Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Yates County Declares State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

Yates County has declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 effective at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

According to Public Health Director Deborah Minor, “While we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time, this action comes out of an abundance of caution in positioning ourselves to protect the health and welfare of our citizenry.”

According to the Chairman of the Legislature, Douglas Paddock, “This virus imminently threatens the citizens of and visitors to Yates County. We are working diligently to help prevent an outbreak in our community.”

County Administrator Winona Flynn states, “While this measure is precautionary, Yates County has formed a task group to continue to assess and prepare for situations that may need to be addressed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

The State of Emergency does not in any way impact travel and County operations will continue unchanged unless advised otherwise.  The declaration does not contain specific orders or prohibitions and directs all departments and agencies of Yates County to take the steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

In the interim, Yates County officials will continuously monitor the situation and remain in close communication with school districts and other large institutions to provide guidance and assistance as needed.
The formal Declaration, as signed by the Chairman of the Legislature, reads as follows:

“A State of Emergency is hereby declared in Yates County effective at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

“This State of Emergency has been declared due to Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19), which the World Health Organization has designated as a worldwide pandemic.

“This State of Emergency will remain in effect until rescinded by a subsequent order.

“As the Chief Elected Official of Yates County, I, Douglas Paddock, Chairman of the Legislature exercise the authority given me under Article 2-B, Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, for the purpose of procuring goods and services, and to render all required and available assistance to municipalities and school districts that is vital to the security, well-being, health and safety of the citizens of Yates County.

“I hereby direct all departments and agencies of Yates County to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.”