GENESEE COUNTY (WKBW) — Genesee County joined Orleans, Wyoming, and Monroe counties Saturday declaring a state of emergency and closing schools to students effective Monday due to COVID-19.
Wyoming County says the decision to closes schools comes down to the district level.
Rochelle Stein, Chair of the Genesee County Legislature, released a statement which said in part:
“Over the past week, COVID-19 has evolved rapidly. While Genesee County has no confirmed cases, there are confirmed cases in neighboring counties and increased local testing. I believe it is inevitable we will see cases here in Genesee County. With this in mind and after discussion with Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, I am declaring a state of emergency for Genesee County. This declaration allows us to procure goods and services as well as required and available assistance to municipalities and school districts. I am recommending that all schools in Genesee County close to students effective immediately for an undetermined amount of time.”
The county issued a reminder to the community the risk remains relatively low and these actions are to slow any possible transmission of COVID-19.
Kevin MacDonald, District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, released a statement which said:
“In collaboration with the New York State and local Departments of Health, the component districts of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership will be closed to students effective Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice. Component districts will be sharing messages to their respective communities regarding details of their closures. We ask all our community members to take care of each other as we navigate this public health matter.”
