Allegany County declares State of Emergency, Section V announces official postponement of Spring Sports season, due to the Coronavirus

UPDATE (Saturday 3.14, 9:36 P.M.) — Allegany County Board of Legislators Chairman Curt Crandall, and County Administrator Carissa Knapp officially declared a State of Emergency in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, which will take effect at 10 p.m. this evening. County officials have directed schools in Allegany County to dismiss students beginning on Wednesday (March 18) through April 12.

In conjuction with Steuben County, who announced a State of Emergency earlier this afternoon, schools in Allegany County will be utilizing both Monday and Tuesday in advance to prepare staff and students for the extended dismissal.

The complete announcement can be found at the Allegany County website, when made available.

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ROCHESTER — Yesterday, we posted on our website an update that the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) released regarding the suspension of all winter sports championships across the State, as well as the unanswered question regarding the cloudy future about the upcoming Spring Sports season.

In the past 72 hours, schools around the county have begun cancelling schoolwide events, along with events inside and outside of the County as a precaution. A mere 24 hours later this evening, another answer was provided, this time by Section V brass.

In an official statement that was released to the public earlier this evening, Section V has announced that “Due to the unprecedented events as a result of the Coronavirus, many local county health departments have recommended school closings. This obviously puts a pause on the Spring Sports season. We will continue to communicate with our member schools, sport coordinators, as well as NYSPHSAA leadership. We will remain positive and optimistic, while focusing on the health and safety of all involved.”

Earlier this afternoon, a State of Emergency was announced in Steuben County that due to the rising Coronavirus concerns across the nation and globe, all Steuben County public schools will see education reach a stopping point beginning after the weekend. Those schools include both Alfred-Almond and Canaseraga, who will close the doors to the school beginning after the weekend, and the hiatus will last up through mid April.

As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding any school closures from within Allegany County. But with multiple Counties in New York are beginning to take caution in shutting their doors and the situation regarding the Coronavirus rapidly developing, a similar declaration may be taken.

Along with the pausing of the Spring Sports season, word has been received that next week’s Allegany County Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Houghton College next Saturday evening has been officially cancelled. With the uncertainty surrounding the rest of the school year, the Class of 2020 induction ceremony will be tentatively set for next March.

When we do hear more information regarding school closures due to the Coronavirus, we will post an update on this article as soon as we can.

I wish you all continued good health, and please stay safe.