Southampton Town Declares Emergency Due To Coronavirus

Less than a week after the Town of East Hampton declared a State of Emergency, Southampton Town followed suit on Monday, March 17.

Southampton Town’s website states:

“Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman has signed an emergency order to close most Town buildings, administrative offices and community centers to the public beginning tomorrow, Tuesday March 17, 2020 through March 31, 2020. Town employees will continue to work within the buildings on a limited basis to preform governmental services. Some employees will work from home. A drop box will be set up at the main entrance of Town Hall on Hampton Road for receipt of documents including tax payments. The emergency order will allow the supervisor to take all necessary actions to protect public health and safety.

The emergency order also cancels all Board Meetings, except for the Town Board, which will meet to conduct Town business. All Public Hearings will be postponed for the emergency period and new dates will be announced when available. The public will be able to watch these Town Board meetings live on Channel 22 and can submit comments through the Town Clerk’s office at [email protected],

All Town special programs are canceled during the state of emergency including youth recreation and senior activities. Food delivery will continue for seniors participating in the nutrition program. The senior transportation program will continue as well as the South Fork Commuter Connection shuttle bus service. The adult day care program will be suspended for the emergency period. Transfer stations will continue to operate and parks will remain open to the public. The Supervisor may extend the order if needed.

These measures are being taken in an abundance of caution to reduce the spread of the virus allowing hospitals and other healthcare providers more time to prepare for the increase in needed medical services.

Channel 22 (SEA-TV) will be used to provide live updates and to disseminate important information during the state of emergency. The Town website will also be used similarly. All Town Board members have pledged their full cooperation in assisting in any way necessary to address the issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.

An emergency department head meeting was held at Town Hall this morning at 10am. The Supervisor asked department heads for their full cooperation and assistance during this challenging time. The town will continue to provide needed services while minimizing public interactions.

‘We are taking this public health crisis seriously and doing our part to reduce social interactions while maintaining important governmental services,’ said Supervisor Schneiderman, ‘We want to protect vulnerable individuals and allow our healthcare system time to catch up with the growing need for testing and treatment.’

The Town is following all CDC guidelines and working closely with State and County Health Departments.”

For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov.

For updates from the Town of Southampton, visit www.southamptontownny.gov.

For updates from Town of East Hampton, visit ehamptonny.gov.

For updates from Suffolk County, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov.