Current Westchester Data – As of 5/11 Westchester Cases: 31,384 (+90)
Westchester Tests: 112,663 (+1,321)
Westchester Fatalities: 1,227
New Castle Cases: 167
New York State Cases: 337,055 (+1,660)
New York State Tests: 1,204,650 (+21,652)
New York State Fatalities: 21,640 (+161)
NY Forward NYS Pause is set to end Friday, May 15th. As we begin the process of reopening, New York State requires that each region meet seven metrics before we can begin our reopening process. Westchester is a part of the Mid-Hudson Region, which currently meets five of the seven metrics. Benchmarks: - 14-day decline in net hospitalizations OR under 15 new hospitalizations (3-day avg)
- 14-day decline in hospital deaths OR fewer than 5 deaths (3-day avg)
- New Hospitalizations (under 2 per 100k residents – 3 day rolling avg)
- Share of total beds available (threshold at 30%)
- Share of ICU beds available (threshold of 30%)
- 30 tests per 1k residents (7-day average of new tests per day)
- At least 30 contact tracers per 100k residents
Once we meet these metrics, businesses will begin to reopen in 4 phases. NYS’s metrics are explored in more detail in Governor Cuomo’s plan for NY Forward:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/NYForwardReopeningGuide.pdf
If you would like to monitor progress across these metrics, please consult NYS’s new regional tracker: https://forward.ny.gov/regional-monitoring-dashboard
Virtual Town Hall For Local Businesses
The Town of New Castle, in partnership with the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, is planning a virtual Town Hall event to discuss Governor Cuomo’s NY Forward plan. Recognizing that there are still a lot of unknowns, the objective of this session will be to breakdown the plan in simple terms and help our business community and residents understand the 7 metrics, 4 phases, and how the community is proceeding on the path to re-opening. Stay tuned for more information!
Antibody Testing Antibody testing is now available for first responders and essential workers at Northern Westchester Hospital and the Center for Healthy Living at Chappaqua Crossing. If you are a first responder or essential worker (see list below) please make an appointment to be tested: https://veoci.com/veoci/p/form/39a5t7md5dnw.
First Responder and Essential Worker Listing: - Correction/Parole/Probation Officers
- Direct Care Providers
- Firefighters
- Health Care Practitioners, Professionals, Aides, and Support Staff (e.g. Physicians, Nurses, Public Health Personnel)
- Medical Specialists
- Nutritionists and Dietitians
- Occupational/Physical/Recreational/Speech Therapists
- Paramedics/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Police Officers
- Psychologists/Psychiatrists
- Residential Care Program Managers
- Animal Care Workers (e.g. Veterinarians)
- Automotive Service and Repair Workers
- Bank Tellers and Workers
- Building Code Enforcement Officers
- Child Care Workers
- Client-Facing Case Managers and Coordinators
- Counselors (e.g. Mental Health, Addiction, Youth, Vocational, Crisis, etc.)
- Delivery Workers
- Dentists and Dental Hygienists
- Essential Construction Workers at Occupied Residences or Buildings
- Faith-Based Leaders (e.g. Chaplains, Clergy Members)
- Field Investigators/Regulators for Health and Safety
- Food Service Workers / Grocery Workers
- Funeral Home Workers
- Hotel/Motel Workers
- Human Services Providers
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers
- Mail and Shipping Workers
- Maintenance and Janitorial/Cleaning Workers
- Optometrists, Opticians, and Supporting Staff
- Retail Workers at Essential Businesses (e.g. Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Convenience Stores, Gas Stations, Hardware Stores)
- Security Guards and Personnel
- Shelter Workers and Homelessness Support Staff
- Social Workers
- Teachers/Professors/Educators
- Transit Workers (e.g. Airports, Railways, Buses, and For-Hire Vehicles)
- Trash and Recycling Workers
- Utility Workers
It is important to note that regardless of your test result, it is essential that you continue to adhere to the Governor’s Executive Order and the New York State Department of Health guidelines for masking, social distancing and hand washing.
Social Distancing Violations The Town continues to receive complaints from residents regarding real and perceived social distancing violations. While these violations are thoughtless and inconsiderate, we continue to follow the guidance from Westchester County Executive Latimer, who has cautioned municipalities against criminalizing noncompliance to social distancing.
We’ve had considerable success in New Castle with voluntary compliance. Our police department has responded to complaints and been successful in breaking up groups of people who are not social distancing. If you need assistance from the police, please call 238-4422.
I continue to believe that gentle corrections are the best way to influence others. We are all adjusting to the new normal – wearing face masks in public, greeting our neighbors from across the street. It takes practice. Sometimes we forget, but we are getting better. We are all in this together!
Why Wear a Mask? Governor Cuomo’s Thoughts
 Ribbons of Remembrance Westchester County has created a memorial for victims of COVID-19 at Lenoir Nature Preserve. More information on the purple Ribbons of Remembrance are available here: https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases/8444-westchester-county-remembers-over-1-100-residents-who-have-died-of-covid-19
Recycling Center to Re-Open on Tuesday, May 26th By popular demand, the Town of New Castle Recycling Center is reopening on a limited basis starting Tuesday, May 26th. The Office and Residential Yard Waste Area will remain closed until further notice. The Recycling Center Yard will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7AM-2:30PM only. Please note follow the procedural changes below when arriving at the Recycling Center.
- A limit of four vehicles will be permitted within the yard which will be managed by a recycling staff member
- Residents must remain in their cars while waiting on line to enter the yard.
- Walk-ins will not be permitted
- Residents are required to wear a mask/face covering
- Six feet of social distancing must be maintained so please leave family members home or have them remain in your vehicle
- To ensure social distancing only one resident will be permitted on the platforms at a time
- Use time efficiently in the yard in order to minimize wait time for others
Since the Recycling Center Office and Residential Yard Waste Area will remain closed, please visit Chappaqua Paint and Hardware or Millwood Hardware to purchase yard waste bags, recycling totes and compostable liners for food compost. Yard waste will continue to be collected curbside every other Monday.
As a reminder mulch/compost orders can now be placed for delivery only. For more information please visit:https://mynewcastle.org/413/MulchCompost-Yard-Waste. To place an order please mail a Mulch/Compost Order Form and a check payable to the Town of New Castle to the Recycling Center at 210 Joan Corwin Way, Chappaqua, NY 10514.
Please email any Recycling Center questions to Recycle@mynewcastle.org.
Summer Camps – An Update on Town Camp The Town is still awaiting guidance from the CDC, the New York State and Westchester County Health Departments, and the American Camp Association with regard to whether summer camps can continue. If the Town is allowed to hold Town Camp we will do so, and our Recreation Department and Recreation Commission are committed to finding creative solutions to delight kids and parents alike.
This week the Town made the decision to cancel all camp field trips, including the two optional trips for Camp Adventure, as well as all of the trips for the On the Go Camp. In addition, the Town has canceled all open swim, as well as swimming and tennis lessons. Refunds will be issued for all cancellations, minus credit card fees. On the Go campers will have the option of joining a traditional town camp with activities like sports, art, and entertainers every day.
For more information please contact Brittany Neider at bneider@mynewcastle.org.
We are hoping to receive guidance from the Health Department and CDC is the coming weeks. We will do our best to keep you updated as we get more information. The health and safety of our campers is always our first priority.
Tennis Anyone? Millwood Park Re-Opens The Town is re-opening our public tennis courts at Millwood Park. There are two courts at Millwood Park – these are the only municipal courts in New Castle. There are other courts -- private tennis clubs and the courts at Horace Greeley High School; however, these courts are not under our authority.
The Millwood Park courts will be reserved for seniors before 11AM, after which the courts will be open until sundown. Please use the sign-up sheet at the courts to sign up for 1-hour time slots on a first come, first served basis. Permitted play is limited to singles play only, and the courts are limited to New Castle residents.
Each player should bring their own can of balls with which to serve and please avoid touching your opponent’s ball. Please do not share equipment, towels, hats, etc. At all times, please maintain 6 feet social distancing. |
