From the desk of City Manager Sarah Purdy...
COVID-19 UPDATE
April 10, 2020
Many people have reacted to the closing of the City boat launches and marina with disappointment or frustration. I did too. Boating on the St. Lawrence River is a big part of our community identity. It was one of the few activities that were still allowed. And now it’s not.
I have talked to several people today about this. I totally agree that it’s a bummer. But it is a New York State order and the City has to follow it. The order was issued yesterday and most people found out about toward the end of the day. It was issued as a change in the designation of boating and golfing as “essential” to “non-essential.”
You can find the language of the order on the New York State Empire State Development’s website by clicking here. Once you are on the website, click on the arrow pointing to the right. It will take you to the next page, called “Information Regarding COVID-19 and Business-Related Issues.” Go down to the bottom of this page and click on “ESD Guidance on Essential Businesses.” Scroll through the document that comes up on the screen until you get to #13. That is the section that identifies the use of golf courses, boat launches and marinas as non-essential.
These restrictions are in place until the end of the month, unless further extended. New Jersey and Pennsylvania closed off golfing a month ago, which led to more crowded golf courses in New York. The crowding jeopardized social distancing, and thus the order from Empire State Development. We all understand how important social distancing is to the ability to re-open our nation, and the world, as soon as it is safe to do so. The more we practice what we need to do, the sooner that day will come.
Meanwhile, as we finish a week and go into a weekend that have so much meaning to so many faiths around the world, let’s reflect as we can on the fact that although there is a grim shadow that has been passing over all of us, there is hope for renewal. It will not be the same, and we won’t be either, but brighter days will come and we will once again see beautiful sunsets while boating on the St. Lawrence River.
Be hopeful, stay safe, stay healthy and stay together yet six feet apart. Wave from afar at the Easter Bunny. “Take 5 for New York” by calling someone and chatting for five minutes. And please see below several links to COVID-19 information that you may find useful.
Department of Labor Cares Act Information
US Small Business Administration
St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency
Governor Cuomo’s Website
New York State Department of Health
Protect Yourself & Stop the Spread of Germs
What You Need to Know
Please revisit this page for important updates from the City of Ogdensburg.