Mayor Joe D’Onofrio opened his Village Board meeting Monday by asking those in attendance — exactly 10 people, including board members, as allowed by new federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — to stand and give an ovation to doctors, nurses, EMS workers, volunteers and so many others who are on the “front lines” of keeping Americans safe right now.
He followed that up with giving a few updates on how the village is reacting to the virus. He said he’s been calling in to daily Orange County updates on the virus, which include the Departments of Health and Emergency Services, as well as listening to directives from the state.
“Last week I held a department head meeting, and we went over both concerns from community residents and employees,” he said. “We also went over our inventory of equipment and supplies. We believe we are ready for whatever comes.”
D’Onofrio said they are doing extra cleaning at the Village Hall, Police Department and other public buildings.
“We’ve also made plans to cover our police department with local mutual aid plus Orange County Sheriff and State Police support, should our officers go down with the virus,” the mayor said. “And, like every other community, we’ll help other departments as we can.”
D’Onofrio reminded residents that if they call for assistance from emergency services they should expect additional questioning from dispatchers, as they try to keep first responders safe.
The mayor reminded all watching to take the precautionary measures like hand washing, social distancing and self-quarantining if sick, and noted that senior citizens — “of which I am one” — to take special caution. Pertaining to senior citizens, too, he reminded them that if they need free meals delivered from Orange County, the number to call to sign up is 845-615-3710.
D’Onofrio said he is speaking with the West Point Garrison Commander, Col. Cecil Marson, daily to get updates from West Point (noting that there is currently restricted access to the post, and the Museum and Visitor’s Center is closed).
From Orange & Rockland Utilities, he noted that no power shutoffs will take place during this health crisis.
He gave out several numbers for community residents to use them — an important one, he said, is the County’s Health Department, which is the place to call for virus questions (291-2330).
He also said those who want to can drop off donations of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, etc. to the lobby of Village Hall, and he will get them to those who need them.
On Tuesday morning, D’Onofrio did declare a ‘State of Emergency’ in Highland Falls, which will allow the community to apply for additional federal funding to cover expenses during the health crisis.
“Listen,” he closed. “I know this is challenging for many of you. But I know personally the strength of the people in Highland Falls. We will weather this.”
