Coronavirus: County Parks Could Close Over Non-Social Distancing

WHITE PLAINS, NY — County parks could be closed if people stop practicing social distancing. In a news conference Thursday, Westchester County Executive George Latimer said the decision was made to keep all of the county's more than 50 parks open because it is believed that people need opportunities for recreation, especially after Gov. Andrew Cuomo closed gymnasiums.

"We also know that we must practice social distancing," he said, in order to continue to try to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Latimer said one trouble spot was the plaza at Kensico Dam.

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He said there have been reports of people clustering there in a party-like atmosphere.

"I don't want to close any of those parks," Latimer said, but he will do so if people do not adhere to the social distancing rules.

According to the state, as of Thursday morning, there were 5,944 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus — up 1,253 from Wednesday.

At an earlier news conference Thursday, Latimer and Community Mental Health Commissioner Michael Orth outlined what the county is offering to help its residents cope with the impact of the new coronavirus.

"It is important that we practice emotional wellness and take care of our mental health during such stressful times," Latimer said.

The county community mental health department is partnering with different organizations and private clinicians to provide the following supports:

• DCMH Information, Support and Referral line at 914-995-1900, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m./text #914-461-7281.
• Access to counseling and other supportive services through provider network and pro bono clinicians.
• Vincent’s Crisis Prevention and Response Team Services, 914-925-5959.
• On-going educational and supportive services on such topics as coping, addressing anxiety, parenting through this difficult time, and mindfulness exercises through various tele-communication.

An example of such support is “Parenting Through the Storm: One Breath at a Time.” In the blink of an eye, parenting has become much more complicated and confusing. Westchester Jewish Community Services is offering free weekly live streamed parenting groups, led by WJCS professionals in partnership with the Department of Community Mental Health. The groups will be offered each Wednesday, starting at 11 a.m. April 1, to explore various topics and challenges relating to how to cope with the “here and now.” To join the live streamed parenting group on April 1, click on this link. The meeting ID is: 830 644 997. Videos of the parenting groups will be made available for those who cannot attend during the lives sessions.

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