News & Notices

From: Town Board, Town of Highland

March 16, 2020

The Town of Highland, NY continues to be in communication with local and state government for updates and guidance related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. There continues to be no confirmed cases in the Town of Highland or Sullivan County at-large. This does not minimize the need to be diligent, to be prepared, and to be calm, and follow the preventative guidelines provided by the CDC and NYSDOH (hand hygiene, social distance, etc.) This release references information current as of March 16, 2020 at 8:15 a.m.

If you are concerned that you may be ill due to COVID-19, please notify your healthcare provider/urgent care setting PRIOR to going there. The New York State COVID-19 hotline is: 1-888-364-3065

• New York State is under a state of Emergency. Governor Andrew Cuomo indicated in his daily briefing that he is asking businesses who are able to voluntarily close, but is considering mandatory closures as seen abroad.
• Sullivan County is under a State of Emergency by order of County Manager Joshua Potosek (http://sullivanny.us/news/sullivan-county-declares-state-emergency ). County government will continue with limited staffing and for Sullivan County residents only in some locations (e.g. DMV).
• All Sullivan County schools will be closed through April 3^rd (http://sullivanny.us/news/county-manager-orders-schools-closed-through-april-3) by order of the County Manager. The order is issued in five (5) day increments, but will be renewed to cover this three week period. The Eldred Central School District has made arrangements for food pick up for students/families in need during this time. Please reference the memo from Dr. John Morgano, Superintendent for further detail (https://www.eldred.k12.ny.us/)
• Town of Highland offices will be open by appointment only, beginning on March 16, 2020. This will enable residents to complete essential transactions (tax payment, building permits, etc.) while protecting themselves and the community at large.
• If you are aware of a child, senior citizen, or other vulnerable resident that may need assistance during this time please contact the Town Clerk at (845) 557-6085. All calls will be kept confidential.

During this time, please practice social distance and consider outings like shopping, etc. for essentials only. This concept is not designed to stop the spread of COVID-19, which is impossible, but to instead slow and reduce exposures to levels the local healthcare system can address effectively.