Coronavirus cases rise in Port Chester

Since Thursday, Mar. 19—when the first three COVID-19 cases were announced in the Village of Port Chester—48 more cases have been confirmed, bringing the total number within the Village to 51 as of Wednesday, Mar. 25.

There are currently 30,811 cases in New York, with 4,691 of them in Westchester County.

“We do have growing concerns as does everyone across the state, across the country,” said Village Manager Christopher Steers during a briefing about the virus on Wednesday. “But we will keep the Village apprised of our efforts as quickly as we can update you.”

According to Steers, two police officers, two code enforcement officers and one or two volunteer firefighters in the Village have contracted the virus.

Residents are being urged to practice social distancing and to remain at home unless otherwise necessary.

The number of cases is expected to increase as more people are tested. To report a suspected case, call the New York State hotline: (888) 364-3065, or the Westchester County hotline: (886) 588-0195. For general information dial 211.

Concerned residents can be tested at the mobile sites in New Rochelle and Long Island by appointment only. Call (888) 364-3065 to arrange one.

Due to the viral outbreak, changes have been made to Village operations. Alternate side of the street parking is currently suspended with residents remaining primarily indoors and cars filling the streets in congested areas. Street sweeping will continue, but only every other week.

“We will work around any vehicles that happen to be parked,” Steers said. “We will have (Department of Public Works) crews poking as necessary to try and keep the streets clean.”

Additionally, parking enforcement has been “relaxed” within neighborhoods for similar reasons, he said. They will continue to ticket for other violations such as parking in front of a hydrant or in spaces reserved for those with handicaps.

“This situation is stressful enough without worrying about having to get parking tickets,” Steers said.

The sanitation pickup remains on its regular schedule; however, DPW crews will now work in two groups. They will switch off, working every other week.

“That’s an effort to try and keep them safe while they are doing their jobs and ensure that we can continue to deliver those services,” the village manager said.

Bulk pickups on Wednesdays will no longer be completed on a weekly basis but every other week. Additional changes could occur depending on how the outbreak continues.

Steers said residents can sign up for NIXLE alerts to receive timely updates and pertinent information.

“I wish everybody the best. Hang in there and we will keep working for you.”