Town of Wheatfield responds to coronavirus: declares state of emergency

Town of Wheatfield Supervisor Don MacSwan announced that, in response to numerous directives taken by New York state to address the coronavirus outbreak, the town is updating a number of its service operations and policies for residents.

“Wheatfield takes seriously the health and safety of our residents, businesses and visitors. Therefore, we are taking a proactive approach in an attempt to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, by instituting the following measures for town facilities and activities,” he said. “We are declaring a state of emergency in the Town of Wheatfield until further notice. We are requesting you limit nonessential travel as well as public gatherings and meetings.”

MacSwan announced the following measures:

•The Town of Wheatfield Youth Center and Community Center are closed to the public, with all events, senior activities, meetings and outside organization activities cancelled for at least two weeks or until further notice. MacSwan said the Youth Center would still be accepting applications for summer camp, baseball and softball.

•Wheatfield Town Hall remains open until further notice. The Town Hall cleaning staff will be taking extra sanitation measures on all high-contact areas.

“However, we strongly encourage you to complete your town business online, by telephone, email or dropbox (found at the front entrance to Town Hall) rather than in person,” MacSwan said.

He noted the town would screen anyone entering Town Hall and, if any related coronavirus risk factors are present (i.e., illness of the individual or a family member, or travel to substantial virus infection location), entrance may be denied.

The regular Town Board, Zoning and Planning meetings are cancelled through the remainder of March. Special meetings may be called, if necessary, or for emergency business; however visitors are asked to err on the side of caution and stay home, if possible.

Other own announcements:

•All other town and committee meetings are postponed until further notice.

•Electronics recycling at the Town of Wheatfield Water and Sewer Department is temporarily suspended until further notice.

•The Town of Wheatfield High Department building is closed to public until further notice.

•Wheatfield Town Courts are closed and will suspend and adjourn all cases, except for criminal arraignments and emergency cases/orders. All questions from the public should be directed to the court phone numbers for guidance and adjourned dates.

“These policies and measures are subject to change and will be updated as needed,” MacSwan said. “Both I and Town Hall staff will do our best to keep you informed as things change in the coming days and weeks.

“Please to not hesitate to contact the town (716-649-6440) with any questions.

“Thank you and please do your part to stay safe.”