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Updated: Several Southern Tier Counties Declare States Of Emergency, Close Schools Over COVID-19

Updated: 3/15/20 - 6:02 P.M.

Note: This story is being updated as more information becomes available.

BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) - Tioga, Broome, Delaware, Chemung, Steuben, Otsego, Chenango, Tompkins, Cortland and Schuyler Counties each declared a State of Emergency  over the weekend in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Broome, Chemung and Tioga Counties are suspending classes at schools until April 14th. Delaware and Chenango Counties are suspending classes beginning on Wednesday, March 18th until April 14th.

Steuben County is cancelling classes beginning March 18th until April 13th. According to the county's Facebook page, this will allow faculty and staff to prepare for the extended dismissal. Daycares in Steuben will remain open during this time.*

On Friday, Tompkins County announced schools will close through April 12th and Otsego's health department recommended schools close for two weeks beginning on Monday.

Schuyler County officials said they're monitoring the situation and will provide guidance as needed.

Various county officials across the region have said they are working on ways to ensure children that rely on schools for meals and other services are accommodated. How exactly they are doing that differs from county to county.

On Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would waive the 180-day school year requirement for districts to receive state aid.

In Pennsylvania, Bradford County declared a State of Emergency on Friday. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has closed all schools in the state for two weeks.

As of Sunday afternoon, there are confirmed positive tests in Tioga, Tompkins and Delaware Counties in New York and Wayne County in Pennsylvania. New York State's numbers still report a confirmed case in Broome, but County Executive Jason Garnar has said that's a mistake.**

*Updated to reflect information around daycare operations in Steuben County.

**This story has been updated as more counties declare states of emergency.