COVID-19

A homeschool family at a Genesee Community College ceremoning a few years ago, courtesy of GCC.

Press release:

Genesee Community College has long prided itself on proactively identifying the emerging needs of our community and providing new services and opportunities accordingly.

More than a decade ago, college administrators recognized the unique needs of homeschooled students and established a system of services and enrollment opportunities to not only help these students transition to college, but to simultaneously help them earn their required New York State High School Equivalency Diploma.

These services begin with several special Homeschool Information Sessions held each spring at various campus centers to inform homeschooled families about the array of educational resources available.

GCC's helpful and popular program now serves more than 200 homeschool students and their families and is particular point of pride for GCC.

Through the years and the desire to support, connect and encourage local families, some of these information sessions included a picnic, refreshments and even live music by a local musician.

Today, GCC's desire to help families who homeschool their children is stronger than ever and may now find new growth opportunities as the institution expands its online learning modalities under the current coronavirus pandemic. 

The College's ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) Office, which oversees GCC's Homeschool Program has developed a special informational presentation available completely online that replaces the onsite Information Sessions usually held at the campus centers.

Contained in this presentation are all of the resources and documentation homeschool students and families would have received during a traditional onsite session.

The program includes information on how GCC's coursework is specially bundled to help homeschooled students earn their high school diplomas. In addition, GCC's simple, one-page admissions application, information on tuition costs related New York State residency requirements, and the Genesee Promise Plus Summer Scholarship program are also covered.

"We have a long history of working with homeschool families in our community, giving them the reassurance and demonstrating how GCC is an excellent option and a solid stepping-stone for their children," Angela Tozer, ACE Program specialist, said.

"Interestingly, our homeschool families are experiencing the least amount of disruption to their educational routines due to COVID-19 as they are able to take advantage of GCC's extensive online learning options readily available to them."

Homeschooled students advance their education through GCC with a wide range of different classes offered in many subject areas. In addition, students under age 18 may take approved courses at the reduced ACE tuition rate of $60 per credit hour -- a savings of nearly 68 percent over regular GCC tuition.

"Homeschooled students appreciate GCC's student-centered mission and all of our classes are small," Tozer said. "The College's extraordinarily low student-to-teacher ratio makes the transition to college much easier," citing GCC's 14-to-1 student to faculty ratio enjoyed by students and faculty alike.

"At the same time, GCC is big enough to offer the many different courses and subject areas that students want and our affiliation with SUNY makes GCC the perfect pathway for homeschool families. With support and individual attention, students transition from their at-home learning environment to a college-level curriculum full of hands-on learning, experience and success."

For access to this online Homeschool Information Presentation contact the ACE Office at ACE@genesee.edu. Additional details can be found online here.

Furthermore, families utilizing the homeschool presentations will also have the opportunity to learn about the Genesee Promise Plus Summer Scholarship program, which provides students with one or two summer 2020 classes online tuition-free at GCC!

More than 100 courses are being offered this summer throughout the following three summer sessions:

• Full Summer Session runs May 26 - Aug. 7
• Session I runs May 26 - June 26
• Session II runs July 6 - Aug. 7

"The homeschooling program at GCC gave me many unique opportunities that I am very grateful for," said Laura Allen, a currently enrolled student said. "The team for homeschooling and the advisors are very supportive and understanding, always working with you for the best achievement of education.

"Being a homeschooler, I was nervous that I was going to struggle being at a college level, but GCC's program worked with me through it all. They offer free tutoring services, and help you get the best out of your education. I am very grateful for all the work everyone does for the homeschooling program, and I am excited to say that I found my career pathway thanks to GCC."

Press release:

The Salvation Army would like to acknowledge the overwhelming support of the Genesee County community in supporting the effort to provide food for those affected by the current crisis caused by the coronavirus.

In a typical month The Salvation Army assists approximately 25-30 families per with food. During this crisis the numbers have exploded. Currently the need is affecting more than 600 families per month.

The gymnasium has been converted to the emergency operations center. Staff and volunteers prepack boxes and bring them out and place them directly into vehicles. This helps to ensure social distancing and limits personal contact.

Not only are they serving people affected financially but also significant numbers of people in the “at-risk” population who are reluctant to spend time in the stores.

“It is our community that makes all this possible," said Todd L. Rapp, operations manager, coordinator emergency of Disaster Services, The Salvation Army. "Whether it is fresh produce, frozen meat, milk, eggs, personal hygiene products or canned goods it has all come from our community.”

The Salvation Army would like you to know that they are here for the long run and will continue to help those in need well beyond the current crisis. Even though the region has begun to reopen the need is still great.

Current significant pantry needs are beans, vegetables, fruit, soup and rice.

Should you wish to help, donations can be dropped off at the rear of the 529 E. Main St. location in Batavia (directly across from Tully’s restaurant). Donations are accepted Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Should you need food assistance you can stop by during those same hours and you will be taken care of.

Public Notice

Town of Batavia State of Emergency Declaration

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the TOWN OF BATAVIA, effective at 6 p.m. on May 17, 2020.

This State of Emergency has been declared due to the existing and continuing declared States of Emergency at the Federal, State, County, and City of Batavia, related to the COVID-19 Virus.

This situation threatens the public safety.

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of TOWN OF BATAVIA, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Gregory H. Post, exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality.

I hereby direct all departments and agencies of TOWN OF BATAVIA to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Gregory H. Post,

Town of Batavia Supervisor

May 17, 2020

As of 2 p.m. today, there were no new COVID-19-positive cases reported in Genesee County.

The health department released no further information.

Weekly Sunday message from Pastor Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

Photos and story by Diane S. Cox, a prayer leader at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia:

During this time of uncertainty and pain, it is important to feel that we are "doing something" positive.

While the essential workers are out of the house and risking their own health and that of their families while feeling fearful, others are staying home worrying about finances, health, and feeling frustrated and restless, wishing they could work or do more.

We are all doing our parts, each with its struggles, sacrifices and challenges, and it takes each and every person to demonstrate our love for each other by staying the course.

Whether we attend a church, synagogue, temple, mosque or are nontraditional or do not belong to a worshipping community at all, prayer may play a part in the actions we all can take during this coronavirus pandemic.

For some, prayer is a way of life and it is second nature to ask others to pray with us or for us. For others, it may be a vague memory from childhood; one that brings a sense of comfort and peace.

Often, people want to pray but feel that they don't know how or are skeptical about the whole idea. It doesn't matter what your tradition around prayer is. During times of fear and death, uncertainty and change, prayer can bring peace and calmness. It is that action we can take together.

St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia is offering all of us a chance to have many people pray for any concerns that we might have.

We may need to ask for protection for essential workers, patience for ourselves, or surrounding a loved one in a nursing home or hospital with love.

Whatever our needs are, we can write a request on a ribbon and tie it to the prayer fence at the church walkway, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

All requests will be checked daily and prayed for by parishioners until you take the ribbon down or this pandemic is over.

Together we show what love looks like.

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have received 14 more COVID-19 cases. Orleans has 12 new cases (bringing the total to 166) and Genesee has two (bringing the total to 171). 

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individuals will be notified by Health Department staff. Nine of the Orleans County individuals are residents of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center and three are community members. Genesee County’s two individuals who tested positive are community members.

The health department was made aware that the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) did swab all residents and employees of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center. Any questions regarding specific issues should be addressed to The Villages or NYSDOH.

We have also received word of the death of an individual who had tested positive for COVID-19 and was a resident of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center (now for a total of 21 nursing home deaths related to COVID-19). Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very sad and difficult time.

Horse racing in New York State could resume as early as June 1, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today at his COVID-19 pandemic press conference.

The governor said that racing would take place without spectators and with safety measures that will be outlined in detail in the days ahead, and the restart would hinge upon the continuous decline of New York’s total hospitalization rate from the virus. 

While live racing isn’t scheduled to officially begin at Batavia Downs Gaming until July 22, Henry Wojtaszek, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., said today’s announcement is welcome news.

“We’re certainly happy to hear that, and we have been doing a great deal of work preparing for our opening (of the gaming facility) sometime in June,” he said. “We have been working with the (New York State) Gaming Commission internally and will start working on the track in about a week or so to get that ready.”

Batavia Downs’ harness racing slate currently lists 65 dates, beginning on Wed., July 22 and ending in early December.

When asked if Batavia Downs Gaming has a reopening plan in place, Wojtaszek said that “it’s a work in progress” that is being shared at every step with the Gaming Commission.

Live Racing GM/Director Todd Haight, Vice President of Operations Scott Kiedrowski, and Wojtaszek are steering the drafting of the facility’s reopening plan in conjunction with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, “with whom we have a very good relationship,” Wojtaszek said.

“We’re also working with our trade association, the New York Gaming Association, and individually to cleanse and sanitize, and put the safety protocols in place,” he said, noting that some parts of the operation are included in Phase Three and some in Phase Four of the state’s four-phase reopening strategy.

“That’s why we’re hoping to open sometime in June,” he said.

Wojtaszek said that all employees are back to work, some on a regular basis – such as security, surveillance and maintenance staff – and others either working at the Park Road site, from home or on call.

Also, today, Cuomo said that Watkins Glen International race track would be able to reopen for NASCAR races in August, and baseball was mentioned as a sport that could conduct its season without fans in the stands.

The governor reported that daily hospitalizations and intubations have dropped to around 400 new cases per day.

Briefing.

Gov. Cuomo announced that harness racing at Batavia Downs can resume without fans on June 1.

Press release:

• Westchester and Suffolk counties are now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care.
• Calls on U.S. Senate to pass Coronavirus Relief Bill
• Confirms 2,419 additional coronavirus cases in New York State -- bringing statewide total to 348,232; new cases in 52 counties.

Governor Cuomo: "What can you do, or what economic activity is willing to reopen without a crowd, right? They're talking about this in terms of sports. You're going to have baseball without a crowd but it can still be televised -- great. If you can have economic activity without a crowd, that's great. We can do that in this state with horseracing tracks, and we're going to do that. There will be guidelines for the actual participants, but no crowds, no fans. But for the industry itself, for the televised viewers, that can still work. That is also true with Watkins Glen, that can operate and there's a big viewership for Watkins Glen."

Cuomo: "Let's put the politics aside. If there's ever a moment in this government, in this country, where it's not about politics, this is the moment. For Senators to be talking about 'I'm not going to bail out blue states because the blue states have more coronavirus cases', shame on you. Shame on you to look at the death toll in this nation and say 'I want to count how many people passed away by their political party and I'm more interested in states where Republicans live than where Democrats live'. We're not Democrats and Republicans, we are Americans. That's what comes first and in a time of crisis we've always been Americans."

Earlier today, Cuomo announced horseracing tracks across the state and Watkins Glen International Racetrack will be allowed to open without fans as of June 1st. The state will issue guidance on how they can open safely reopen in the coming week.

"Operation Flight From Above" flew over Batavia’s VA home and UMMC to thank healthcare providers for their effort during the COVID-19 crisis.

The flyover consisted of two World War II era planes. Geneseo’s National Warplane Museum’s  C-47 "Whiskey 7," which saw service over Normandy, France, and a locally owned P51 Mustang called "Mad Max."

After a rough start because of bad weather in the Southern Tier, the formation flew over only about 15 minutes late at 1,300 feet and 180 mph.  

The parking lots and sidewalks around UMCC were full of viewers who got a glimpse of the planes as they flew over during their salute. 

Next two photos below submitted by Frank Capuano.

Photo below by Bob Aiken.

As Genesee County moves into its first week of a Phase One reopening from a pandemic lockdown, Public Health Director Paul Pettit said it's reasonable to expect to see more positive COVID-19 cases reported, both because of an increase in testing, and because people will be in contact with each other.

But positive cases are not the key metric to monitor, Pettit said. What he and government officials will watch is the availability of hospital beds. Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to maintain a 30-percent capacity available at hospitals.

With hospitals now permitted to perform elective procedures, there are fewer beds available than when those procedures were prohibited, Pettit indicated.

"A lot of the indicators aren't really directly honing in on a specific number of cases or a number of positives," Pettit said. "They're really honing on our regional capacity to deal with them. A lot of it's focused on hospitalization, ICU beds, number of available beds. Those types of criteria are a more important indicator of how we can handle and respond to the most vulnerable populations because again, our immune-compromised, those with underlying health issues, need hospital beds, need higher levels of care. That's going to be our issue."

Continued acceptable hospital capacity in the Finger Lakes Region will be a key indicator as New York becomes unpaused for each phase of the reopening.

To keep that number low, Pettit said, people need to continue to take all necessary precautions against spreading the disease.

"It is expected we're going to see an increased number of cases, but we need to do our best to continue to try to keep them low," Pettit said. "Make sure we're practicing our social distancing, and hopefully not have spike rates in severe cases that are going to impact our health system."

Unpausing New York is expected to happen in four phases by region:

Phase One:

• Construction
• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
• Retail -- (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale Trade

Phase Two: 

• Professional Services
• Retail
• Administrative Support
• Real Estate / Rental & Leasing

Phase Three: 

• Restaurants / Food Services

Phase Four: 

• Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
• Education

The Finger Lakes Region is one of the first regions in the state to enter Phase One, and while each phase is generally expected to take four weeks, there is already talk of Finger Lakes entering Phase Two on May 29, Pettit indicated.

While experts debate just how many COVID-19 tests need to be administered on a daily basis to help control the spread of the disease in an open economy, there is consensus that a lot of testing is needed.

Petit expressed concern that there are not enough tests available in Genesee County to meet our needs. That means only people who meet the criteria for testing, such as close-contact with a positive case or a vulnerable person who is symptomatic, can get tests locally. However, he noted, there is an ample supply of tests available in Monroe County and local residents who want a test without meeting that criteria can drive to testing locations in the Rochester area.

The health director does have more confidence in the local capacity to handle contact tracing when a positive case is identified, which is another key strategy in helping to control outbreaks. Pettit said if there is a local spike in cases, New York has additional contract tracing resources local health officials can summon.

He also noted, for anybody looking for a job, that the state is looking to hire more contract tracers.

For those expecting a lull in the disease spread during the summer, before a resurgence in the fall, Pettit suggested we not count on much of a lull but expect a second wave in the fall or winter.

"When you look at the data in the Southern Hemisphere, which have been inverted with their summer, they still had a lot of cases," Pettit said. "They still had a lot of transmissions. So it's really hard to say how that's going to play out for us locally here in the summer, when that the warmer weather comes along. That's why we're really stressing the importance of making sure we stick with the guidelines. We don't want to see those spikes."

The seasonality of COVID-19, or lack of it, is just one of the things that are still unknown about the novel coronavirus.

"There's a lot to be learned about this virus, (there) is a lot that we're trying to understand as we move forward in time," Pettit said. "We obviously can only implement and act the way we're able to based on the knowledge that we have. So the best thing we can do is encourage folks to continue to practice social distancing and do their best to protect others by protecting themselves."

Town of Bergen State of Emergency Proclamation

The County of Genesee and the State of New York have declared States of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The outbreak poses an immediate danger to public health and safety, which endangers the residents and businesses of the Town of Bergen.

In consultation with the Village of Bergen and Bergen Fire Department, I believe it is in the best interest of the Town of Bergen and our residents/businesses for me to issue a State of Emergency in the Town of Bergen, which will allow me the discretion to use any and all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the Town of Bergen in such a manner as may be necessary or appropriate to cope with the disaster or emergency resulting therefrom.

In particular, but with no limitation, I anticipate that it will be critical to have Town of Bergen personnel available to respond to specific, but currently unforeseen, needs arising in the Town.

Therefore, by the power vested in me, pursuant to Article 2B of the Executive Law of the State of New York, I hereby declare a State of Emergency effective at 5 p.m. on May 15, 2020 in the Town of Bergen, Genesee County, New York.

This State of Emergency shall remain in effect for the next 30 days unless and until rescinded or extended by me for an additional 30-day period.

Any residents in need of special or emergency assistance are advised to contact 9-1-1. All residents are advised to monitor the Town's website and local media reports for continued updates and advisories.

Ernest Haywood

Supervisor, Town of Bergen, Genesee County, NY

Press release:

The National Warplane Museum (NWM) in Geneseo is honoring WNY healthcare workers and first responders with two flyovers in Genesee County on Saturday, May 16.

At the Batavia VA Medical Center, the flyover will occur at 11:20 a.m. (give or take 10 minutes).

At United Memorial Medical Center, the flyover will occur at 11:24 a.m. (give or take 10 minutes).

"Operation Thanks From Above" will feature NWM's very own Douglas C-47, affectionately named "Whiskey 7," and it will take to the skies accompanied by one other aircraft, a P-51 Mustang named "Mad Max."

The flight will salute the local first responders, medical and essential workers who have served and conitue to serve the WNY region during the coronavirus pandemic.

We hope you can attend and view a flyover. VA medical and UMMC staff members working on Saturday have been notified. 

• Batavia viewing – in front of Building 1, near Outpatient Entrance, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia.
• UMMC viewing is at 330 Summit St., Batavia.

Parking is plentiful and free.

#ROCTheSky

#ThanksFromAbove

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is pleased to partner with New York State Agriculture and Markets, CY Farms LLC, and Genesee County Farm Bureau to provide New York State hand sanitizer at no cost to the ag community in Genesee County.

Please register by 4 p.m. on Monday, May 18.

Distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the local Cornell Extension office, 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Genesee County production farms of any type are encouraged to participate, along with farm stands, CSAs, greenhouses and U-pick operations.

The goal is to support safe and healthy workplace practices to keep our agriculture workforce strong.

Liquid hand sanitizer is available by the case -- 4 gallons to a case (with a pump). This is a liquid, not a gel.

For ease of use, businesses may decide to purchase small spray bottles for daily use and refill them from the gallon jug.

Please note that this is a 75-percent alcohol-based liquid gel. It is highly flammable. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. It is not drinkable.

Farms interested in picking up hand sanitizer should complete the online registration here.

Include farm contact information, requested quantity and time slot for pick up (to limit wait times and traffic). 

Quantities may be adjusted before pick up to ensure adequate supplies are available to as many farms as possible.

Details for picking up:

• Stay in your vehicle and wait for a staff member to direct you to the pick-up area;
• Whoever is picking up the sanitizer for your farm will need to wear their own face covering and load the cases of sanitizer into their vehicle;
• If you are getting more than one case, consider bringing a handcart;
• Please maintain social distancing when picking up;
• Staff will need to collect some information from you before you can pick up the sanitizer.

Supplies are limited.

The suggested guidelines for each farm are:

• 1-6 employees: 1 case
• 7-15 employees: 2 cases
• 15 plus: 3 – 4 cases

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has signed a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo asking him to reconsider allowing religious institutions to open and host services earlier than previously indicated.

With Western New York leading the charge to reopen the state, Hawley understands the value these religious institutions have to the community, and how supportive it can be knowing these institutions are readily available.

“If we follow the proper procedures – adequate distancing, wearing face coverings, and remaining hygienic – I think these institutions, should they choose, ought to be able to conduct services,” Hawley said. “The good spiritual health of a community can help make this transition a lot smoother for everyone.”

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Since the COVID-19 outbreak hit New York, I’ve been a strong proponent of keeping people safe and healthy. It’s one of the few things I agreed with our governor about. Now that the worst seems to have passed, we need to look back at what was done wrong and try to start making right what we can.

The Assembly Majority makes it seem like that’s what they’re trying to do too, with their most recent virtual hearing focusing on small business advocacy and small business laws. What they fail to realize, amazingly, is that the policies put forth by their leadership and their votes are why many New Yorkers are struggling so much today.

The Assembly Minority Conference, on the other hand, isn’t just now getting back to work. From day one, I’ve been on the phone with constituents, on the ground with aid and assistance, and working tirelessly wherever I could to help my neighbors push through this pandemic. I didn’t sit at home and blame Washington for not giving us more.

I didn’t vote down legislation like the Small Business Recovery Act, which would have used the state’s $890 million reserve fund and redistributed it to struggling local businesses accompanied with zero interest recovery loans. I didn’t agree or support the one-solution-fits-all regional plan that the Majority and governor introduced at the start of this crisis, which in turn stalled state response significantly. That’s what the Majority did. 

The Majority sat by and let the state flounder during this pandemic. They gave unilateral power to the governor to make decisions for the entirety of the state with plans based around one city. With so much to do in the coming weeks, we can’t let this continue.

For the good of everyone’s health, for the good of our nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters, public service men and women, we followed the plan set forth by the Majority and governor in order to get through the worst this pandemic had to offer. We’re clearly past the worst now. 

As we see positive cases subside and the state beginning to reopen, we need to make sure everything returns to the way it was, including the structure of power in the state. The governor did what was necessary to get us through that rough patch. He must now return power to the Legislature, and the Legislature need to get back on its A-game.

From the Department of Labor getting better at giving out unemployment checks to the Department of Health becoming more involved in local investigations of nursing homes, there’s a lot of work to be done moving forward. We are ready to get back to work. We don’t have any interest in blaming Washington. We simply want to get results for those who matter most – the people.

Press release:

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received four new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 169 positive cases.
    • One of the positive cases resides in Le Roy and three of the positive cases reside in Batavia.
    • One of the individuals is in their 20s and three are in their 30s.
    • Two of the newly positive individuals were not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Three of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • One of the total active positive cases is hospitalized.
    • The Genesee County Health Department received notification that one of the patients from the Batavia VA Medical Center has been identified as an Erie County resident. Therefore, the total positive case number will be one less and has been adjusted in our data.
  • Orleans County received eight new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 154 positive cases.
    • One of the positive cases resides in Yates and two of the new positive cases reside in Ridgeway, one of the new positive cases resides in Shelby, two of the new positive cases reside in Albion, and one of the new positive cases resides in Murray.
    • One of the positive cases reside at The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center.
    • Three of the individuals are in their 20s, two of the individuals are in their 30’s, two of the individuals are in their 50s and one of the individuals is in their 80s.
    • None of the newly positive community cases were on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • One of the previous positive community cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Thirteen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.

The pandemic has taught us at least a couple of important lessons. One is that borders matter. Another is that successful responses to threats to our safety and well-being require cooperation and coordination rather than unilateral action.

As we pause to give thanks to our law enforcers this week, we recognize the difficulty of the jobs they face. The last thing that they — and the public they protect — deserve is legislation which obstructs their mission, endangers their safety by causing DHS agencies to operate blind when it comes to DMV data, and criminalizes the cooperation which has time and again proven to be so critical to the preservation of public safety.

Indeed, amidst this crisis, such legislation might rightfully cause some to question just how important the safety and well-being of the law enforcement officers and the residents of this state truly are to those who enacted it.

A statement from Village of Bergen Anna Marie Barclay:

"The declaration (below) allows the Mayor discretion to use all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the Village of Bergen to cope with the COVID-19 emergency. I anticipate that it will be critical to have Village of Bergen personnel available to respond to various needs arising in the Village. I am sure we will all rise to the occasion to help each other, safely, during this time."

Public Notice

The County of Genesee and the State of New York have declared States of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The outbreak poses and immediate danger to public health and safety which endangers the residents and businesses of the Village of Bergen.

I believe it is in the best interest of the Village of Bergen and our residents/businesses for me to issue a State of Emergency in the Village of Bergen, which will allow me the discretion to use any and all facilities, equipment, supplies and other resources of the Village of Bergen in such a manner as may be neceesary or appropriate to cope with the disaster of emergency resulting there from.

In particular, but with no limitation, I anticipate that it will be critical to have the Village of Bergen personnel available to respond to specific, but currently unforeseen, needs arising in the Village. The Village of Bergen will be coordinating efforts with the Town of Bergen.

Therefore I have exercised the authority given to me and the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer of the Village of Bergen, pursuant to Article 2B of the Executive Law of the State of New York, and hereby declare a state of emergency effective this date, May 15, 2020 at 3 p.m. in the Village of Bergen, Genesee County, New York.

This state of emergency shall remain in effect for the next 30 days unless and until rescinded or extended by me for additional 30-day period.

Any residents in need of special or emergency assistance are advised to contact 9-1-1. All residents are advised to monitor the Village of Bergen website, local media reports for continued updates and advisories.

Anna Marie Barclay

Mayor

Village of Bergen