to combat the virus. The measures encourage more social distancing, with the hopes of flattening the rate at which people will become ill.

“Our society faces a challenge ahead of us that can only be compared to what was faced when wartime provisions were enacted in our nation,” the county executive said publicly on Monday, Mar. 16. “Like then, we will overcome this. It may not be overnight–but it will be together. We must ensure we are doing all we can do to protect all who live in this great county.”

At the county level, the state of emergency mandates all public and private schools to close, only carrying out duties each school district deems necessary. This includes providing meals to students, which Port Chester and Blind Brook school districts are working on implementing.

The schools must also continue to provide an education to all its students. Both school districts began preparing for distance learning by closing their doors before the county executive’s announcement.

The Town of Rye

On Monday, Mar. 16, Town of Rye Supervisor Gary Zuckerman declared a state of emergency due to the impact of the virus. The status will remain effective for 30 days. The declaration directed all the Town’s departments and agencies to take steps to “protect the life and property, public infrastructure and provide such emergency assistance as deemed necessary.”

“By declaring a state of emergency, (it) lets me suspend local rules and regulations,” Zuckerman said over the phone. “For example, cancelling the council meetings which are regularly scheduled by the council and normally would have to be rescheduled by the council.”

Additionally, Zuckerman said he could potentially suspend policies and rules, such as those impacting Crawford Park.

“Basically, it means that we can act immediately rather than waiting for regular council meetings or to call a special council meeting for acts that would normally require council action.”

Zuckerman intends on conducting future meetings through teleconference.

“We are in crisis; everyone is aware of that,” he said. “As government officials, our staff, our council, are doing whatever we can to alleviate the situation.”

The Village of Port Chester

At the Village level, Port Chester Village Manager Christopher Steers also declared a state of emergency on Wednesday. It will be in effect through Apr. 15. It was proclaimed due to the virus’s capability to imperil public safety.

“Our residents can feel assured that the professional staff of our Village will be available to ensure their safety,” Mayor Richard Falanka stated in a separate message. “We have the best public servants. You have already seen the cooperative efforts of Westchester County, New York State and the Federal Government. Be assured that the Village of Port Chester is cooperating with them. We are trained and prepared.”