POUGHKEEPSIE – Mayor Rob Rolison announced on Thursday that seven Department of Public Works employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and the City of Poughkeepsie is taking forceful measures to contain the spread and protect the health of its employees as well as the public at large. The workers testing positive are in quarantine at home.
The DPW has approximately 70 employees in the divisions of Streets, Sanitation, and Tree Service.
In response to these positive tests, the city conducted a deep cleaning of the DPW facilities on Howard Street and is closing the transfer station there to the public out of an abundance of caution.
“Our Department of Public Works employees have been on the front lines during this crisis. They do essential work, including ensuring our roads provide safe passage and that sanitation services are completed in a timely manner,” Rolison said. “We believe we can maintain essential services, but the health of our employees and the public will be a top priority.”
The city administration has been in contact with Dutchess County health officials and is following health protocols. The city has instituted contact tracing and other employees have been tested, with negative results.
“We ask the public to be patient during this time due to the current staff shortages at the Department of Public Works, including office staff,” Rolison said.
The mayor said City Hall will remain open for now, but with limited public access and with health and safety protocols in place. Most departments are operating by appointment only. Appointments may be made online at https://cityofpoughkeepsie.com/appointment.
No appointment is required to visit the City Cashier, Parking Division, or City Chamberlain, all located on the ground floor. However, the public is strongly encouraged to make payment for all city services by mail at 62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, or online at cityofpoughkeepsie.com/finance, or by using the drop box located in front of the entrance to the police department on the north side of City Hall.
Face coverings are required when conducting business at City Hall, and the staff is required to wear a mask when interacting with customers, during the workday whenever they cannot practice social distancing and when using elevators. Sanitizer stations have been positioned throughout the building for public use. The city also has undertaken “deep cleanings” of city buildings during this crisis.
The city has developed a Coronavirus Updates & Resource Guide to provide the latest information pertaining to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Dutchess County website also provides information and updates a t https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com