Putnam State Of Emergency: Schools Closed This Week

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Public and private schools will be closed this week under the State of Emergency declared Friday by Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. The State of Emergency for Putnam County is effective through March 27 at 11:59 p.m.

The State of Emergency will allow the county to share resources more efficiently and better respond to the rapidly evolving epidemic of the new coronavirus, or as it is officially known, COVID-19.

With the State of Emergency declared, Odell issued an Emergency Order to suspend all classroom and extracurricular functions and close all public and private schools throughout the county as of Monday, March 16 for an initial five day period, with an option to extend it for another five days. No classroom or extracurricular activities may take place at the schools.

“Schools throughout the county are facing their toughest test yet,” Odell said. “While they need to educate students, they also need to keep them safe and prevent the spread of the virus to family members and the community at large. This order will help them do that.”

Anthony DiCarlo, Superintendent of Mahopac schools praised the move.

“I want to thank County Executive Odell and County Attorney Jennifer Bumgarner for working hard to keep our children and staff safe,” DiCarlo said.

In addition, Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langley suspended all visitation to the Putnam County Correctional Facility effective Monday.

“The emergency declaration will give the county the most flexibility possible to deal with a potential crisis,” Putnam County Legislature Chairwoman Toni Addonizio said. “These are unusual times.”

Adjacent Westchester County continues to have the highest concentration of new coronavirus cases in the state. Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties have also each issued emergency orders.

The State of Emergency and Emergency Order are pursuant to New York State Executive Law and enforceable by local, county and state law enforcement agencies.

Putnam County has established a website to provide residents with the latest information about Coronavirus, COVID-19.

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