Many cancellations & closures as Westchester hunkers down for 2 weeks
By Dan Murphy
Standing outside the Michaelian Office Building this week, 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.
Latimer said: “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. 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 protect all who live in this great County.”
But Latimer’s order comes after Westchester schools closed for the next two weeks, and all bars, restaurants can also serve take out meals. Catholic Schools in NY have closed until April 20, and SUNY colleges are completing courses for the rest of semester online.
President Donald Trump also asked the country to stay home for the next 15 days and limit crowds to 10 persons of less. Most government offices will also work under a reduced schedule, with visitor access restricted. The City of Mt. Vernon has issued a state of emergency, closing many stores like nail salons and issuing a curfew for residents from 9pm-5am.
Latimer, who appeared on 60 Minutes last week, added that the work will now begin to try and help those homebound students and families with meals and other assistance. One way that all of us can help is to make sure a neighbor, friend or senior citizen is ok and has what they need.
Supermarkets are now making allowances to let seniors in first in the morning to get the supplies they need. Price gouging of items that have been purchased quickly from the shelves is illegal; stores cannot increase the price of any item more than 10%. Some reports have vendors unwilling to sell or to travel to New Rochelle for business.
The Westchester County Consumer Protection Department is making clear that any business discriminating against New Rochelle or Westchester consumers will be issued tickets under all applicable law. Inspectors have been assigned to closely watch for any unconscionable trade practices that harm New Rochelle’s residents or any Westchester residents going forward.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We are one County – one community – and it is going to take all us to overcome this crisis. And make no mistake, we will. To hear of businesses working under a completely opposite premise is unacceptable and we must not tolerate it.”
Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano stated: “It’s outrageous that any business would avoid interacting with New Rochelle or Westchester during this crisis. If we identify any businesses discriminating against New Rochelle or Westchester consumers, our inspectors will investigate and issue appearance tickets to hold these unscrupulous businesses accountable. We will help educate businesses that such behavior is unacceptable in our County. We hope all residents will contact our office if they are treated improperly.”
If any New Rochelle or Westchester County consumer, especially those in the one-mile radius, believes they’ve been a victim of an unconscionable or deceptive trade practice by a business relating to the coronavirus, or for any other reason, please contact the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department by calling 914-995-2155 or sending an email to ConPro@westchestergov.com. Amazon has also stopped price gouging of items like sanitizer, gloves and masks.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that state labs are now ramping up testing, and the drive-in testing facility on Glen Island in New Rochelle is fully operational, with members of the National Guard handing out meals and food packages. Cuomo has also joined with the Governor’s of New Jersey and Connecticut to propose similar measures in all three states, with a combined population of 40 Million, to restrict large gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19. Movie theaters, gyms and casinos are also closed.
Latimer said that the county is looking for additional locations to treat COVID-19 patients if needed. United Hospital, and county properties are under review, with Playland and FDR Park under consideration for additional drive through testing sites if needed.
