Picente Declares State of Emergency; Closes All Public Schools

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that he is declaring a State of Emergency in Oneida County, and in consultation with all area superintendents, is closing all public schools, including Oneida-Madison BOCES, due to the threat from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While there is still currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Oneida County, we’re taking every measure available to ensure the health and safety of our residents,” Picente said. “Since the onset of this threat, we have partnered with federal, state and local officials to prepare, evaluate and respond to this continually evolving public health emergency. We believe this strong action is necessary and will enhance our ability to effectively fight against this unprecedented situation.”

All public schools within the county will be closed to students effective March 16, 2020. Classes will resume on April 14, 2020. The state of emergency will remain in effect until rescinded by a subsequent order.

The State of Emergency gives the County Executive broad powers including but not limited to:

• Establishing a curfew and the prohibiting and control pedestrian and vehicular traffic, except essential emergency vehicles and personnel.

• Designating specific zones within which the occupancy and use of buildings and the ingress and egress of vehicles and persons may be prohibited or regulated.

• Regulating and closing of places of amusement and assembly.

• Suspending and limiting of the sale, dispensing, use or transportation of alcoholic beverages, explosives, and flammable materials and liquids.

• Prohibiting and controlling of the presence of persons on public streets and places.
• Establishing or designating of emergency shelters, emergency medical shelters, and in consultation with the state commissioner of health, community based care centers.