Allegany County, through the combined actions of the Chairman Curtis W. Crandall and the County Administrator Carissa M. Knapp has declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 effective at 10 p.m. Saturday, March 14. At this time, the primary purpose of the state of emergency is to support the Public Health Director in her decision making regarding the health and safety of our citizens.
Public Health Director Lori Ballengee met with Allegany County school superintendents on March 13, 2020, to discuss issues related to COVID-19 and the possibility of an extended dismissal of students. Governor Cuomo, through his executive order of March 13, placed authority for school dismissal at the local level, making a county level state of emergency necessary to support the dismissal of Allegany County schools.
Allegany County officials have directed schools in Allegany County to dismiss students beginning March 18 through April 12, 2020.
Schools in Allegany County will be utilizing Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, to prepare staff and students for this extended dismissal.
In the interim, Allegany County officials are continuing to monitor and respond to all COVID-19 concerns and remain in close communication with school districts.
This State of Emergency does not in any way impact travel at this time. County government operations will continue unchanged unless otherwise advised.
Allegany County officials stress that these measures are precautionary in nature and there remain zero positive cases in Allegany County. As COVID-19 is a brand-new disease, it is better to err on the side of caution through support of social-distancing measures as we learn how this virus reacts. This is not a time for fear and panic but rather planning and precaution.
