Mayor’s Message: Message about COVID-19 Update #4 March 13, 2020

Mayor
Hi everyone,
 
As I’m sure you all know, the Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) situation has taken a rather dramatic turn since I last wrote.
 
There are still no known cases in Hastings-on-Hudson but some residents have been asked to self-quarantine due to travel (e.g. coming back to the US from hotspots abroad – note that the list of hot spot countries has grown) or due to cases that have been identified at their places of work.  
 
Although we don’t have any known cases, we are operating under the assumption that the virus is here and we need to take measures to reduce its potential impact, especially on our most vulnerable community members. Given the lack of test kits currently available in Westchester County, the Board of Trustees, the Village Manager and I have taken the view that we should support sensible containment efforts so as to stop the spread of the virus in our community. As you know, the term “social distancing” has entered the lexicon – the point is to reduce situations where people congregate. And so, in keeping with this new normal, we have authorized the cancellation of a number of events and meetings.  
 
Our understanding is that everyone who has been asked to self-quarantine is following the correct procedures but we know there is confusion about the protocols and so I am reiterating them here.
 
What To Do If You Feel Sick:
The CDC website is constantly being updated and there is detailed information on what to do if you think you might be sick: if you have the typical symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue) stay home (avoid public places and public transportation), separate yourself from others (use a separate bedroom and bathroom, have your linens washed frequently), and call the Covid-19 hotlines to notify the authorities so that you can be given the help you need while protecting your family and neighbors. Here are the numbers to call:
  • People under self-quarantine or exposure to known case, call (866) 588-0195
  • NYS Department of Health Covid-19 Hotline (888) 364-3065
  • Westchester County Covid-19 Information Call 211
 
Testing Protocols:
Some residents have called to say that they or their loved ones have symptoms that appear to be similar to those of Covid-19 but they have been unable to get a test. The County has provided guidance on when testing protocols kick in HERE. The bottom line is that, until more tests become available, tests will be provided to: people who were in close proximity to a person who has been diagnosed with Covid-19; people who have come back from a hot spot and have developed symptoms; or people who have been quarantined and developed symptoms. Governor Cuomo announced today that many more tests will become available during this coming week, so the categories of qualified persons should broaden. He also announced that drive-through testing is now available in New Rochelle (people can call 888-364-3065 to make an appointment at the mobile testing center if they qualify for testing).
 
Many of you have children who are returning home from study abroad trips and some of those children may need to be quarantined.  It will probably make you and your kids crazy but it’s really important that correct quarantine protocols are followed.
 
Isolation and Quarantine Protocols:
The CDC defines the two terms HERE:
  • Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. The County’s isolation protocol for Covid-19 is HERE.
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. The County’s quarantine protocol for Covid-19 is HERE.
 
As per the County’s quarantine protocol, the point of a “self-quarantine” is to avoid mixing with other people. If you are being asked to work from home please don’t call that “self-quarantine” as it will confuse others. If you are not clear what protocols you and your family should be following please call the self-quarantine hotline (866) 588-0195 to get accurate guidance. If after calling the hotline you are still unclear, or if you are getting conflicting messages, please let me know and I will make the County and State aware.
 
Governor Cuomo is taking the lead on standards for testing and quarantine. If you are quarantined, as inconvenient as it is, it is absolutely essential that you honor it
 
Large Gatherings:
The State is now defining large gatherings as more than 500 people. We have decided to postpone or cancel events where vulnerable populations might be exposed and the County has cancelled or postponed a number of events (see the County facebook page for details). For smaller events, each individual will need to use judgment about whether to attend given the circumstances. Most people are choosing to err on the side of caution.
 
Acts of Kindness #3:
There has been a proliferation of stories about acts of kindness in our amazing community.  Here is one from someone I met at the Good Witch the other day. She told me:
“I was asked to work from home by my company and all I could think about was the impact of this virus on our local businesses.  So my husband and I decided that each night we would order in from a different restaurant.  That seemed like a way for us to sample great food and also support our local economy.  Our restaurants are amazing and we want them to survive this crisis.”
 
Also, our Farmer’s Market has invited a few of the vendors from the canceled Irvington Farmer's Market (the Irvington School has cancelled all events) to set up in the Zinsser commuter lot TOMORROW from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The vendors who are coming are: Sun Sprout (Organic) Farms; Bien Cuit Bakery; Pura Vida Fishery; McGrath Cheese and R&M Farms (pastured meats, eggs). There will be wipes/sanitizer on hand and Pascale says she will make sure the stands are far apart and there is no “congregating” – she added “remember, we are a grocery store without walls.”
 
And finally, Trustee Lopez is co-ordinating efforts to support some of our more vulnerable our community members (along with family-to-family and others). Please reach out to her if you want to help: trusteelopez@hastingsgov.org.
 
Additional Resources: 
The CDC site is constantly being updated so check back in for guidance related to schools, colleges and universities, businesses and employers, places of worship, higher risk populations (older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions), pregnant women and children, homeless shelters and large gatherings.  There is also advice for travellers.
 
You can see past Mayor’s Messages HERE and messages from the Schools here #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7.
 
For County Executive George Latimer’s live Facebook interview with Dr. Sherita Amler, the County’s Public Health Commissioner, from earlier this week - see: HERE.  For todays press conference with Governor Cuomo see HERE.
 
The core advice for individual citizens remains the same as summarized on the County site HERE and also replicated on the Village website HERE.  
 
See also:
Feel free to reach out to me if you have specific questions, concerns or stories to share: mayor@hastingsgov.org
 
Sincerely,
 
Nicola Armacost
Mayor