‘BE CALM, BE KIND’
Saratoga County Sheriff: Residents should follow state directive to stay home
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » The number of reported positive cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Saratoga County increased to 26, the county’s Department of Health said in a press release on Friday.
The total adds five to the 21 reported cases Thursday evening. An official breakdown as to where each of the 26 cases resides is unavailable, however, officials said in some instances, the confirmed cases are family members living within the same residence.
Officials said the availability of testing at local hospitals has become limited and criteria for testing has become more stringent. They encourage residents experiencing symptoms to call their doctor, and if the criteria is met testing will be ordered.
“Because testing may be delayed it’s important that everyone work together to ‘flatten the curve’ by minimizing in-person interaction with others, practic
ing social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home as much as possible,” officials noted in the release.
As per orders of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for all non-essential workers in the state to stay home, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo encouraged county residents to comply.
“To preserve public health and safety, I encourage you to immediately follow the current state public health directives which Gov. Cuomo shared today,” Zurlo said via YouTube. “He is mandating that all non-essential New York workers stay home.
“This is a moment when we need to make tough decisions ... We live in a beautiful area with terrific people. Please practice common sense. Be calm. Be kind and I promise you, together, we will make it through this experience.”
Officials noted in recent days there have been more than 1,000 new phone numbers enrolled in the county’s CodeRED system. Residents can enroll in the county’s CodeRED emergency notification system to receive updates from the county’s Emergency Management Team.
To enroll, follow this link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/ BF26DE55718D.
Meanwhile, officials announced the implementation of protocols for both the clerk’s office and the Department of Motor Vehicles during the pandemic. The following protocols will remain until further notice.
County Clerk’s Office Emergency Protocols
Until further notice, office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. In-person services are limited to urgent filings and recordings that cannot be processed through the mail or electronically. Passport and in-office public search services are suspended until further notice.
Many transactions can be accomplished through e-recording, e-filing or the postal service. The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office utilizes two partners, SimpliFile, www.simplifile.com, and CSC, www.erecording.com, which provide web-based services that allow submitters to electronically record real estate documents. Please see their respective websites for more information about using their services.
Many records maintained by the County Clerk’s office can be searched for free online at SearchIQS.com, including land records, judgements, liens, and business certificates. To sign up for online records access, please visit www.saratogacountyny. gov/saratoga-county-clerk and click on “online records application.”
Saratoga County DMV Emergency Protocols
Saratoga County DMV is taking emergency appointments only. No walk-ins. Appointments will be made only for Saratoga County residents with driver license renewals or upgrades that expire within 15 days, CDL renewals or who need to take a CDL permit test (limited to one try only).
Until further notice, DMV office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phones will only be answered between 8:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Do not call Saratoga County DMV unless your transaction fits the emergency criteria. To make an appointment call (518) 383-2480, ext. 3921.
For simple registration renewals, residents can use a 24-hour drop box outside the Clifton Park and Ballston Spa DMV locations or between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilton DMV location. Registration Renewals can also be mailed to Saratoga County DMV at 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa, N.Y. 12020.
Forms are available on the Saratoga County DMV website at www.saratogcountyny.gov/dmv. Please make checks payable to Saratoga
County Clerk. Your registration will be mailed to you within five business days.
For license plate surrenders, residents can use a drop box at any Saratoga County DMV locations between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Attach your name, phone number, and mailing address to the plates. A receipt will be mailed to you within five business days. Do not cancel your insurance until you receive the receipt.
Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner advises residents to check the county clerk and county DMV websites and social media pages as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and may change day to day. All customers are strongly urged to practice social distancing and only visit the County Clerk’s Office or make an appointment with the County DMV if their business is truly urgent.
These measures have been implemented to adhere to state mandates and in an effort to help flatten the curve as we all do our part in the fight against the COVID-19 spread. These restrictions will be lifted when it is safe to do so.