The City of Newburgh has been working closely with its partners in government over the last several weeks regarding this issue and is fully prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately should the need present itself.

The City is taking the necessary steps to safeguard against the virus and further reduce circles of exposure across the community. Precautionary recommendations and best practices to slow the spread of the virus may results in changes to operations and business practices. The most updated information will be regularly updated on the City of Newburgh website at the following link: cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/home/news/city-of-newburgh-coronavirus.

Operational changes that are presently in effect include the discontinuation of public use of the Activity Center at 401 Washington Street. This includes cancellation of public events such as card players, Census Assistance popup centers, Club 60, Basketball Skills Academy, and more. Participants are encouraged to reach out to event organizers for details.

City Hall at 83 Broadway is scheduled to remain open to the public at this time. However, weddings and other public events previously scheduled to take place at City Hall have been suspended as well. In addition, recruitment and fieldwork for the CDC/ATSDR PFAS Exposure Assessment has also been postponed. Visit the link indicated above for further details.

Gatherings such as City Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, and Land Use Board Meetings will continue as previously scheduled. Any changes to meeting schedules and practices will be available on the City website.

As a reminder, the City of Newburgh wishes to remind its residents of following common sense public health guidelines including personal hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding large public gatherings and events. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Comprehensive updates on health and safety are available from the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). Information on the DOH website includes press releases, statewide testing results, information for people who have recently traveled internationally, disinfection guides, and best practices for child care providers and schools. A hotline has been established for the public as well.

• NYS DOH Website: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

• NYS DOH Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065