WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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The Governor today confirmed 112 additional COVID-19 cases in New York State, bringing the total to 328. 148 of those cases (27 new cases) are in Westchester County.

The state is expecting the number of cases to continue to rise in the foreseeable future. As of today, 3 individuals in White Plains are positive for coronavirus. We have been informed that these individuals are abiding by all the required quarantine measures.

Today, the Governor announced measures aimed at further containing the spread of the virus by prohibiting gatherings of 500 or more people and requiring that gatherings of less than 500 people reduce their capacity by 50% effective at 5 PM on Friday, March 13^th. Broadway will go dark starting tonight. The Governor did not put an end date on these restrictions, but said the state is re-evaluating daily.

The state is advising business leaders around the state to think about ways in which they can “reduce density” through options such as telecommuting and shift changes if possible. Reducing density (that is, reducing the number and type of situations that bring a large number of people together in close quarters), along with increasing testing capacity, is a top priority of the state as a means of stopping the spread of the virus.

Announcements

White Plains Public Library

The White Plains Public Library, along with many other libraries in Westchester, will suspend all intra-library and inter-library loans for the foreseeable future. We believe this is in the best interest of both staff and patrons. This means library patrons will no longer receive items from other libraries and we will no longer send out our items to other libraries. If you have a hold on material owned by White Plains, then it will be held for you like always. However, you may still return your items to any library in the Westchester Library System and borrow materials from any library. We know that this is an important service, and we plan to bring it back as soon as possible.

As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and support the City of White Plains’ efforts to promote social distancing, the White Plains Public Library has suspended all programming and events through March 31.  The Library will remain open during our regular hours.

Recreation & Parks Dept.

• Out of concern for the health and well-being of our program participants, staff, and fellow residents the Recreation and Parks Department has decided to cancel all programs and activities effective tomorrow, March 13th until further notice, as a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus and support the City of White Plains’ efforts to promote social distancing. We do not take this action lightly and came to this conclusion after careful consideration and discussion with public health experts. We hope this passes very shortly and that activities can begin with a healthy and robust spring season. We wish you safety and good health!

Senior programs held at the White Plains Community Center, 65 Mitchell Place, will be suspended effective Friday, March 13^th through Sunday, March 29^th.  

Youth Bureau

The White Plains Youth Bureau will suspend the following Saturday programs beginning this Saturday, March 14^th:

Boys Academy

Girls Academy

Battle Hill Teen Lounge Program

My Brother’s Keeper Program

The Open Gym Program

The Girls Rosebud Program

Music Program

Programs are currently scheduled to re-start on Saturday, April 11th.

Program and Event Cancellations & Postponements

The White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, has been canceled.

White Plains Library Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala scheduled for March 14^th, has been postponed.

AARP has decided to suspend the AARP Tax Aide program at the White Plains Public Library for the weeks of 3/16 and 3/24. They will re-evaluate after the 24th. Please check the Library website, https://whiteplainslibrary.org/, for updates.

The Youth Bureau’s Women in STEM Forum scheduled for Sunday, March 29^th will be moved to the fall.

The Youth Bureau’s Grandpas United Sports Talk scheduled for Monday, March 30^th has been canceled.

The Youth Bureau Arts Show: Soulful Homecoming scheduled for Thursday, April 2^nd, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 2^nd.

The STEAM Fair/Youth Bureau Open House scheduled for Saturday, April 25^th has been canceled. The Open House will be rescheduled for the fall. The STEAM Fair will not be rescheduled.

Prevention Information

City buildings and facilities continue to be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day. We continue to make this a priority. In our parking garages, we have commenced a twice daily sanitizing procedure that includes all pay stations, parking offices, and elevators.

Residents who are concerned and/or have questions about coronavirus should call the NYS DOH hotline at: 1-888-364-3065. This hotline is staffed 24/7. We urge everyone to continue to practice common sense preventive measures. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

In addition to general guidance provided to the public, NYS has been providing sector-specific guidance to groups such as health care workers and nursing homes. We expect more of this in the coming days. We continue to work with state, county, and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and will continue to update residents on a regular basis.  For more information access these trustworthy resources:

NYS DOH:
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Westchester County DOH:
https://health.westchestergov.com/

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. March 12, 2020:

Today Governor Cuomo in a news conference, outlined what he and his administration expected lay ahead in the state effort to turn around the spread of coronavirus across the state. In addition to announcing closings, he elaborated on the progress of the disease, and assured New Yorkers the state had the hospital resources to treat the number of residents whom he predicted would have to receive hospitalization. Here is the portion of his news conference recorded this afternoon.

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THE EFFECT OF CORONA VIRUS ON THE COURTS

CORONA VIRUS TELEPHONE SCAMS SPREADING ACROSS THE AREA

ISSUES COURT SYSTEM IS CONSIDERING TO PREVENT SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

SEE IT AT 8 COUNTYWIDE ON FIOS CH. 45 AND IN WHITE PLAINS CABLEVISION CH. 76 OR www.wpcommunitymedia.org

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WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT. By John F. Bailey. March 12, 2019: Mayor Noam Bramson of New Rochelle confirmed in a robocall to New Rochelle residents this morning, that quarantined persons could not leave their homes/residences.

The robocall appears to correct the impression on a widely viewed television media reports last night stating there was no quarantine in the New Rochelle Containment Zone, and people were free to leave the zone,

Bramson’s robocall stated: ” Except for individuals subject to quarantine, residents are free to come and go, (Editor’s note: meaning, only non-quarantined residents could leave the 2-mile diameter Containment Zone)

A spokesperson reached by WPCNR on the New York State Corona Virus hotline, 1-888-364-3065, clarified this policy of quarantine stay-in-your-home/ residence policy by telling WPCNR, a quarantined resident cannot leave their home, because this would mean they could spread the virus, if they had it. The spokesman added they could not go out for errands or trips of any kind.

Originally the quarantine of 36 persons, members or associated with the member, who had contracted the virus, of Temple Israel in New Rochelle, were ordered quarantined in their homes by Dr. Sherlita Amler, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health for 15 days beginning March 1. March 15 is coming up, but at this time the Department of Health has no information whether the quarantine on those subject to it will be lifted.

Here is the text of of that Mayor Bramson Robocall that the Mayor shared with WPCNR:

A few moments ago, I (Mayor Bramson) sent the following citywide robocall:

This is Mayor Noam Bramson, with an update on the coronavirus outbreak.  Here’s what’s new:

The National Guard has arrived in Westchester and will be working here in New Rochelle beginning today to assist in the delivery of meals, cleaning of public facilities, and the distribution of supplies.  The Guard will not be engaged in any military or policing activities, and is operating purely as logistical support.

The containment area in the Wykagyl neighborhood takes effect today,  Within this area, large gatherings at large institutions are prohibited.  But, contrary to false rumors, there is no change in daily life.  Except for individuals subject to quarantine, residents are free to come and go, and businesses are open.

In an effort to support our business community through this period, New Rochelle is offering free parking at all metered spaces citywide for at least the next two weeks.  New Rochelle is open for business, and if you are a healthy adult, please continue to patronize our local restaurants and shops.

Now, a reminder on previously reported information:

Nursing homes and assisted facilities will not accept visitors until further notice, as a means of limiting exposure for our most vulnerable population.

If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor or health care provider for individual guidance on testing.  If you do not have a doctor, then call ahead to the emergency room, do not simply show up.

All of us can protect ourselves and our families by following common sense public health guidelines, including reasonable social distancing.

Additional information is available by calling 1-888-364-3065 or 2-1-1 or by visiting newrochelleny.com/coronavirus.

This is a big challenge for New Rochelle, but our community is rising to the occasion by demonstrating strength, resilience, calm, and support for our neighbors.  

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Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf’s  Statement on Presidential Proclamation To Protect the Homeland from Travel-Related Coronavirus Spread

(WASHINGTON) Today President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation, which suspends the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. These countries, known as the Schengen Area, include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.  This does not apply to legal permanent residents, (generally) immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation.    Statement from DHS Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf: “Protecting the American people from threats to their safety is the most important job of the President of the United States. The actions President Trump is taking to deny entry to foreign nationals who have been in affected areas will keep Americans safe and save American lives. I applaud the president for making this tough but necessary decision. While these new travel restrictions will be disruptive to some travelers, this decisive action is needed to protect the American public from further exposure to the potentially deadly coronavirus.  “In January and February, the Administration issued similar travel restrictions on individuals who had been in China and Iran. That action proved to be effective in slowing the spread of the virus to the U.S., while public health officials prepared. In the next 48 hours, in the interest of public health, I intend to issue a supplemental Notice of Arrivals Restriction requiring U.S. passengers that have been in the Schengen Area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.”