Coronavirus (COVID-19) - March 16, 2020 Update

Please visit https://www.henrietta.org/covid for the latest updates.

March 16, 2020

As Coronavirus continues to spread through Monroe County and a state of emergency has been declared, the Town is implementing additional precautions, in addition to those we already had undertaken last week.

Beginning Monday, the Recreation Center, Library, Tinker Museum, and Hansen Nature Center will be closed until further notice and all programming activity is suspended, including preschool, youth and adult programs, gym and room reservations, pickleball, walking track and open gym. While we know this will present an inconvenience, we are working towards slowing the spread of the Coronavirus and will also be working to offer some services through alternative means.

The Library is working on providing a “drive-thru like” service for books and material sign out – we will also extend any due dates until the library reopens, but will accept returns through the drop box if anyone wishes to return materials. We are also working on a way to provide Internet access safely for school children who might not have it available in their home. If your child has a need of Internet service, please call Adrienne Pettinelli, Library Director, at (585) 359-7092.

The Recreation Department will be planning some “low density” activities for children to participate in while schools are closed – for instance, we are looking into obtaining inexpensive kites and on a day with a steady breeze, we could have kite flying in the park. And of course our numerous walking trails and nature trails at our parks are open; however we suggest you avoid the playgrounds and fitness trail equipment due to risk of disease transmission. Note that while individual cabins are still be available for the individuals or groups that have them reserved, we ask that you use your discretion whether to cancel any larger events planned in them.

The Senior Center remains closed and more recently, the AARP Tax Appointments for Seniors have been postponed indefinitely. For Seniors who need meals delivered or transportation to doctor’s offices or to grocery or drug stores, please call Shelly Gorino, Senior Site Coordinator, at (585) 334-4030. For residents who wish to donate non-perishable items, they may do so at the Senior Center by leaving them in the blue donation bin where staff will disinfect the surfaces before distributing them to people in need.

Town Hall, including the temporary offices in the old library for Building & Fire Prevention and Engineering & Planning, will remain open. However, we ask that people delay any non-essential trips that can be delayed without causing hardships. Marriage licenses and passport appointments are by appointment only, by calling (585) 359-7035. We request that anyone who can delay their appointments to please do so. Payments for dog licenses can be made by mail or online at www.henrietta.org (convenience fee applies to online payments) – but in an effort to decrease traffic at the desk during the pandemic, no late fees will be charged for dog licenses during this time. Payments for taxes can be made by mail or online at www.monroecounty.gov (convenience fee applies to online payments).

All previously scheduled Public Hearings for Forest View Subdivision and the Article X Hearing originally scheduled for March 25th have been postponed. Other public events have been canceled as well. All Special Permit Hearings are still on the docket, as are Town Board Meetings – we will be working on streaming them so that people may attend virtually rather than in person.

The DPW will remain in operation, but the building will be closed to the public. Anyone needing to speak with Code Enforcement is asked to call (585) 359-7005 to arrange a time to meet.

New York State has suspended all Town Court activity, starting Tuesday morning and continuing until further notice. If you were scheduled for a court appearance, please call the New York Office of Court Administration at (212)-428-2884 for more information regarding the effect of the court closures. If you have received a Town jury summons for the next month, you may disregard it at this time.

The best way to prevent acquiring COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyday preventative actions to help minimize the spread of respiratory viruses, including practicing “social distancing” if possible.

The CDC suggests:

• wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• stay home when sick, especially if medication is needed throughout the day.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider.

As you are no doubt aware, this is a rapidly evolving situation. Please call ahead if you have any questions about Town facilities being open. If you are planning to visit Town Hall, you can call 334-7700 to ensure we are open.

Here are some resources with information regarding this evolving situation:

Town of Henrietta Coronavirus Updates: https://www.henrietta.org/covid

Monroe County Coronavirus Resources: https://www2.monroecounty.gov/health-coronavirus

Frequently Asked Questions by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

New York State Department of Health: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Monroe County Health Department has a CoronaVirus Hotline at (585) 753-5555.

In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions about travel and symptoms.

Sincerely,
Stephen L. Schultz
Henrietta Town Supervisor