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Reported cases of COVID-19 shut down Town Hall

WASHINGTON — Town of Washington Clerk Mary Murphy Alex announced on Sunday, Nov. 8, that the Washington Town Hall at 10 Reservoir Drive will be closed until Monday, Nov. 30. The town released an official statement saying the closure is “due to several employees testing positive for COVID-19.” 

The Town Hall notified the public that all recreation programs will continue as scheduled as they will take place at the Guertin Gymnasium at Village Hall where no one has had any contact with anyone infected with the virus.

Alex urged everyone to be aware of the symptoms of the coronavirus, including fever, muscle aches, cough, congestion, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and/or smell. 

Town officials will be providing contact tracing information to the Dutchess County Department of Health. Town employees will be working from home for the duration of the month to keep from catching and potentially spreading the deadly virus, and anyone who had an appointment at Town Hall will be contacted to reschedule.

People who require service should call 845-677-3419, ext. 100 and leave a message in the town clerk’s voice mail system.  Calls will be reviewed and disseminated when appropriate.  Emails will not necessarily be checked during quarantine.  

“We will be reviewing how we can best serve you during this unprecedented time period,” stated the town press release.

Alex also added that the Transfer Station will remain open for permit holders. Those who do not have a punch card will be billed for usage at a later date.

Hunting licenses may be purchased at Orvis Sandanona, located at 3047 Sharon Tpke., Millbrook, or on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, www.dec.ny.gov.  Orvis is open to the public, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thanksgiving excluded.

The following services will not be available until further notice: marriage licenses, Justice Court services, building permits or inspections and assessment information. Updates will be added when available.   

“The town apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause, however it appreciates everyone’s understanding as its employees get healthy,” it stated.

Contact the town clerk via email at malex@washingtonny.org or call the number above and she will disseminate your requests to the appropriate employees.

Alex added these words of advice to all residents: “Be well, wear a mask and wash your hands.”

Anyone who has exhibited COVID-19 symptoms should contact a medical practitioner immediately. 

Judith O'Hara Balfe

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