Rochester’s mayor declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The proclamation signed by Warren said the state of emergency took effect at 4 p.m. the same day.
“This state of emergency will help us keep our residents and staff safe during this crisis and allow us to utilize our staff most effectively,” read a quote from Warren on the city’s official Twitter account.
“A State of Emergency gives the Mayor the authority to issue emergency orders, implement public protection measures, suspend local laws and request supplemental assistance,” read the announcement on the City of Rochester website.
Warren ordered City Hall, public libraries, community centers (except for those open for food distribution) to be closed to the public effective Monday at 5 p.m. according to a local emergency order she signed. She also ordered that no residence in Rochester have its gas or electricity cut off. Another order was to retroactively cancel late payment fees owed to the city.
According to the city’s website, the state of emergency is renewable every five days.
The announcement comes the day after the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Monroe County rose to 10. The county has been in a state of emergency since Saturday, March 14.
