Watervliet declares State of Emergency

WATERVLIET, N.Y. » Until further notice, the Watervliet Fire headquarters is being limited to essential personnel only.

The precautionary move is being made to protect members from coming into contact with COVID-19 patients, plus not wanting to risk possible exposure to the public.

On Thursday night, Mayor Charles Patricelli also declared a State of Emergency in the city.

“In doing so, nothing has changed in our day-to- day operations, but this declaration allows the City Administration, Police and Fire the ability to take immediate steps where needed should the COVID-19 virus further escalate and impact the health and safety of the residents of Watervliet,” the mayor said.

“I am in continual contact with my fellow City Mayors, the County Executive’s office and Health Department for assistance and guidance. It is good to know that we have such great leadership in the Capital District and should hopefully make you feel more at ease,” Patricelli added.

The limit extends to tours of the firehouse apparatus and equipment and families and kids are being asked to stay away for the time being.

The Fire Department notes

if you are having a medi

cal emergency, stay where you are and call 911. Make sure to inform dispatchers of all your symptoms and if you have been quarantined, are awaiting re

sults of the COVID-19 test, came into contact with a COVID-19 patient or have traveled recently.

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symp

toms, you’re told to contact your physician first for the best course of action. The Fire Department requests you do not travel to fire headquarters, as

you may be placing yourself or others at risk of exposure.

The Watervliet Fire Department is keeping in touch with residents via

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and through NIXLE alerts that you can sign up for on the Watervliet Police Department page.