CORNING, NY (WSKG) - Parks are open again in Steuben County as officials prepare to ease into reopening the rest of the region amid COVID-19 restrictions.
The four parks, Kanakadea Park in Hornellsville, Birdseye Hollow Park in Bradford, Harley Mayo Park at Boyd’s Corners in Cameron and Hornby Park in Hornby had been closed due to social distancing concerns since a countywide order went into effect on April 14.
As restrictions on reopening loosen, social distancing remains a top priority.
“Enjoy the sunshine, get a walk in,” said Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler. “But meeting up with people who you don't live with, meeting up with friends, you know, extended family and larger groups still is not permitted.”
The Steuben County Sheriff, James Allard, said his department has handled dozens of complaints about social distancing concerns and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in public, but no arrests or citations have been issued.
Steuben county has seen the highest COVID-19 cases in the region with over 200 positive and nearly 40 deaths, mostly in nursing homes.
Public works employees have been directed to disinfect any touch surfaces, such as benches, in county parks, daily. Playgrounds and pavilions will remain closed according to Wheeler.
Steuben County is still seeing new positive cases. Several more have been reported since the announcement.