Coronavirus update- 7,187 people in Westchester tested positive. 73 hospitalized. 81 cases in unincorporated Greeenburgh. Governor takes control of pool opening schedule. Anticipate delayed opening. Small business info. Childcare info. Want to help?
THE CORONAVIRUS SUMMARY- HOW MANY GREENBURGH RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN TESTED & results...Revenue shortfalls...Pool & playland delays...small business help and more
Every other day I participate in a conference call with the County Executive and other municipal officials to discuss the Coronavirus pandemic. These are the highlights from today’s meeting.
7,187 people in Westchester have tested positive. 29,515 were tested. The good news (if there is good news) --only 73 people out of the 7,187 are hospitalized (about 1%). We anticipate that the peak is a few weeks away so there will be some rough days ahead. There were sadly 10 deaths.
Unincorporated Greenburgh has 81 cases. Ardsley has 9; Dobbs Ferry 30; Elmsford 8; Hastings on Hudson 13; Irvington 10; Tarrytown 22. I get a daily report (provided to only the Chief elected official in each municipality and the police chief) listing the cases in unincorporated Greenburgh. I am prohibited by law from disclosing details but out of the 82 counted 11 from the Edgemont section of unincorporated Greenburgh; 21 from Hartsdale; 25 from White Plains section of unincorporated Greenburgh. These numbers may not be the latest since there is a lag between the date that the Governor releases the information and when it’s posted.
Westchester Numbers
· Total number of hospitalized (cumulative) 91
· Total of residents currently in hospital 73
· Total hospitalized in Westchester County 67
· Deaths 10
POOL OPENINGS WILL BE DELAYED --SO COULD PLAYLAND
The opening of the town pool will be delayed. The Governor indicated that he has sole authority to determine when the pool and beaches in NYS will open. Playland could also open late
MUNICIPALITIES MAY RECEIVE SOME FEMA REIMBURSEMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL COSTS AND STIMULUS FUNDS
We anticipate that we may be eligible for some federal financial assistance. Not sure how much at this time.
TOWN BOARD AND DEPARTMENT HEADS TO MEET TUESDAY AT 6 PM VIA ZOOM TO DISCUSS PROJECTED REVENUE SHORTFALLS
The bad news: We anticipate losing significant revenues- hotel tax, mortage tax, sales tax, user fees, court fees, anticipated certiorari’s, building permit fees, state financial assistance, could all be cut, among other revenue sources. I have asked each department head to provide town officials with an estimate on Tuesday at 6 PM at our work session.
CHILD CARE FOR CHILDREN OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS
In an effort to help assist those on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Westchester County is creating opportunities to supply child care for the children of healthcare workers and first responders in Westchester.
*If you are a Westchester County healthcare worker or first responder seeking child care to be able to go to work, please contact Blanca Lopez at BPL3@WestchesterGov.com*
A number of child care slots are available for children from newborn to age three, and ages five through 12. Many Westchester County school districts are providing a child care program for the children of essential workers, as required by the New York State Education Department. Contact your local school district for more information.
The Child Care Council of Westchester is also working with child care providers, and has a list of programs that have openings for newborns up to age 12, with a priority for children of essential workers. Contact Executive Director Kathy Halas at kathyh@cccwny.org
SMALL BUSINESS HELP
Westchester County Economic Development team is researching loans and grant programs for small business devastated by the shutdown of their businesses, communicating information through local Chambers of Commerce. For more information visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/coronavirus-updates/
DO YOU WANT TO HELP?
For people wanting to donate or sell PPE or other items, email Icanhelp@westchestergov.com
Here in Westchester we set up a 2-1-1 hotline with the United Way to provide answers for Westchester residents with questions concerning Coronavirus.
NYS hotline for testing requests: 888.364.3065
Westchester County hotline: 866.588.0195
County has set up an email address to respond to inquiries. This is another option to the hotline.
Responses can be done in English or Spanish.
Emails will receive an auto-reply stating their message has been received and they should expect a response within 24 hours. Then it has info about our hotline and then links to County, State, CDC websites. The emails are answered by DSS.
COVID19FAQ@westchestergov.com
A personal plea from County Executive Latimer calling for nurses, doctors and other health care professionals to assist with County COVID-19 response. To volunteer please email Lindsey Jackson lajc@westchestergov.com
To date we have gotten 122 volunteers to our call to healthcare workers: 90 nurses, 12 doctors and 20 other.
Some are being deployed starting today to work with the Department of Health. We expect some to work with childcare programs as well.
I understand that everyone is stressed. And scared. Be careful. Wash your hands. Stay at least six feet away from others. This pandemic will end in the coming months. The sun will shine. The birds will sing. The flowers will be beautiful. And, you and your family will smile and be happy again. PAUL FEINER
