RyeCity REVIEW THE
March 20, 2020 | Vol. 7, Number 62 | www.ryecityreview.com
State ramps up efforts in COVID-19 fight
ON Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced during his daily press briefing that he will issue an executive order directing non-essential businesses to implement work-from-home policies effective Friday, March 20.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on March 18, the USNS Comfort will be deployed to New York harbor and is expected to arrive in April. The 1,000-bed hospital ship has 12 fully-equipped operating rooms and will significantly increase New York’s hospital surge capacity. The governor is meeting with leadership of the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers today to discuss ways to increase hospital capacity in New York. The governor also announced he will issue an executive order directing non-essential busi-
nesses to implement work-fromhome policies effective Friday, March 20. Businesses that rely on in-office personnel must decrease their in-office workforce by 50 percent. The executive order exempts essential service industries, including shipping, media, warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers, utilities, banks and related financial institutions, and other industries critical to the supply chain. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is also joining the New York, New Jersey and Con-
necticut coalition to implement a regional approach to combatting COVID-19. The four governors announced indoor portions of retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys in the four states will close by 8 p.m. Thursday, after press time—an expansion of the guidance that the three governors from the tri-state area issued Monday, March 16. The guidance limits crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people. The governors also announced restaurants
and bars would close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. The governors also temporarily closed movie theaters, gyms and casinos. “We are doing everything we can as states to reduce density and contain the spread of the virus,” Cuomo said. “It is critical that we remain on the same page as our neighboring states, and so far we are the only region in the country partnering to create uniform, regional density reduction policies that prevent ‘state shopping.’” (Submitted)
County, state call for retired medical professionals to help As we all face new realities going forward due to the coronavirus pandemic, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is calling on all available New York State Licensed nurses to step forward and once again work in service of your neighbors. The call applies to retired or currently non-working nurses in this time of great need. “The reality is we don’t have enough nurses to meet our current
demand—and that demand will only grow,” Latimer said. “We need you now more than ever— your expertise, your education, your experience—you.” Nurses will be utilized to assist at locations such as nursing homes, child care programs, congregate care facilities, senior buildings and other sites that serve vulnerable populations. Westchester County Department of Social Services will coordinate
the placements in partnership with the Department of Health. Those interested in serving the community in this capacity should contact Lindsay Jackson at lajc@westchestergov.com Additionally, the state is asking all recently retired health professionals (including doctors) to volunteer to act as reserve staff. These professionals are asked to complete this survey: https://apps. health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/sur-
vey/retired-health-professional “If the surge of coronavirus cases reaches predicted levels as we saw in Italy, we need more testing, more beds, more ventilators, and more nurses and doctors,” Latimer said. “If you can contribute to the cause complete the survey above. We need you for what may be coming—and we thank you in advance for your service during this unprecedented time.” (Submitted)
County declares ‘State of Emergency’ to COVID-19 Standing outside the Michaelian Office Building, Westchester County Executive George Latimer declared a “State of Emergency” for the county. This will allow the county to take more expedient measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic currently facing our entire nation. “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,” Latimer said. “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.” The State of Emergency Declaration and subsequent order reads in part: “All public and private schools situated in Westchester County shall be closed to all students and staff except for the performance of administrative, instructional, professional and classified staff functions as determined by each school or school district. Such functions may include the provision of meals as prescribed by law and subject to guidance by the New York State Department of Health and The New York State Education Department; “The Order includes schools providing approved educational programs as nonpublic schools with an approved special education program (Chapter 853 School) and Special Act School Districts provided that the residential program affiliated with such school and school districts licensed and/ or approved by a New York State
agency, such as the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and New York State Office of Mental Health, are not impacted by the Order and are subject to directives issues by New York State.” “These are difficult times but we are all committed to support the needs of our communities,” said Ossining Schools Superintendent Dr. Ray Sanchez, who also serves as president of the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents. “School leaders understand the issues are complex and every day continue to evolve. But, we know that working together with our county [executive] will prepare us to respond to the unique challenges.” Following consultation with all 44 school districts in Westchester and current guidance from New York State, the order took effect on Wednesday March 18. “There are no precedents for the challenges we are presently facing,” White Plains Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca said. “We are all committed to our children, our faculty/staff members and our communities. We recognize how important it is that we continue to support our families and our districts. We are blessed to have such a strong partnership with the County and County Executive Latimer, and we are grateful for the leadership that will allow us to support our communities through this event. Working together, we will meet the challenges that arise daily.” (Submitted)