Somers Cancels Meetings, Hearings; Lakeland Schools Close

SOMERS, NY — Town of Somers officials said Wednesday they were formally notified by health officials of the first case of the new coronavirus in the town. The individual self-reported last week.

Town Supervisor Rick Morrissey said an investigation is being conducted by the state Department of Health, and public health officials will be following up with anyone who may have been in contact with the person.

He said if any new information impacting the Somers community at large, it will be put out for public consumption.

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Morrissey said Wednesday's planning board meeting has been canceled, in the best interest of the community and exercising an abundance of caution.

Also the public hearings scheduled for Thursday has been canceled.

The hearings were on the New School Proposed Local Law to amend Chapter 170, entitled Zoning, Article VII, entitled Office Business OB-100 Districts and the revisions to Town of Somers Comprehensive Plan Update adopted Feb. 11, 2016.

Morrissey said the hearings were expected to generate a large number of attendees in what is a relatively confined space.

He said the town board will meet as scheduled to conduct routine business "as town board meetings do not draw large crowds."

Morrissey said the town will be implementing way for residents to to submit comment with having to attend meetings in person.

Lakeland schools were closed Wednesday and will be closed again Thursday, Superintendent George Stone, said, "out of an abundance of caution."

Friday will continue to be a superintendent's conference day, he said, but teachers will be working from home.

All school activities will be canceled at least through the weekend.

Stone said an alternate location for Saturday's SAT exams, scheduled for Walter Panas, is trying to be found.

He said they are trying to get further testing completed for family members of a person in the community who has tested positive for COVID-19.

"Our chief medical officer advised that due to the time that has elapsed in identifying the positive result and the fact that we are still awaiting further testing, we need to take these precautionary measures," Stone said.

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