In preparation for this weekend’s inclement weather, Westchester County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation have obtained COVID-19 test kits to equip local DPW and sanitation departments. The ongoing effort is to help keep employees healthy and available during the winter season to assist with any potential snow removal.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We want to allow for accessible testing for our critical employees, so we can establish if they can return to work. Sometimes, these weather events occur when there is no ability to administer a test. These test kits allow for our employees to remain healthy in order to help ensure the safety of our citizens during inclement weather.”
Westchester County Commissioner of Public Works and Transportation Hugh Greechan said: “This initiative started two weeks ago, as we have seen the need arise after requests from multiple municipalities. These test kits are readily available for DPW employees to receive results if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. During emergency situations, this type of turnaround is critical so we can keep our workforce healthy and on the job.”
The Westchester Department of Emergency Services supplied 1100 test kits to the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation. Roughly 500 tests have been distributed or picked up by several local DPW and sanitation departments in municipalities including: Lewisboro, South Salem, Yorktown, Mount Vernon, Mamaroneck, Greenburgh and Yonkers.