Full Notification

Dear Neighbors,

Westchester County Executive George Latimer has declared a State of Emergency for all of Westchester County, following the Governor’s declaration last week. The Village of Pelham is following suit by declaring a local State of Emergency, effective immediately, which will allow us to better coordinate with county and state agencies as we respond to this developing situation. 

It is important that we begin to adjust our expectations of what is likely to happen in the coming days and weeks. At least two Pelham residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and others are under self-quarantine or awaiting test results. We are entering a period of “community spread,” which means that it will be difficult to identify the point of origin for new infections. As testing is administered in greater numbers, you can expect the number of confirmed cases to rise in Pelham and throughout the region. The New York State and Westchester County Departments of Health will respond to these rising numbers by recommending additional actions for residents and local governments, all designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that emergency personnel and hospitals are able to manage this situation. Things will get worse before they get better and it will be alarming for many residents. 

But please remember: this too shall pass. Even though this increased activity may be alarming, it is a sign that people are doing their jobs. And that is a very good thing. 

While they do their jobs, we must do ours. Starting tomorrow morning, Tuesday, March 17th at 8:00am, the following local advisories will be in effect.

• Pelham residents should avoid all non-essential public gatherings until further notice. Stay home if you are able, and please keep your children at home, as well. Do not wait until you are symptomatic to start practicing ‘social distancing.’ Even those who show no symptoms may still be contagious. 

• All bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms must remain closed to the public, with the exception that restaurants may provide takeout and delivery service only. 

• All businesses and nonprofits must close by 8:00pm each night and must operate at no more than 50% of their maximum occupancy. Local businesses are encouraged to close voluntarily or allow employees to work from home, if possible (full closure is still voluntary but a mandatory order is under consideration by the Governor). 

• Julianne’s Playground will remain closed to the public for as long as the schools remain closed.

• Village Hall is closed to the public. Most village business can still be done online, via email or by phone. Please visit our website for each department’s contact info. The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting on March 24th will be conducted virtually and broadcast publicly. More information to follow.

• If you test positive for COVID-19, you are required to remain isolated for the duration of your illness. The NY State Department of Health provides support for all affected individuals, and their contact information can be found on your Isolation Order.

The Village of Pelham will be relying heavily on email blasts and NIXLE to communicate with our residents. You can sign up for both on the Village’s website www.PelhamGov.com.  

If you start to show symptoms, call the NYS Hotline at (888) 364-3065. You can request to be tested and after a brief interview, they will give you an appointment as necessary. Please do not show up at a testing site or an urgent care facility without calling first.

For local businesses who will be impacted by this pandemic, the Small Business Administration will be working with New York State to provide targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2 million. The Village has already begun working with Senator Biaggi to get this process started. If you own a business in town, please visit PelhamGov.com, click on “34th State Senate District Small Business Survey Re COVID-19 Related Economic Injury” and complete the necessary information. If you have any issues with the form, please send an email to [email protected]. More information on this program can be found by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster. 

I have to admit, this is a heavy letter to write. It’s probably a pretty difficult message to receive, too. We are in the midst of a global pandemic that will affect every corner of the world over the next few months. If there’s anything that gives me comfort, it is this: there is no place I would rather be than in the Village of Pelham. 

So let’s do what we can to stay calm, stay informed and stay healthy. About 80% of people who have gotten sick have had mild to moderate symptoms, and doctors feel that most people in the U.S. will be able to manage their symptoms at home. We are in regular contact with county and state officials, and as this situation develops, we will adjust our response accordingly. I will make sure to inform you of critical information, and we will get through this together.

My warmest regards to you and your families,

Chance

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Chance Mullen

Mayor, Village of Pelham NY

Instructions:

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