For Immediate Release: For media inquiries: Eric Mulvihill, 607-749-7604, emulvihill@cortland-co.org
For general inquiries (non-medical): Call 2-1-1 or 877-211-8667 For health inquiries:
Cortland County Health Department at 607-753-5526
New York State Hotline for COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065
Cortland County COVID-19 Response: State of Emergency and Changes in County Operations
(Cortland, NY – March 15, 2020) – As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and impact our community, multiple agencies and organizations are working together to provide a unified, coordinated response.
On Sunday, March 15, a State of Emergency has been declared in Cortland County by County Administrator Robert Corpora. An emergency declaration allows local officials to mobilize quickly and activate all necessary resources to respond to this public health emergency.
What does the State of Emergency mean in Cortland County?
•Allows officials to obtain and purchase goods and services quickly.
•Assistance can be provided to municipalities and school districts.
•County operations will continue unchanged unless otherwise advised.
•This declaration does not impact travel in Cortland County.
•This declaration allows the County to use funding with less restriction.
This declaration applies to all school districts in Cortland County and authorizes preemptive school dismissal, this is defined as no student instruction in school facilities beginning Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 and continuing through Tuesday, April 13th, 2020 unless a confirmed case of COVID-19 is reported in Cortland County at which time this order will take effect immediately. This order will allow school buildings to remain open and for staff to report as required.
Daycare providers in Cortland County shall prioritize childcare for essential employees and first responders only. Public & Private sector employees should contact their employers to determine if they are essential. County operations will continue unchanged unless otherwise advised. Cortland County employees are required to report for work as scheduled.
The County is evaluating all services and is limiting non-essential services. At this time all Cortland County senior centers will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17th. The meals on wheels services will continue but deliveries may be modified. The Horizon House program is closed. Anyone with appointments at County offices or for County services is advised to call before arriving for their scheduled appointment. If you do not have an appointment for service you are asked to call ahead. Per New York State guidance all services at the County Department of Motor vehicles will be by appointment only or through the existing drive-through window. At this time we do not anticipate any changes in public transit schedules or routes.
Where can the public get information about COVID-19 in Cortland County?
•Call 211 for information, including questions about food, transportation, events and gatherings, cancellations, and other human service needs
•Cortland County Health Department will continue to send out public updates
•Check Facebook
•Go to the Cortland County Health Department website for up-to-date information
If you develop symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or trouble breathing, call your healthcare provider before you go to the office. In the event of an emergency, call 911.