St. Mary's and Tuxedo Outreach Family Clothing Store - Posted 6/4/2020
Just as in families when outgrown clothing and shoes get handed down to younger and smaller siblings, so we have created a Tuxedo- wide family and made the hand downs available to everyone who lives in Tuxedo or Sloatsburg. Our shop is in Tuxedo Train Station. There is no charge for any items. Everything is free. We will be open next on Friday, June 12 from 10am until 4pm.The video shows what we have and how it is arranged.
As the appeal to 'stay at home' gets stronger, so do our food reserves at home get more depleted. This is just an urge to everyone not to be afraid to seek help in whatever form you need.
Our area liaisons are there to offer assistance and guidance in directing you to people who still feel confident that they can protect themselves, and you, while picking up grocery orders or pharmacy prescriptions.
The Food Pantry can provide food parcels if you run out of supplies before the next scheduled opening. These would be placed outside the pantry for individual pick ups. The next 'drive through' pantry opening will be on April 14th in Sloatsburg Municipal Parking Lot. FP 914 393 3160
St Mary's [ through generous donations] is in a position to give financial help in emergency situations.
Call Father Rick 917 658 6314 or Sue Heywood, St Mary's Outreach Chair, 845 351 3473 for assistance.
Several community organizations and concerned individuals have been meeting virtually to develop a comprehensive plan to address local needs during this global crisis.
Covid-19 Update - CoronaVirus Economic Reopening from The Mayor - Posted 5/23/2020
Dear Neighbors,
Our Mid-Hudson Region is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, May 26th (Phase 1) contingent on assembling the required number of contact tracers. In Part 3 of my COVID-19 Updates I shared information with you on how to apply to become a contact tracer. This morning Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Management, Alan C. Mack sent out the following request from Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus calling for more contract tracers.
Request from County Executive Steve Neuhaus regarding reopening
Per Governor Cuomo, the Mid-Hudson Region will be opening on Tuesday, May 26th, contingent upon having the required number of regional contact tracers signed up and certified. To that end, the County Executives in the Region have agreed to be sure that each does what is needed to fully meet this metric.
If you are willing to be a contact tracer or know someone else who will, please do the following no later than 5:00 pm Monday, May 25th:
Volunteers will need to take a free course and the exam from John Hopkins University (link is here). When filling out the online application, it initially shows a fee of $49. A discount is applied upon checkout making it no cost.
Provide your name and e-mail address to Michael Ventre, Deputy Commissioner of Orange County Health Department (mventre@orangecountygov.com).
Provide Deputy Commissioner Ventre with a copy of your certification upon completion of the course/test (scan and e-mail, or text or e-mail a photo of it).
Please note: if you have already done the steps above, you do not need to resubmit the information.
The Empire State Development website has re-opening guidance and guidelines for businesses: https://esd.ny.gov/
Contact Tracing:
The role of a contact tracer will involve calling people throughout the County who may have contacted a COVID-19 positive individual and collecting and entering data with respect to their whereabouts and individuals they have encountered.
To be a contact tracer, New York State requires the completion of an online training and certification program. According to the State, this online course and exam takes five hours; however, most people seem to complete it in roughly an hour.
In my last COVID-19 Update on May 13, we discussed when our Region might begin its reopening of the economy. I noted that our Region, the Mid-Hudson Region, includes Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Putnam, and Westchester counties. Since May 13, we have made little progress on meeting the last two of seven metrics that we must surpass before we can move forward.
One of the benchmarks the Mid-Hudson Region still has not met is having a 14-day decline in the number of COVID-19 patients who died in hospitals each day. As of Sunday, that tally had decreased for three days, which meant 11 more days to go - or May 28 - before the Region could satisfy that measure, but we had a setback. Orange County alone had an average of five COVID-19 deaths per day last week, according to its data. The county’s death toll had reached 408 by Friday - According to the information I excerpted from yesterday’s article in the THR.
How can we help?
The Mid-Hudson Region falls short of hiring the minimum number of contact tracers and support positions. Our community can move us closer to our goal of reopening by working as a contact tracer, team supervisor, or community support specialist. Everything you need to know about joining this effort is detailed on this State Coronavirus page.
Stay safe, and stay ready!
Thanks,
Mayor MAC
Covid-19 Pandemic Message from The Mayor - Posted 3/16/2020
Dear Neighbors,
The only effective way to stop the spread of the coronavirus is to limit social interaction. Tuxedo Park is secluded, but that does not mean that we, as residents, are immune to the spread of this disease. While most fatalities are limited to the elderly, in Italy, middle-aged people are dying from the virus as well - many put on respirators for weeks. While not confirmed, younger people may experience the debilitating effects of this virus on their lungs when they get older.
If anyone becomes ill, there may not be a hospital bed available as our hospital system is not designed for mass outbreaks. There is no vaccine and no cure.
I, therefore, urge you to limit if not eliminate social interactions and to practice social distancing. Many of our residents have visited restaurants, gone shopping, are coming from the city, or returning from vacation. Anyone one of us may have been unknowingly exposed to or transmitting the virus. I think we all agree that we do not want to spread the infection inside the Park. All it takes is one small dinner party or other interaction for the virus to go from one person to another and then another. I also urge you to limit if not halt your interaction with food delivery services, domestics, vendors, and package deliveries. As you know, someone may carry and spread the virus for two weeks before they experience any symptoms.
As an example, Patient 1 in Italy caused 40 deaths in the hospital where he was admitted. Two weeks prior, he interacted with family, friends, and colleagues. Italy now has thousands of cases, mostly in northern Italy, which is the epicenter of the disease in Europe.
The silver lining is that we can learn from our own experts and what has taken place in Italy. Italy quarantined its provinces and then its cities and now its citizens. Rome does not allow its citizens to leave their houses unless they for work or for groceries. But the good news is that Rome, and its surrounding area, with 6 million residents, had only 200 cases as of last week.
We can avoid the spread of this virus in Tuxedo Park with voluntary sequestration—before it becomes mandatory. While it would be nice to feel as though within the Gates we are safe and can do as we please, the virus does not know or care if it is in Wuhan, Milan, or Tuxedo Park.
Stay at home unless it is an emergency. Limiting any interaction is the most prudent action. If there is anywhere a community that can act for the benefit of the whole, it is our community. My goal is that no one in Tuxedo Park contracts the virus.
Thanks,
Mayor MAC
I apologize for the mistakes made in yesterday's announcements. Information changes by the moment.
Village Board of Trustees Coronavirus (Covid-19) Preparedness Plan
Dear Neighbors,
The health and safety of the entire community are of the utmost importance to us all.
The Board of Trustees held a Special Meeting Friday to work with the various service providers and department heads to develop preparedness plans related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The plan includes specific prudent and precautionary measures designed to protect not only the employees of the Village but all residents with a minimal amount of disruption to Village services.
We ask that you refrain from going to any public buildings or meetings if you are not feeling well. Please limit your physical visits to the Village Office and Police Headquarters and use the phone and email instead to conduct business.
The Mayor and Trustees are available to discuss your questions, comments, and suggestions.
Covid-19 Update From Supervisor English - Posted 5/23/2020
Orange County is included in the Mid-Hudson region which is expected to re-open with Phase 1 on Tuesday, May 26, provided that we meet the criteria for Contact Tracers. If you or someone you know is interested in helping our region by becoming a Contact Tracer, the following notice contains links for the training process. The notice also includes re-opening guidance and guidelines for businesses.
On behalf of County Executive Steve Neuhaus:
Per Governor Cuomo, the Mid-Hudson Region will be opening on Tuesday, May 26th, contingent upon having the required number of regional contact tracers signed up and certified. To that end, the County Executives in the Region have agreed to be sure that each does what is needed to fully meet this metric.
If you are willing to be a contact tracer or know someone else who will, please do the following no later than 5:00 pm Monday, May 25th:
Volunteers will need to take a free course and the exam from John Hopkins University (link is here). When filling out the online application, it initially shows a fee of $49. A discount is applied upon checkout making it no cost.
· Provide your name and e-mail address to Michael Ventre, Deputy Commissioner of Orange County Health Department (mventre@orangecountygov.com).
· Provide Deputy Commissioner Ventre with a copy of your certification upon completion of the course/test (scan and e-mail, or text or e-mail a photo of it).
· Please note: if you have already done the steps above, you do not need to resubmit the information.
· The Empire State Development website has re-opening guidance and guidelines for businesses: https://esd.ny.gov/
Contact Tracing:
The role of a contact tracer will involve calling people throughout the County who may have contacted a COVID-19 positive individual and collecting and entering data with respect to their whereabouts and individuals they have encountered.
To be a contact tracer, New York State requires the completion of an online training and certification program. According to the State, this online course and exam takes five hours; however, most people seem to complete it in roughly an hour.
COVID-19 UPDATES FROM THE TUXEDO UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICRT
Covid-19 Update - Posted 4/24/20
Dear Tuxedo Families,
Happy Friday! We have just completed week 6 of COVID-19 learning from home. I cannot believe we are already 6 weeks into this. Let me start by saying how appreciative I am of our dedicated staff. I know I might sound like a broken record, but every week I continue to see staff going above and beyond to support our children and learning from home.
As parents and caregivers, I also have to thank you! In addition to the stresses that come with regular daily life, you are handling a multitude of stresses that have been thrust upon you as a result of COVID-19. I know this hasn’t been easy and we are working hard to support you as best we can.
To that end, shortly after this email, you will receive another email with a survey of how things are going with learning from home. Please take the time and give us your honest feedback in that survey. I have spoken to parents over the past few weeks that have identified some areas of concern/stress, and those conversations have helped to inform the creation of the survey.
It has been a week since my last email, and I was hoping by waiting until the end of the week, I would have more information (from NYSED) to share. Unfortunately, we have not heard much from the Governor or NYSED. As I’m typing this letter, I just received the following notification in an email from the New York State School Boards Association.
School reopening will be decided
next week, Cuomo says
In response to a reporter’s question about the timeline for a decision on whether schools will reopen after May 15, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday that he will make a decision "next week."
Asked about a general state reopening plan including businesses, he said, "Some regions could reopen before others." However, pent-up demand could lead many people to travel and inundate restaurants and businesses in open areas, which would be undesirable from a health perspective, he said.
"You need two weeks of flat or declining numbers," to comply with federal guidelines, he noted. "Declining obviously is better."
- Eric D. Randall, Editor-in-Chief
On May 4th and 5th, there will be another meeting of the Board of Regents. We hear this will result in a “sweeping regulatory package”. We are hoping the Board of Regents meeting will provide further guidance on grading and GPA calculation, graduation requirements, transcripts, and NCAA sports related concerns.
As I’m sure you are aware, SchoolTool has not been updated to reflect current grades. This is mainly in part due to waiting for guidance. In the absence of that guidance, we have surveyed the teachers as well as surrounding districts to determine the best course of action and how we can best support our students while learning from home.
Today, I shared those results with the staff and they will begin entering grades to bring SchoolTool up to date for the 3rd quarter. The 3rd quarter will end as regularly scheduled with a regular grade as has always been done.
The 4th quarter will be determined by a rubric. The purpose of the rubric is to broaden our focus of student performance to include quality of the work, class attendance, effort and participation. The change from a numerical grade to a rubric-based grade for the 4th quarter may require some programmatic updates in SchoolTool. We thank you for your patience as we transition.
Lastly, we are always looking to add new features and links to our website. Please share some photos, fun facts, learning at home bloopers, shout outs, ideas, community information, etc. and we will post it on the website. It would be great to recognize the hard work and effort of our students. Email news@tuxedoufsd.org and we will post it.
Have a great weekend and stay healthy!
Timothy Bohlke
Superintendent of Schools
Tuxedo Union Free School District
1 Tornado Drive
Tuxedo, NY 10987
845-351-4799
Superintendent of Schools
COVID-19 UPDATES FROM THE COUNTY & THE STATE
Update From County Executive Steve Neuhaus - Posted 7/07/2020
Update From County Executive Steve Neuhaus - Posted 7/06/2020
Update From County Executive Steve Neuhaus - Posted 7/02/2020
Coronavirus Update From Senator James Skoufis: Demanding Better Enforcement - Posted 4/8/2020
Dear Friends:
I have two time-sensitive updates regarding the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic that I would like to share:
Calling on the Governor to Increase Enforcement:
Two weeks ago, I sounded the alarm with the Governor's office about virus hotspots in Orange and Rockland counties. We all know where they are and the numbers speak for themselves.
Yesterday, I again wrote a letter to the Governor to marshal the full r esources and attention of the state to dramatically increase enforcement of our stay-at-home orders. We need to crack down on violators who continue to recklessly endanger the lives and well-being of everyone in our county. Click here to view letter.
Please know that I will continue to urge the Governor to partner with local law enforcement and take all steps available to ensure residents in Orange, Rockland, and Ulster counties are adhering to the PAUSE directives. Enough is enough and I won't stop fighting until our community is better protected.
Small Business Forum Hosted by Senators Skoufis & Metzger:
As we continue to live in a world with rapidly changing information, our small businesses continue to face enormous challenges. This Thursday morning from 10:00AM-11:30AM, I will be partnering with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Senator Jen Metzger to host guest speakers from the National Federation of Independent Business on Facebook Live. This is an opportunity for small businesses in the region to listen to experts discuss what resources are available on the state and federal levels. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions through Facebook Live. Registration is not required but I would encourage you to rsvp on the event page, OC Chamber of Commerce NFIB Event.
Lastly, as a reminder, please be sure to complete the 2020 Censuswhile at home; it takes under 10 minutes and securing essential federal resources can only happen if all of us get counted. You can also fill out the Census by phone in 14+ languages by calling the numbers listedhere.
I will continue to provide you with the most up to date information. Stay well, take care, and know that my office is here for you: skoufis@nysenate.gov / 845-567-1270.
Sincerely,
Senator James Skoufis
Updated County Map of Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Cases - Posted 4/4/2020
Latest Executive Update From Karl Brabenec - Posted 3/28/2020
What You Need to Know
New York State on PAUSE: 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.
All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
The presidential primary election will move from April 28 to June 23rd, aligning it with the congressional and legislative primaries in New York.
Governor Cuomo issued an executive order to enable the tax filing deadline for personal and corporate taxes to be pushed back to July 15. The Federal government took similar action earlier this month.
Statewide school closures are extended by two weeks until April 15.
The State Department of Health Wadsworth Lab is working in partnership with other labs to evaluate antibody testing that is designed to help very sick COVID-19 patients.
Three new sites have been identified to serve as a place for emergency beds - South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island, Westchester Square in the Bronx and Health Alliance in Ulster County – adding 695 more beds.
The federal government has approved four new sites for temporary hospitals - the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, the Aqueduct Racetrack facility in Queens, CUNY Staten Island and the New York Expo Center in the Bronx - adding an additional 4,000 beds.
New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
More than 10,000 professional Mental Health Volunteers have signed up to provide free online mental health services.
62,000 healthcare workers, including retirees and students, have signed up to volunteer to work as part of the state's surge healthcare force during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
New Yorkers without Health Insurance can apply through NY State of Health within 60 days of losing coverage.
Department of Motor Vehicles offices are temporarily closed for in-office visits. Online transactions, including for license renewals, are still be available. License and permit expirations will be extended.
All non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions until further notice as part of New York State on PAUSE. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.
Message From Governor Cuomo - Posted 3/24/2020
I want to be clear: We are not willing to sacrifice 1-2% of New Yorkers to this virus. That's not who we are. My mother is not expendable. Your mother is not expendable. We will not put a dollar figure on human life. We can have a public health strategy that is consistent with an economic one. No one should be talking about social Darwinism for the sake of the stock market. The first order of business is to save lives.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. We have some new facts about the pandemic that are not encouraging — and I want to make sure you understand them so we react accordingly. Unfortunately, the increase in the number of cases in New York is continuing — in fact, the rate of increase has gone up. We are now forecasting that the "apex" of the virus in our state — the point when we have the most cases — could be as soon as 14 to 21 days from now. New York State is doing everything we can on every level to slow the spread and flatten the curve, but we need your help. Please stay at home and follow our protocols.
2. I'm asking the federal government to send more ventilators to New York. The state has procured about 7,000 ventilators but we still need at least 30,000 more. The federal government must distribute ventilators from their stockpile to our state, where there is the greatest need. We need them now — it will be the difference between life and death. After New York gets past the apex of this pandemic, I will transport the ventilators myself wherever they are next needed.
3. New York State is distributing health care supplies to help frontline workers combatting COVID-19 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester. The state is deploying 339,760 N-95 masks, 861,700 surgical masks, 353,300 gloves, 145,122 gowns and 197,085 face shields to the hospitals in the greatest need in these regions. This disbursement is on top of the one million N-95 masks that the State purchased and sent to New York City and the approximately 500,000 N-95 masks that the State purchased and sent to Long Island last week.
4. We are continuing to find new ways to build a health care staff reserve to meet surge capacity. The State Department of Financial Services is requesting that health insurance companies disclose the number of nurses and doctors who work for them (for example, to process claims). This is so the state can reach out to those employees and ask them to temporarily serve in the field during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
5. It is clear that the Coronavirus pandemic will have a real impact on "gig-economy" workers. They deserve protections now, which is why I am asking the federal government to provide unemployment assistance to New York's "gig-economy" workers, farmers, independent contractors and others. I also signed an Executive Order waiving the 7-day waiting period for workers to claim unemployment insurance if you have been put out of work due to COVID-19. Learn how to file an unemployment insurance claim here.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Feeling cooped up? At 12pm tomorrow, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is giving a virtual "Orchid Show" while the Garden remains temporarily closed. Join the Facebook Watch Party here.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State's Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Important Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update From Senator James Skoufis - Posted 3/23/20
Dear Friends:
Please know that my team and I continue to work around the clock on Coronavirus-related issues and are doing our best to communicate timely updates to you all and our Senate District. While my staff has moved to a remote-working operation to minimize communal contact, we continue to fully operate via phone and email. Please be in touch if you need anything from us.
A number of new statewide measures went into effect last night at 8:00 PM:
Only those who work in essential services may continue operating. Please click herefor a breakdown of what is included in essential services. To request designation as an essential business, please click here.
Non-essential gatherings of any size are temporarily banned.
Since we last emailed, measures that I’ve called for have been implemented, including:
1) The Governor agreed to provide some additional relief for small businesses. If you were unable to make your monthly sales tax payment due to the state on Friday, there will NOT be any late fees or penalties.
2) Woodbury Common has temporarily shut down. This comes on the heels of my calling on the Governor to mandate such closures. As a result, Woodbury Common closed last week.
3) Orange and Rockland as well as Central Hudson, will completely waive late fees for customers impacted by the Coronavirus; this news comes following my outreach to both utilities. Suspending utility fees when many residents and small businesses are experiencing financial hardship is essential so that families can keep the lights on, water running, and homes warm.
Additionally:
A drive-through testing site has become active at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area off the Palisades Parkway; this testing site is by appointment only which can be made t hrough the state Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
New York State's income tax deadline is extended to July 15th to coincide with the new federal filing date.
All non-critical, elective surgeries are to be postponed. This goes into effect Wednesday, March 25th.
The State is providing mortgage relief to struggling homeowners impacted by the pandemic by requiring banks to waive mortgage payments for 90 days.
The State Senate Majority approved mandatory paid sick leave for isolated workers.
The State is continuing to maximize existing hospitals and build more hospital bed capacity in anticipation for the coming weeks.
New York State continues to have the most robust testing regiment in the country.
The State has temporarily halted the collection of any medical and student debt that’s owed to the State and referred to the Attorney General’s Office.
Orange, Rockland, and Ulster Counties have all declared states of emergency.
Many of our local businesses are struggling during this time. That’s why I created a Face book Event page called“Open For Business,”to connect residen ts with local businesses doing take-out and delivery. My staff is continuing to compile a list of restaurants, breweries, bars, etc. that are open, organized by town. I’m encouraging residents to share support using the hashtag#BuyLocalOrByeLocal.
Please be sure to complete the 2020 Census while at home; it takes under 10 minutes and securing essential federal resources can only happen if all of us get counted. You can also fill out the Census by phone in 14+ languages by calling the numbers listed here.
What are the numbers?
As of today, there 389 cases in Orange County, 592 in Rockland County and 26 in Ulster County. These numbers are expected to continue rapidly changing as we increase testing.
Community Resources:
If you know or suspect someone despicably price gouging, please report it by calling 1-800-697-1220 or Local Consumer Affairs at 845-360-6700.
The New York State Department of Health has set up a 24-Hour Hotline Number: 1-888-364-3065 and informational website.
The CDC's Recommendations for vulnerable populations can be found here.
The CDC Guidelines for Childcare Centers and K-12 Schools can be found here.
Online Alcoholics-Anonymous Meetings can be found here.
Rockland County Department of Health: 845-364-2512
Ulster County Department of Health: 845-340–3150
Important FAQ’s:
What are the symptoms?
Current symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
How is the virus spread?
This virus most commonly spreads from an infected person to others through:
Coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
How do I protect myself?
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
My office remains operational if we can be of any assistance: skoufis@nysenate.gov / 845-567-1270.
I will continue to provide you with the most up to date information. Be safe, take care, and know that I’m working overtime to provide our communities with support and financial relief during this time.
Important Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update From Senator James Skoufis - Posted 3/15/20
Dear Friends:
My team and I are working each day on Coronavirus-related issues as well as doing our best to communicate timely updates to you all and our Senate District. Since we last emailed, a number of measures that I’ve called for have been implemented, namely:
1) The 180-day instructional mandate in our schools has been waived; our local schools will not be penalized if they drop below that number.
2) Visitation has been temporarily halted at our state correctional facilities. This ought to be extended to the Office of Mental Health facilities.
Additionally:
All schools in Orange and Ulster counties are due to close for two weeks. Rockland County government will be making an announcement on this issue tomorrow.
Petitioning for this November’s elections has been cut off two weeks short in order to limit the door-to-door signature gathering that traditionally takes place.
Drive-through testing sites are being set up around the state. The first one opened a couple of days ago in New Rochelle.
Effective tomorrow, there will be a one-week moratorium on evictions.
Only medically-necessary visits to nursing homes are permitted.
Utilities are prohibited from shutting off services to customers that are affected by Coronavirus.
West Point is no longer allowing non-essential visitors.
Half capacity regulations have been implemented. This means that only 50% of the legal occupancy of a facility is now permitted.
The state is working on maximizing existing hospitals and building more hospital bed capacity in anticipation for the coming weeks.
Over 5,000 people have been tested, including over 400 tests performed since last night. Much more is needed, but New York State has the most robust testing regiment in the country.
DMVs are directed to move to appointment-only so as to avoid crowds.
Many of our local businesses are struggling during this time. I encourage you to order take-out or buy gift cards from your favorite restaurants and shops to help support them through this challenging period.
Most schools are closed in our Senate District starting this upcoming week,but importantly: if your child relies on free or reduced meals at school, please make sure to check with your district for meal pickup times.
What are the numbers?
As of today, there are 729 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in NYS with 6 cases in Orange County, 14 in Rockland County and 5 in Ulster County. These numbers are expected to rapidly change.
Important Resources:
If you know or suspect someone despicably price gouging, please report it by calling 1-800-697-1220 or Local Consumer Affairs at 845-360-6700.
The New York State Department of Health has set up a 24-Hour Hotline Number: 1-888-364-3065 and informational website.
The Center for Disease Control’s Recommendations for vulnerable populations can be found here.
Important FAQ’s:
Who do I contact if I have symptoms?
Please contact the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2330 BEFORE going to a medical facility. If you feel you are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to also call your medical provider prior to going to a facility.
What are the symptoms?
Current symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
How is the virus spread?
This virus most commonly spreads from an infected person to others through:
Coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
How do I protect myself?
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
My office remains open if we can be of any assistance: skoufis@nysenate.gov / 845-567-1270.
I will continue to provide you with the most up to date information. Be safe, take care, and know that I’m working around the clock on this issue.
