NORWICH – According to the New York State Department of Health, the state currently sits at 729 total positive cases of the coronavirus.

Currently, Chenango County has been testing residents for the coronavirus, but no tests have returned positive.

On Sunday the City of Norwich Emergency Operations Center sent out an alert by Chenango County Board of Supervisors Chairman Lawrence Wilcox declaring a State of Emergency for Chenango County in response to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic.

“Based on the recommendations of the county health director, I have ordered the suspension of all classroom and extracurricular functions with regard to all public and private schools located in Chenango County effective Wednesday, March 18,” said Wilcox. “Schools may remain open for administrative and staff functions."

Individual school districts will advise students and parents of their exact plan, but most are expected to have a staff development day on Monday, March 16. On Tuesday it will be up each school district whether students will report to prepare for the extended closure. The school closure order is in effect from Wednesday, March 19 through April 14, 2020. Daycares in Chenango County are not currently closed, as they are under the regulatory control of New York State.

The decision to close schools is a proactive measure to prevent the spread of the virus to students, their families, and the community.