ORLEANS COUNTY (WKBW) — Orleans County has declared a state of emergency and is closing all schools in the county to students effective immediately until further notice.
“Over the past week, COVID-19 has evolved rapidly. While Orleans County has no confirmed cases, there are confirmed cases in a neighboring county and increasing local testing. I believe it is inevitable we will see cases here in Orleans County,” said Lynne Johnson, Chair of the Orleans County Legislature. “With this in mind and after discussion with Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, I am declaring a state of emergency for Orleans County. I am recommending that all schools in Orleans County close to students effective immediately for an undetermined amount of time.”
Orleans County continues to stress the risk in the community remains relatively low but these actions are being taken to slow transmission of COVID-19.
Superintendents from Kendall, Medina, Albion, Lyndonville, and Holley school districts released statements in support of the closure of schools to students.
"With the declaration of a State of Emergency it allows us to procure goods and services as well as required and available assistance to municipalities and school districts vital to the security, well-being, and health and safety of the citizens of Orleans County,” said H. Dale Banker, Director of Emergency Management.
