In the Zone

This week, much to my surprise, Governor Cuomo called me directly, asking me to offer thoughts and strategy on an enforcement plan designed to stop this virus cold. I made clear I supported his approach as the concept he laid out was very similar to our proposed plan of action in April. We, myself and other county executives, have spent a number of weeks looking to get a cohesive, unified approach to what we all saw as a budding crisis.

The reason for much of this difficulty is because we could not take action locally. Normally, the County Executive may issue local emergency orders to direct residents of the County in the event of an epidemic or emergency. However, on March 18, 2020, in Executive Order No. 202.5, the Governor took away that power. Despite that, I applaud the Governor’s announcement of the Cluster Action Initiative. He clearly heard the concerns expressed by myself and other County Executives during our daily Control Room calls.

We in Rockland County government stand ready to support these actions as we are able. The restrictions he announced are measured and clearly focused on the areas where this disease is spreading. These areas are minimal in size but logical and reasonable in scope. I have already reached out to local municipalities, police departments and the Sheriff’s Office to ask for their support of these efforts.

To be clear, the enforcement of these measures will be overseen by the New York State Police who will be assisted by local law enforcement, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, State Health inspectors, and possibly code enforcement officers from the municipalities affected by these Zones. Some of the specifics of the Cluster Action Initiative are still being worked on but currently the main focus of our cluster are parts of zip codes 10977 and 10952.

And while these Zones are based on the data of where the majority of our active cases are occurring, we must all be vigilant. I want to remind residents that government can only do so much, we cannot be everywhere, nor should we be. Each of us bears personal responsibility for our actions and a civic duty to do what is right, not only for ourselves but for our entire community. Please maintain social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick. If we all take these preventative actions, we will get through this.

It is also important to note that we have had many worthwhile and substantive conversations in the last few months with municipal, community and religious leaders. It is only by continuing to work together that we will bring this outbreak to a halt once again.