Village of Lewiston - Public Statement

March 16, 2020

PUBLIC STATEMENT RE CORONAVIRUS
Village of Lewiston

Yesterday, Niagara County Legislator Becky Wydysh declared a State of Emergency for Niagara County as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across New York State. The Village of Lewiston in consultation with Niagara County, continues to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our employees, residents and the public.

 *Per Governor Cuomo the Village of Lewiston Clerk’s Office staff has been reduced to 50%.

  The Village of Lewiston’s Department of Public Works will continue to report to work at their regularly scheduled time.

 *Access to the Village Hall and Public Works Garage will be limited to an as needed basis.

 *Residents/Visitors to the Village Hall for routine business, such as payment of bills, various forms  and applications, will be directed to place such items in the Village of Lewiston Drop Box located next to the circle driveway near the entrance to Village Hall. Please leave your name, address and phone number were you can be reached if necessary. A receipt can be mailed to you at your request.

 *Anyone requesting permits, or similar requests can call the Clerk’s Office and any of these forms and information will be mailed to you.

 *Village Board and Commission meetings will be evaluated on a day to day basis and may be canceled.  Cancellations will be posted on the Village’s website and notices will be placed on the entrance to the Village Hall. Any meeting cancellations will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

 *The Village Recreation Department/Recreation Center/Gym is closed until further notice

Further steps may be taken as new information becomes available. The safety of our residents is our top priority and we will continue to take every precaution to keep the spread of this pandemic.

The Lewiston Police Department and Lewiston Fire Company No 1 will continue to serve the public without any interruption of services.

 It is paramount that everyone takes these precautions seriously to stop the spread of this virus. Please stay home and only go out if necessary. If you interact with crowds it may put you or them at risk. Wash your hands frequently and try not to touch your face, eyes, or ears.

 If you have any questions, please call the Village of Lewiston Clerk’s Office at 754-8271.

 Any health related questions, please call the NYS COVID–19, 24 hour hotline at 1-888-364-3065

 In addition to this statement, Governor Cuomo released this press release that effective tonight at 8:00 PM, all crowd capacities will be reduced to 50 and the following facilities will be closed:

           Restaurants/bars (take out/delivery only)

          Gyms

          Movie theaters

          Casinos

These facilities will remain closed until further notice.  Grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies and medical facilities will remain open. Cuomo recommends that only essential services and businesses stay open after 8 PM

Most schools in the state have already closed for an undetermined amount of time, by Wednesday, the rest will be closed as well.

Governor Cuomo said this closure will last at least two weeks and if the conditions “miraculously” improve, the schools could be re-opened.

While this massive shutdown takes place, Cuomo encouraged families to spend time together.  Local, State, and County park fees are waived during this time.

The capacity of hospitals will go beyond Department of Health regulations for the time being.  This will allow the facilities to increase space.

It is not yet decided, but the state may cancel elective surgeries across the state.  Governor Cuomo said space will be needed at hospitals.

Again:

If you have any questions, please call the Village of Lewiston Clerk’s Office at 754-8271

Any health related questions, please call the NYS COVID-19 24 hour hotline at 1-888-364-3065