News & Notices

From: Town Board, Town of Highland
March 26, 2020

This is an update to the previous press release dated 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.

In accordance with the Town’s Emergency Management Plan, we have taken steps to insure the safety and health of all Town residents. This release references information current as of March 26, 2020 at 1:40 p.m. Sullivan County Public Health is managing the pandemic and notification of positive tests, mandatory quarantines, suggested quarantines, etc. They do not notify anyone beyond those potentially exposed and the individual tested of the positive or exposure. They do not notify by location, but by the county as a whole.

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. 

Please use 911 for Emergencies only.

New York State is under a State of Emergency. The Governor has ordered that 100% of non-essential employees remain home. Additionally, he has ordered that all non-essential gatherings of any size CANNOT occur. The Governor has no issued a travel restriction, and therefore none can be enforced locally. Governor Andrew Cuomo holds a daily briefing to keep municipalities and the general public updated.

Sullivan County is under a State of Emergency by order of County Manager Joshua Potosek (http://sullivanny.us/news/sullivan-county-declares-state-emergency). The County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has mobilized. The Government Center is closed. All local courts are closed by order of the OCA.

All Sullivan County schools will be closed through April 3rd (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 willbe renewed as necessary. 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. This is not due to a known exposure or case of COVID-19, but to allow essential functions to continue. The Highway Department building is closed to visitors, and the staff is working alternate shifts to insure there is always a crew available.

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. Additionally, we received the attached flier as a resource for those that may need assistance.

As part of the Town’s Emergency Management Plan, we maintain a list of vulnerable residents who may be homebound or in need of assistance. We have Constables available for welfare checks. We will be establishing a distribution point for resources provided by Sullivan County (food items, etc).

During this time, please practice social distance and minimize outings 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.