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ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York — Rockland County Executive Ed Day declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

There are at least 16 cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the county, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The temporary emergency declaration will be in place until at least April 15. but could be extended depending on the circumstances, Day said.

“I want to reassure people that much has been done and much is being done,” Day said. “Most of it revolves around planning, operations and personnel that has mostly been internal and not publicized but to ensure services, health and safety.”

Beginning Tuesday, all public K-12 schools will close for at least two weeks. Private schools as well as colleges and secondary-education schools will close for two weeks beginning Wednesday. Day cares, preschools and pre-kindergarten are exempt from the order, Day said, and colleges are allowed to leave dorms and dining halls open.

The emergency declaration also includes:

  • Sale restrictions on certain cleaning, household and grocery items to two units per household per day.
  • Mandatory quarantine for anyone who is awaiting coronavirus test results. Violators could face up to three months in jail or one year of probation and a $500 fine.
  • Buffets and salad bars must prepackage their food.