BUFFALO, N.Y. — To prevent the spread of coronavuris, many local government buildings and services have been closed until further notice.
Erie County
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown unveiled a way for Western New Yorkers to get emergency alerts from the City of Buffalo in a media conference Monday afternoon. The city put that resource to good use a few hours later by sending out its first alert.
The alert announced that all City of Buffalo government buildings, including City Hall, will be closed until further notice. The alert went on to say that any scheduled meetings, events or hearings will be rescheduled.
Mayor Brown also announced he will be reducing reporting workforce by 50 percent except for essential personnel.
“In order to prevent the spread of this disease I am closing all municipal buildings to the public starting tonight at 8 p.m.,” said Brown. “This will help City departments and partnering agencies continue to do what is necessary to maintain public health and safety, while still providing critical services. In addition to these closures we will also reduce our reporting workforce by 50 percent. This applies to all Agencies, Authorities, and Departments, except for essential personnel. This situation is dynamic and rapidly evolving, but my Administration is ready to respond.”
In addition, no late fees or fines will be issued to any matter relating to a hearing that has to be rescheduled for this reason.
To sign up for Buffalo's emergency notification system, called BuffALERT, text "Join BuffALERT" to 30890.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office announced that the Civil Enforcement Division will be closing it's offices until further notice. The office is suspending all service/execution of eviction-type cases until the offices re-open.
Those who need to make a payment can do so by mailing a certified bank check payable to "Sheriff of Erie County" with the docket number included to this address.
ECSO-CIVIL
PO BOX 8000
DEPT 831
BUFFALO, NY 14267.
The Erie County Auto Bureau will be suspending service starting Saturday, March 21. The bureau also announced until then, only people conducting business will be allowed in. Even if it is a parent with a child, only the parent will be allowed in.
Walk-ins will still be welcome to conduct business until Saturday, but all satellite and mobile bureau's are closed.
In Chautauqua County, the Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging all clients with appointments in Maryville, Jamestown and Dunkirk not to come in for their appointments.
No negative action will be taken because of a missed appointment.