Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the following measures to take effect as a result of the COVID-19 virus:

Effective close of business tomorrow – Tuesday, March 17, through Tuesday, March 31,  McMahon has ordered that a minimum of 50% of Onondaga County employees work from home. Employees will be directed by their department head whether to report in person or work from home. They will also be compensated through March 31, 2020. As the situation evolves, these dates could change.

o Essential services will still be open. This includes: all public safety related departments as well as all public benefits services;

o All public benefits services including, but not limited to, Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, HEAP, Childcare, Child Support and SNAP, will take place only on the 2nd floor of the Civic Center. Signage will also direct individuals where to go;

o Vital statistics and clinics will be closed;

o Should a member of the community need to use any other service located within the Civic Center or Kochian Office Building, they are asked to please call ahead first.

All libraries will be closed effective 4 p.m. today – Monday, March 16.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be closed effective 4 p.m. today- Monday, March 16.

Effective immediately, all Onondaga County Parks recreational programs and events are cancelled through the end of April.

o All Onondaga County Parks bathrooms will be closed effective immediately

o All Onondaga County Parks buildings will be closed effective immediately

o Parks grounds will remain open, but the public is reminded to practice social distancing should they choose to use them

Most importantly, McMahon is reminding members of the public to come together, stay calm and not let the anxiety of the situation win. People are reminded to wash their hands and exercise responsible social distancing.