Mayor Of The City Of Rye Releases COVID-19 Updates, September 24, 2020

Rye NY

25 September, 2020

11:38 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Rye: September 24 2020 [If you don't get these messages directly and would like to, please go to https://www.ryeny.gov/services/email-notifications, scroll down and select "City of Rye News and Information."] On a zoom call with extended family the other day, someone commented how sad it was that we couldn't be together in person -- and then someone else commented how good it was that we could all be together, even if only on screen. I have been trying to nurture that shared gratitude over the past two weeks of the annual post-Labor Day Rye renaissance. Many of us, I think, are double-stressed by new routes and routines, but still grateful to have come this far -- even if suspecting that the new uphill twists and turns just won't end. Let's hold that grateful theme, if we can, on our roads. We seem to be traveling with a bit more zip than even our usual September excitement typically sparks. This may be a normal response to the COVID-addled demands we now face, but let's try to ease off the pedal a little. Drive gratefully! Though other parts of the country still see rising numbers of new Coronavirus cases and Europe may be seeing the start of a second wave, New York continues with a subdued transmission rate. In Rye, as before, we have a small number of new active cases. COVID remains with us, though contained by good, precautionary conduct. As usual, I urge best efforts by all. Many thanks to Rye Youth Council, Rye ACT and The Big Picture Foundation for their forthcoming posters and signs reminding us that the best face is often a masked face. Special thanks, too, to those clusters of kids who keep their masks on as they drift away from school! Sadly, Coronavirus has claimed Halloween window painting. Rye Rec has tried its best to find a way with social distancing requirements to follow and fewer windows available (outdoor dining and other factors), but the event could not happen safely. Rec is trying to imagine one or more alternative events. More on that to come. The CDC has issued its caution concerning trick or treating and we expect New York State may have its own say. Stay tuned. COVID has changed how we vote. City staff have done a wonderful job setting out the variety of means of voting available to us. Please go here. Given the more complicated comings and goings around Milton School, Hewlett Street will become consistently one-way, eastbound, from 8 - 3:30 for the school year. This will be implemented soon. Please watch for the signs. Another responsibility/privilege that is yours, mine and ours is responding to the census. We are in final days. If you haven't done it, do it by September 30. For Rye, for yourself. Our leaf blower ban will soon reach its annual conclusion. In view of so many schooling and working at home, I intend to extend the ban until the leaves fully justify all that noisy attention, which I believe will be the case by October 15. The County is offering new grants to businesses. Please go to this link and click on the Business First tab at the top of the screen. The County is also offering two COVID-related residential housing aid programs that will be available in Rye. Please go to this link and see "Eviction Protection for Landlords" and "Foreclosure Prevention" information. Purchase Plaza continues through October 12, subject perhaps to further extension by the City Council. Please enjoy a meal and shop our stores. Our unique summer, with its pleasures COVID-stamped and, for many, Isaias-strained, is behind us. Enjoy fall! Mayor Josh Cohn Useful Contacts: People under self-quarantine or exposure to known case, call (866) 588-0195 or 2-1-1 to self-report NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline (888) 364-3065 Westchester County COVID-19 Information Call 211 COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. CDC https://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus-2020.html NY Dept of Health Coronavirus Update https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home NY Dept of Health Contacts https://health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/ County COVID Updates https://health.westchestergov.com/2019-novel-coronavirus This press release was produced by the City of Rye. The views expressed here are the author's own.