Oneida County Executive Picente declares state of emergency, shuts all public schools

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced Friday afternoon that he is declaring a state of emergency in the county and closing all public schools, including Oneida-Madison BOCES, starting Monday. The moves are in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school-closure decision was made in consultation with all area superintendents. Classes are scheduled to resume on April 14.

“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 in a statement. “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 effectively fight this unprecedented situation.”

The state of emergency gives the county executive broad powers including but not limited to the following measures:

• Establishing a curfew and the prohibiting and control of 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 people on public streets and places.
• Establishing or designating emergency shelters, emergency medical shelters, and in consultation with the state commissioner of health, community based care centers.

Separately, the Roman Catholic Notre Dame Schools in Utica on Friday morning announced they were closing at the end of business Friday, through April 14.

“Due to the challenges presented by the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are taking the proactive step of closing Notre Dame Schools (Elementary and High School) upon close of business today (2:35pm). We will remain closed through April 14th,” according to a statement from Roy Kane, executive principal at Notre Dame Schools.

Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com