HUDSON—“Since the coronavirus pandemic sent us into lockdown with a variety of health protocols designed to prevent the spread of the virus, Health Department officials and elected leaders in Columbia County have done their best to adhere to New York State-issued guidance. From all appearances, much of it has seemed to help and we’re happy to have entered into Phase 2 of the New York Forward business reopening plan,” Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in the June 6 county-issued Covid-19 update press release.
“That being said, it’s hard for me to understand why places like department stores, grocery stores, and summer camps can be open for business, when high school graduations continue to be held to a strict set of guidelines.
“The inconsistency of virus-fighting recommendations is confounding, to say the least,” the chairman said.
“I’d ask that the state revisit the high school graduation guidance it issued this week, and consider offering up some less-restrictive options that enable schools and their students to conduct graduations while still practicing appropriate social distancing and other safety protocols,” he said.
