Dear Rye Brook Residents:
I wanted to provide a brief community update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and some of the village’s actions which continue to be re-evaluated and modified as additional information becomes available. I will not summarize all of the health department and Center for Disease Control (CDC) information, precautions, and recommendations in an effort to provide you with more “local” information and not be redundant with other messages you are receiving from multiple sources. Instead, please review the Helpful Links about Coronavirus at the bottom of this message for the most up to date information.
As of this afternoon there were 158 confirmed positive cases of Coronavirus in Westchester County out of approximately 1,200 total people tested. This is 10 cases more than yesterday. 113 of the Westchester cases are linked to the New Rochelle outbreak. There has been 5 cases in Westchester County that has involved hospitalization. As of this email, we have received no information about any positive confirmed case in Rye Brook.
The New York State Department of Health hotline is (888) 364-3065 where Department of Health experts will be available to answer your questions regarding Coronavirus.
The following is a brief summary of municipal actions taken in Rye Brook municipal facilities:
- Daily cleaning of doorknobs and counter-tops in addition to regular cleaning regimen at village offices.
- Education about the Coronavirus, prevention, social separation, actions taken, and Q&A with Rye Brook staff.
- Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased for employees with higher risks due to their work assignments.
- Cancellation of most recreation programs involving large gatherings.
- After-school program held only when Ridge Street Elementary School is open.
- Information on COVID-19 prevention posted in Village offices, the Village website, and social media accounts.
- We have internally discussed scenarios among staff regarding inter-municipal cooperation and workplace adjustments (work from home, etc.) should village employees become sick or quarantined.
- Continue to communicate with Westchester County, neighboring municipalities, and other involved agencies to share information and response actions.
- Daily and more extensive weekly cleaning of equipment, bathrooms, and gates at playgrounds in Village parks.
- Please note that Village parks are drawing more people than normal and remain open at this time (and are being cleaned as indicated above), but parents should decide whether they would like their children to go to parks or they may want to be there to make sure their children are maintaining adequate separation while playing in the park to limit risks.
AJP Senior Center Precautions & Procedures:
- Events & Classes: Cancelled all AJP events where a 6 foot separation cannot be maintained or which may bring attendees resulting in more than 4 people to a table in the main room. All exercise programs are cancelled during this time.
- Recreation Dept. Programs at AJP: All recreation department programs and activities at AJP have been cancelled.
- Daily Lunch Program: Lunch will still be served Monday through Friday at 12 Noon and seniors must adhere to the 4 person per table rule.
- Lectures/Classes: Maintain lectures and other health or passive talks where 6 foot distance for anyone standing and 4 people to a table can be maintained.
- Trips: All off site trips have been cancelled through April 30th. The Village will refund the cost of ticket if a participant decides to cancel.
- Large parties: Cancel any parties where 6 foot standing separation cannot be maintained or which may bring crowds resulting in more than 4 people to a table in the main room. (i.e. Bingo, St. Patrick’s Day, Seder and Easter Events)
- Rentals: All rentals will be cancelled through April 30th and Rentals on or after May 1st will be alerted that there is a possibility that their event may be cancelled so they may wish to make alternate plans. We will not be accepting any new rentals at this time.
- Attendance (check-in) must be reinforced each day at center.
- Additional signage added throughout facility about Coronavirus, maintaining social distancing, and need to stay home if sick.
- Center may close if members do not maintain 4 person table limit with adequate separation.
- The above policies and procedures will be revised and updated as necessary and as more information becomes available.
The Governor also issued additional Executive Orders on March 12th which included the following actions, among others:
- Effective March 13th, organizers hosting large gatherings must postpone or cancel any events with in-person attendance of more than 500 participants for a minimum period of thirty (30) days.
- Effective March 13th, private and public operators of establishments or organizers of events with fewer than 500 occupants or attendees must operate at no more than 50% of their maximum occupancy for a minimum period of thirty (30) days.
Helpful Links about Coronavirus:
NYS Health Dept: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
Westchester County Department of Health: https://health.westchestergov.com/2019-novel-coronavirus
Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
We continue to work closely with county and state health authorities to monitor the extent of the outbreak. If you need to go to a doctor or emergency room, please call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
Thank you!
Paul Rosenberg
Mayor