AN UPDATE FOR CLAVERACK RESIDENTS ON LOCAL EFFORTS TO COMBAT COVID-19

Dear Residents,

Our Board feels that is is prudent to take proactive steps to minimize the spread of coronavirus into our community.  As of Monday morning, March 16, the Town Office, including the Clerk’s Office, Assessors Office and Building Inspectors Office are all currently open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate.  Updates will be posted on our website and on the Town phone system.  There are no scheduled meetings this week, and decisions on upcoming meetings will be made in the near future.  We ask that you postpone any in-person visits to the Town Office while we remain open, unless it is absolutely necessary.  Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time.

Also until further notice, All County meetings have been cancelled until further notice

Food Pantry Updates: As of this week the pantry will be open on Tuesday, However, food will be brought outside for you. There will be a table outside with extra items for those in need.  At this time, we will be using paper bags.  Please keep your reusable bags to be returned at a later date.  Updates will be made as necessary.
 
Notice from the Claverack Town Court - Court Closure

The court has received notification from the Office of Court Administration that effective 5pm on Monday March 16, 2020, all town and village court proceedings will be postponed for 45 days in relation to the Coronavirus public health emergency.

All Tuesday night court proceedings for Vehicle & Traffic Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court will be postponed until after May 1, 2020.

All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed.

The court office at this time remains open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate.  Updates will be posted on our website and on the court’s answering machine.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time.

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STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY

As of Noon today (Monday, March 16, 2020), Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell has issued a State of Emergency has been declared for Columbia County. At this time, the State of Emergency includes one Executive Order that regulates public gatherings. The Executive Order states:

All social, community, and public events or gatherings, including Columbia County-sponsored events, where it is anticipated that attendance will exceed fifty (50) people or more, shall be restricted, cancelled or postponed. This means all social gatherings of more than fifty (50) should be deferred until further notice. For any meetings that are absolutely necessary, a venue should be chosen that can accommodate a six foot distance between participants. Citizens are asked to restrict public appearances to critical activities such as obtaining fuel, food, or medical care. When in public, please retain a six foot distance from your fellow citizens. Sound personal hygiene techniques should be in practice.

Read the entire State of Emergency Order here.

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From Columbia County 911:  Hotlines available to the public for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) related information. It's best to call your doctor's office or one of these hotlines for information, before presenting at the Emergency Room, clinic or doctor's office.

As always, if there is an emergent need for care of any kind, go to the ER or dial 911 without delay.

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As of 4 pm on March 16, 2020, Columbia County has 0 positive cases of COVID-19, 3 individuals under mandatory quarantine, 9 individuals under precautionary quarantine.  We have received 15 test results completed for Columbia County residents, all with negative results. We continue to work closely with our local healthcare partners and community members on a case by case basis to evaluate testing criteria as issued by the CDC and NYSDOH.

We continue to monitor the national and state guidance and adapt our local response plans accordingly. On March 16, 2020, the Governor issued an executive order, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors issued State of Emergency for Columbia County, and the Mayor of Hudson issued a Local Emergency Order. The New York State Executive Order makes the following recommendations until further notice: no more public gatherings of over 50 persons, casinos will close at 8 pm tonight, gyms will close at 8 pm tonight, movie theaters will close at 8 pm tonight, bars/restaurants will close at 8 pm tonight- except for take out. It is recommended that only essentials be open after 8 pm tonight including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, medical facilities.