Full Notification

Important Update from Town Supervisor Peter G. Barber re: Coronavirus (Updated March 14, 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fourth Update
March 14, 2020
 
Dear Guilderland residents:
 
Thank for your patience and understanding as our community continues to address coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts.  In these email and Nixle notices, we are trying to provide you with the most recent information on how the Town and other entities are addressing this unprecedented and dynamic situation. 
 
As of Noon on Saturday, March 14^th, the Albany County Department of Health (DOH) reported that there are no new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Town.  The current three confirmed cases in Town are in the same household which remains under quarantine, and no member has been hospitalized.  The County DOH’s website has more information about COVID-19 and links to other resources.
 
As a reminder, Town Court proceedings next week on Monday, March 16^th and Thursday, March 19^th, and next week’s Senior Center programs are cancelled.  Seniors requesting transportation to medical appointments and groceries should call the Department of Senior Services for the latest updates.  All other Town offices remain open but we urge residents to use email, phone, or the Town’s website for many Town services.   
 
The Town Board’s March 17^th meeting and the Guilderland Industrial Development Agency’s March 23^rd meeting are cancelled.  The next scheduled public meetings in Town are the Planning Board on March 25^th, the Zoning Board on April 1^st, and the Town Board on April 7^th.   Given the Governor’s recent Executive Orders, including limits on mass gatherings, modifications of public meeting laws, and other steps to protect the public and encourage government functions, the Town is considering the Governor’s alternative method of allowing public participation by conference call or similar service, with the public’s ability to view or listen to a meeting that is also recorded and transcribed.  The Governor, State agencies, and the County are urging municipalities to continue providing services and perform government functions to the maximum extent possible under the circumstances to mitigate the negative economic impacts. We should know more about the Governor’s Orders next week, and its impact on Town services. 
 
We are also considering the Governor’s Order which authorizes the Town’s medics to practice community paramedicine, transportation to destinations other than hospitals, telemedicine to allow treatment on site, and other services approved by the NYS Commissioner of Health.  This Order will allow Town medics an important role in alleviating pressure on hospital emergency rooms and their maximum capacity for treatment of COVID-19 and other patients.  The Town’s Medical Director and EMS Department is actively working with the NYS Commissioner of Health on new protocols. 
 
We receive frequent updates from State and County health officials, and will take additional actions if recommended.  The Town’s website has a page devoted to the Town’s response to COVID-19..
 
The Guilderland Central School District announced yesterday evening that, after consulting with the Albany County DOH, the District would follow this schedule for the next two weeks:
 

• Farnsworth Middle School is closed from Monday, March 16^th to Friday, March 27^th

 

• All elementary schools and the high school are closed from Monday, March 16^th to Friday, March 20^th, unless extended under the guidance of health officials).

 
While we will try to provide timely updates, your best source of information about the District’s response to COVID-19 is the District’s webpage.  
 
The Guilderland Public Library is closed through Monday, March 23^rd, and the Altamont Free Library is closed until further notice.  Please click the links to these libraries for updated information.  
 
We urge you to regularly visit useful websites for more information about COVID-19:  

• Center for Disease Control (CDC) Updates on the Coronavirus
• New York State Department of Health
• Albany County Department of Health
• Town of Guilderland

We will continue providing you with necessary information and updates as soon as possible.
I extend a hearty thank you to the Town’s emergency first responders, Police, EMS, and Fire Departments for their service to our community, and their continuing compliance with State and County health guidelines to keep them safe and healthy.    
Thank you again for stay calm.  
Sincerely,
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor