GOUVERNEUR — The Village of Gouverneur mayor and Board of Trustees have declared a State of Emergency that will continue until further notice because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

All village offices and other village buildings were closed to the public at noon Monday, March 16, and various employees who were not already off were excused for the rest of the day until further notice, according to a press release from village officials.

On Thursday, March 19, all other non-essential employees were excused until further notice. However, essential services such as the Gouverneur Police Department, water filtration plant (ie. potable water) and wastewater treatment employees remain on the job.

Highway and electric DPW employees are currently on leave. However, two members of this department are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additionally, certain clerical staff, along with the mayor are working in the offices on mandatory and regulatory essential items such as payroll and the 2020-2021 village budget.

Department Heads are in daily contact with the mayor. Governmental agencies are sharing information as part of our shared services agreements on a regular basis either in person, phones or electronically.

Village police will remain on duty and taking calls at 315-287-2121 or 911.

“However, police will be prioritizing the importance of complaints as needed and face to face contact with the general public at the police station will be minimal, village officials said. Additionally, administrative staff and the mayor will be available by phone and/or electronically by calling 315-287-1720.

“The Mayor and Board of Trustees are cautiously optimistic that these challenging times that we currently live in will be over in the next few weeks. However, we are keenly aware that it could be much longer and are making provisional plans in this regard. We will keep the community advised as much as possible in a timely fashion,” officials said.

“In the meantime, please take President Trump’s and Governor Cuomo’s advice. Follow the executive orders and other recommendations that they have publicized such as hygiene, social distancing and various employee/employer work rules that they have ordered and/or recommended. It is for our general well-being of our community and humanity. Take Care, God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America,” the press release said.