To address concerns related to COVID-19, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon has issued a proclamation of emergency within the territorial limits of the county.

The proclamation, declared on March 14, will remain in effect until April 13, unless extended by McMahon.

McMahon also made three local orders considered necessary to provide for social distancing and assist residents making safeguarding efforts. 

The first order called for a temporary suspension or modification of restrictions regarding the use of Onondaga County purchase cards “in order to authorize the use of such cards to the maximum extent necessary to allow the purchase of necessary goods, commodities, services, technology, equipment, materials, supplies, or services, without standard procurement processes.”

Purchase card limits have been increased to $100,000 for the Director of Purchase, the Director of Emergency Management and the Office of the Onondaga County Executive. All other purchase card limits have been increased to $10,000, the order states.

This first order will remain in effect until March 19, unless extended by the county executive.

The second order calls for a halt to extracurricular school activities for the public and private schools located within Onondaga County, including but not limited to field trips, sports practices and club meetings.

With renewals continuing past the initial five days allowed for local emergency orders, this suspension of extracurricular activities will remain in effect through Monday, April 13.

McMahon has also called for all public and private schools within Onondaga County to be closed starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 20 through to the end of the day April 13.

This order will also be renewed after each five-day period.