Issued by the City of Beacon via press release on March 13, 2020:

The City of Beacon is working closely with Dutchess County and New York State to ensure public health and safety in connection with COVID-19, and wants to inform the community of the following current information and actions.

Public Information:

The City of Beacon recognizes that the best local health expertise lies with the Dutchess County Health Department, and that best overall information is provided by way of collaboration with Dutchess County and New York State. Accordingly, the City is promptly re-communicating relevant, accurate information provided by the best sources, whether electronically on the Beacon Public Access Channel (Channel 22) , the City of Beacon website (http://www.CityofBeacon.org), links in documents, or in printed form.

City Preparedness:

The City is working closely with expert state and county partners, participating in multiple daily calls and meetings involving communities throughout the region. Information is passed on to all city staff, including police, fire and other departments, and the community, and the city is taking the appropriate recommended actions to properly inform to safeguard our community, including actions and recommendations to reduce the pace of transmission of COVID-19.

Large Public Events:

As State and County directives recognize, the major risk of COVID-19 transmission involves large public events. Accordingly, the City is canceling or postponing public-supported events involving large attendance scheduled between now and the end of April – including the Parade of Green, Good Friday Procession, Easter at Memorial Park, Easter Sunrise Service and the Beacon Barks Parade.

Beacon Recreation Programs:

The City is following the lead of the Beacon City School District, and discontinuing programming consistent with the school district schedule. Other City-sponsored recreational activity involving small groups in large enough venues will continue, with City staff monitoring and ensuring allowance for “social distancing.”

Public Board Meetings:

Meetings of the Beacon City Council, Planning and Zoning Boards, and other regular and ad hoc city board meetings – will continue to meet on schedule, with a change of location from the Court Room at the Municipal Building to the much larger public meeting room across Route 9D at the Lewis Tompkins Hose Meeting Room located at 13 South Avenue. This will allow for appropriate “social distancing” in a much larger venue; if necessary, the City will monitor and limit public attendance appropriate to venue size. The City will continue to televise City Council and other board meetings, and is working on installation of teleconferencing for meetings. Board members are or course free to make individual choices regarding attendance specific to their individual circumstances.

City Hall & Municipal Buildings:

Our City Hall at One Municipal Plaza and all other public municipal facilities remain open. Municipal buildings are being cleaned twice a day, and are safe for the public. Residents are encouraged to contact the City by phone or e-mail, where you will receive excellent customer service.

Some Accurate Sources of Information:

Below are some links to accurate and up-to-date local information on health and safety. Take care to find and rely on accurate official sources, and not unofficial, informal or uninformed ones.

Dutchess County Coronavirus Information Hotline: 845-486-3555
NYS DOH Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
Dutchess County State of Emergency: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/Dutchess-County-Announces-State-of-Emergency.htm
Dutchess County Department of Health: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
NYS DOH Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Public Health Reminders:

The City of Beacon wishes to repeat some official common-sense public health guidelines including personal hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding large public gatherings and events. These come from the Dutchess County Department of Health and the New York State and the New York State Department of Health.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

From The Dutchess County COVID-19/Coronavirus Fact Sheet

What Are The Symptoms Of Coronavirus COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

What If I Am Sick?

If you believe you have contacted COVID-19, call ahead to your primary care doctor or urgent care so that they can take necessary precautions upon your arrival. Do NOT go directly to the hospital unless you are in distress.