April 8, 2020
Steuben County Public Health Director Darlene Smith, District Attorney Brooks Baker, Sheriff Jim Allard, and County Manager Jack Wheeler announce enhanced enforcement of social distancing practices prescribed by New York State on PAUSE, under the authority of Public Health Law Section 12-B.
At the guidance and direction of District Attorney Baker and Sheriff Allard, law enforcement agencies in Steuben County will actively enforce the main provisions of NYS on PAUSE, as regulated by Executive Orders issued by Governor Cuomo, including:
1) Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
2) Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
3) Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
4) When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
5) Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
6) Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
7) Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
8) Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
9) Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and 10) Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Should a violation of social distancing laws be reported, law enforcement will investigate. For the first violation, a letter of warning will be issued. Any further willful violation constitutes an unclassified misdemeanor, with penalties which include up to 1 year in jail, a $2000 fine or both.
“While most residents continue to abide by social distancing practices, far too many are still gathering in groups for social purposes.” Smith said. “We are thankful for the support of our public safety officials in enforcing these critical laws.”
“Our goals here are simple – to enforce the law and most importantly to keep people safe.” Baker said. “My hope is that through written warnings we can educate, eliminate ignorance, and help people keep themselves safe – and should they refuse, with this law, we have the tools to deal with those who have the arrogance to willfully put others at risk.”
“As we continue to respond to COVID-19, the state has placed responsibility for enforcement of NYS on PAUSE at the local level.” Allard said. “We anticipate strong compliance with these laws and we will use our interactions to educate the public on social distancing, but will also actively address repeat issues.”
“We need the help of every county resident in the fight against COVID-19.” Wheeler said. “We have to double-down on our social distancing practices and go out only when absolutely necessary.”
For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.
