City of Rochester News Release
Stopping Spread of COVID-19, Reopening Rochester Must Be Done Together
(Friday, May 22, 2020) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren and Police Chief La’Ron Singletary are imploring Rochester residents to continue practicing safe social distancing measures as the forcasted summer-like weather draws people outside over Memorial Day weekend.
“Memorial Day is, first and foremost, a time to remember the men and women of the armed services who died protecting our freedom,” said Mayor Warren. “We also know this is a favorite holiday in Rochester because it’s the unofficial start of summer and the return of good weather. But COVID-19 is still among us, so I am asking our residents to enjoy the holiday weekend in a way that keeps everyone safe and healthy and stops the spread of this virus as we re-open our city. Protect yourself, protect your circle and protect our city by doing the right thing.”
Rochester began Phase 1 of NY Forward, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s four-phased approach to re-starting New York’s economy, on May 15 and will not advance to the next phase until additional metrics regarding the spread of COVID-19 and community’s ability to respond to additional cases are met. Residents have an important role in helping the city and region meet these metrics and advance to the next phases of the re-opening plan, especially this holiday weekend when more people will be outside. These measures include:
• Stay home as much as possible;
• Continue to wear a face mask in public, especially when in close proximity others;
• Stay six feet apart from those outside your household;
• Limit social gatherings to household members;
• Do not assemble in large groups. Non-essential gatherings such as birthday parties, weddings and holiday picnics remain prohibited;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer;
• Cover sneezes and coughs with a bent elbow;
• Track your symptoms at ROCCOVID.ORG and stay home if you feel ill.
All city residents should have access to a protective face mask by this weekend. Mayor Warren’s office began mailing five face masks each to all city households last week, and that process is nearly complete. Additionally, the City is providing masks and social distancing literature to corner stores so the owners can offer masks to customers who arrive without one.
The Rochester Police Department will continue its efforts to discourage people from gathering in large groups by providing guidance about the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of personal protection in a non-confrontational manner. The RPD is working with the Monroe County Department of Public Safety and Sheriff’s Office; the City’s Pathways to Peace youth outreach workers; and local clergy to assist with this effort.
City parks remain open but playgrounds, athletic facilities and restrooms are closed to the public. Residents are reminded not to congregate in large groups in the parks, and should avoid touching manmade surfaces including benches, picnic tables and grills that can host the Coronavirus.
As a primary source of healthy food for many low-income residents, the City of Rochester Public Market is maintaining its regular Market hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The tradition of opening the Market on Friday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend will not be held this year, along with other Market special events in May.
Market shoppers are required to wear masks in confined spaces, including under the sheds, and are encouraged to help keep crowds to a minimum by giving other shoppers as much space as possible; not shopping in groups or with children or dogs; avoiding peak hours (8 a.m. to noon); and keeping their visits brief.
To learn more about the City’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.cityofrochester.gov/coronavirus/.
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