COVID-19 Information: We are closely monitoring the details of this event on a day-to-day basis. We will post updates here as we learn them.
Dateline: April 14, 2023
The federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act expires at the end of the day May 11, 2023. Please visit this link for additional details.
Dateline: August 21, 2022
With the CDC rolling back many of their previous requirements (e.g. social distancing and changes to contact tracing, isolation and quarantine), the Town will remove it’s red headline banner from the homepage of the website. While COVID won’t likely go away anytime soon, the public health emergency surrounding COVID in our area has ended. We will continue to update this page as required and if a resurgence takes place, we will reactivate our protocols to keep the public informed. Thank you and stay healthy!
Dateline: May 29, 2022
Happy Memorial Day weekend and welcome back to many of you who call Essex home during the summer months! COVID-19 still lingers in our world, with Essex County Public Health reporting approximately 20-30 new cases on a daily basis throughout Essex County. Stay safe and enjoy!
Dateline: March 13, 2022
With most COVID restrictions lifted by the Governor and federal and state agencies, the Town is returning to a more normal status of operation. Masks at Town Hall are recommended, but not required. Most stores and restaurants have lifted any mask mandates they once previously had. Daily infection rates in the County have, on average fallen to single digits. There is a possibility that a new variant could rear its ugly head, but until that time, life is returning to some semblance of normal. Be safe and enjoy all that Essex has to offer!
Dateline: February 9, 2022 @ 3:10pm
📣Reminder! There is now a Community COVID-19 Testing Site on the campus of the North Country Community College in Ticonderoga. The site offers FREE testing every Friday from 8:30am - 3:30pm. Appointments can be made at: https://quadrantbiosciences.com/covidtesting
Dateline: January 18, 2022 @ 8:59pm
The Federal Government has created a website that allows you to request free at-home COVID tests. Please visit it for details on how to order yours free of charge.
Dateline: January 12, 2022 @ 8:19am
Essex and Essex County residents: If you take an at-home test and it comes back positive for COVID, or you believe that you have been exposed through close contact, you will want to visit this Essex County Department of Public Health webpage for details on how to proceed to keep you safe and healthy. Thank you to our Public Health Department and to our County IT staff for their collaboration to put technology and public health together to help improve local processes.
Dateline: January 5, 2022 @ 9:38am
New York State Department of Health has opened up a COVID testing site at:
SUNY Plattsburgh
Adirondack Hall
51 Sanborn Ave.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Schedule an appointment
Learn more about other testing sites opening up around NYS
Dateline: January 4, 2022 @ 12:10PM
With COVID cases soaring in Essex County, the Essex County Public Health Department is shifting to a self-serve isolation and quarantine process. You can view the article on what this means and how to report positive at-home tests to the department.
Dateline: December 29, 2021 @ 4:57PM
3 new cases in Essex, 153 new cases in Essex County since Christmas Eve. Masks still available at Town Hall. Hand sanitizer, too.
FYI - The U.S. logged its highest single-day total of new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday (December 28, 2021) with 441,278 infections surpassing the previous daily record by close to 150,000. COVID right now is the worst that it has even been. Mask up, get vaccinated and boosted and keep your distance from people as best you can. Thank you.
Dateline: December 28, 2021 @ 8:57PM
With thanks to the Essex County Office of Emergency Management Services, the Town has received a very limited number of N95 masks to share with our residents. If you would like an N95 mask, please come to Town Hall. Because of the limited number, we ask that you do not take more than necessary with a maximum of 3 per person and no more than 10 per household. Our office is open this week Monday through Thursday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. , or during normal business hours after the New Year's holiday. Thank you.
Dateline: December 16, 2021 @ 11:13AM
Essex County COVID cases went up 36% in November 2022 (article)
Dateline: December 10, 2021 @ 2:36pm
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. This a major action to address the winter surge comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement.
Please take notice that the Town of Essex will require masks when entering Town Hall and all municipally owned buildings.
The State will re-assess this measure on January 15, 2022.
Dateline: December 9, 2021 @ 12:22pm
Essex County, along with all northern New York counties has declared a State of Emergency (PDF) dated December 8, 2021. The declaration provides the County Chairman with additional authority to protect life, property, and to allow emergency and municipal personnel time to bring the emergency conditions under control. On November 26, 2021, Governor Hochul declared a Disaster Emergency in New York State by issuing Executive Order 11.
Dateline: December 6, 2021 @ 8:21pm
Dateline: December 6, 2021 @ 8:18pm
Dateline: December 2, 2021 @ 7:00pm
The Essex County Health Department wants to remind residents to follow up with their healthcare provider when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that are worsening or that can't be managed at home. Emergency warning signs that require prompt medical attention include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face. We would also like to alert residents that we are seeing a significant uptick in hospitalizations, in people of all ages, across the region and right here in Essex County. We urge you to recommit to layered prevention strategies such as mask wearing when indoors, testing before and after gathering, hand washing, physical distancing, and most importantly - vaccination. The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years of age and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. Everyone 18 years of age and older is now eligible to get a booster dose! If it's been 6 months or more since your 2nd dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months or more since your J&J shot, please make an appointment today to get your booster. ECHD is offering all vaccine types and doses at our Elizabethtown office and at community clinics throughout the county. Go to our website to register: www.co.essex.ny.us/health/make-an-appointment or call 518-873-3500.
Dateline: November 29, 2021 @ 7:12pm
4 reported infections in Essex, with the rest of the County seeing a large number of overall infections. Booster shots are available at many local pharmacies while Essex County Public Health can also provide assistance, too.
Dateline: November 15, 2021 @ 7:31pm
Reporting from today on COVID infections is below. Multiple cases continue to exist in Essex. Be careful everyone.
Dateline: November 11, 2021 @ 2:12pm
November 10th reporting from the Essex County Department of Public Health shows 4 infected Essex residents. Details aren’t know, but there are multiple cases at this current time in our community.
Dateline: November 6, 2021 @ 5:24pm
COVID infection rates are higher than normal in Essex County, with some towns reporting double digit rates over the course of three days. Essex sees nothing more than a single infection reported from time to time. Because of this exceptionally small number juxtaposed to the fact that have a high rate of vaccination, we are not reporting the singleton infection reports for our town. If an outbreak occurs, or a higher than normal number is reported for Essex, we will update our social media page and this page accordingly.
Dateline: October 21, 2021 @ 11:04am
Incredibly great news to share.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/zip-code-vaccination-data is a link to NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, which can track vaccination rates (at least one dose OR completed vaccine series) by zip code. According to this website, the Essex 12936 zip code has a vaccination rate of >99.0%!! There are only three zip codes (currently) in Essex County that have this distinction: Keene Valley (12943) and Severance (12872) and Essex. Thank you Essex residents for getting us to where we are with stamping out this pandemic. It should be noted that many other zip codes are well on their way, with almost all at 50% or higher. Hopefully all of our Essex County zip codes can continue their push for higher rates. So proud of our local neighbors for doing their part.
Dateline: September 20, 2021 @ 8:57pm
Essex County Public Health is scheduling vaccinations using Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. They have openings in the coming days. Click here to learn more and to schedule your appointment!
Dateline: September 17, 2021 @ 1:42pm
We learned earlier this week that there are 5 positive cases in the Town of Essex. Please be advised that effective immediately and until further notice, face masks must be worn indoors when visiting Town Hall. Thank you!
Dateline: August 23, 2021 @ 7:10pm
Essex County Public Health update. We have a 1 positive case in Essex ... and 18 additional positive cases in Essex County. Please be advised that effective immediately and until further notice, face masks must be worn indoors when visiting Town Hall. Thank you!
Dateline: August 18, 2021 @ 10:43am
We have taken a break from posting updates as the rate of infection since March was in the decline. However, we have seen a recent uptick in Essex County, and although Essex itself has no confirmed reported cases of COVID-19, we are seeing reported numbers in neighboring towns. Essex County was recently moved to a HIGH level of Community Transmission.The vast majority of the North Country does fall into this HIGH category. We are not mandating mask wearing at Town Hall at this time, but we do encourage use of masks and proper sanitizing when in groups situations. Stay safe everyone!
Dateline: March 22, 2021 @ 11:07am
Guidance for The New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Program Effective March 17, 2021
Purpose and Background: Limited amounts of COVID-19 vaccine are available for New York’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. The amount of vaccine the state receives is based upon the allocation made to New York by the federal government. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) then determines state allocations to providers and entities who have enrolled to administer vaccine.
Effective March 17, pharmacies must continue to vaccinate individuals age 60 and older, and prioritize P-12 school faculty and staff, and childcare worker per federal guidance, however are now authorized to vaccinate individuals 18 years and older with co-morbidities or underlying conditions. All providers must make efforts to vaccinate the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including those with co-morbidities or underlying conditions, and individuals 60+.
Our local pharmacy in Willsboro is ready and eager to help get you vaccinated. To register, go to their COVID website https://adk.timetap.com to schedule your own vaccination appointment.
Dateline: March 17, 2021 @ 1:06PM
The Essex County Health Department will hold a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic next Wednesday, March 24 at the Boquet Valley Central School from 9am - 3pm We will share the clinic registration links, with over 300 available appointments, to our website and Facebook pages at 3:00pm TODAY Please check back at this time to register. If you are 60 years of age or older and need assistance registering for an appointment, please call the Essex County Office for the Aging at 518-873-3695.
Dateline: February 24, 2021 @ 8:59pm
We have learned of a single new positive case in the town of Essex.
Dateline: February 3, 2021 @ 5:54pm
We have learned of a single new positive case in the town of Essex. Assuming the 1/20/21 case is now no longer case (2 weeks ago), we remain at 2 total positive cases to date. Stay safe and thank you!
Dateline: January 26, 2021 @ 5:50pm
Yesterday, we learned of a 2nd positive case of COVID-19 in the town of Essex. We were remiss in posting it here in a timely manner, and for that we apologize.
Dateline: January 20, 2021 @ 6:56pm
Today we learned of a singular new positive COVID-19 case. Low numbers are great, no numbers even better! Stay safe out there everyone.
Dateline: January 11, 2021 @ 10:23pm
We are slowly learning about the vaccination roll-out as it pertains to New York residents. The two links at the top of the list are direct connections to NYS resources to help you learn whether you are eligible to receive the vaccine or not, and when you do become eligible, where you can go to receive it.
Dateline: December 31, 2020 @ 9:04pm
Essex County Public Health, over the past 48 hours has announced 3 total positive COVID-19 cases in the town of Essex. To learn more about how to get tested and to keep yourself safe, you can visit their website.
Dateline: November 10, 2020 @ 1:02pm
The Essex Town Council and the Essex Planning Board will conduct their meetings remotely this month, in response to the positive case of COVID-19 in Essex. Remote access details for each meeting can be obtained here when published.
Dateline: November 6, 2020 @ 5:22pm
Essex County Public Health has informed us of a new confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the town of Essex. Full details from their Facebook page can be found here. Please stay safe. Thank you!
Dateline: October 27, 2020 @ 12:41pm
NYS Department of Health has issued guidance on how best to celebrate Halloween in a safe way with respect to maintaining public health.
Dateline: October 1, 2020 @ 12:59pm
NYS Department of Health launches the COVID Alert NY app for both Google Play and Apple iOS. Click here to learn more and to download the app to your phone.
Dateline: August 30, 2020 - 11:34pm
We continue to monitor the situation at the Essex Center in Elizabethtown where the outbreak in mid-August caused for great alarm in Essex County and in New York State. To date, we are not aware of any Essex residents who have been affected directly by this outbreak, but we take nothing for granted. Your continued vigilance in wearing your mask, maintaining distance and sanitizing your hands is most appreciated.
Dateline: May 20, 2020 - 4:23pm
The Governor has announced that starting Thursday 5/21 religious services with a maximum of 10 people, practicing severe social distancing, and wearing of masks is authorized. Also parking lot religious services (in cars) are authorized.
Dateline: May 19, 2020 - 11:49am
We wanted to share with you details about an emerging concern related to children and COVID-19. The State recently published this information that may be worthwhile if you have children age birth - 21.
Dateline: May 11, 2020 - 11:17am
We have published our 4th COVID-19 flyer. Please click here to view the PDF.
Dateline: April 23, 2020 - 9:45am
We received PPE today: masks and hand sanitizer spritz bottles and fill your own 8oz bottles. Stop by Town Hall today until 12:45pm or Friday 10-3. Thank you!
Dateline: April 21, 2020 - 11:47am
Please click here to see our latest flyer to the community.
Dateline: April 15, 2020 - 2:02pm
All New Yorkers will be required to wear a mask when in public in situations where 6-feet of social distancing are unable to be maintained. Think grocery stores, post office, etc. If you are in need of a mask, please let us know and we'll do what we can to help get you one.
Dateline: April 10, 2020 - 1:07pm
If you wish to review the proceedings of last night's Town Council meeting, please click here to see full video and scrolling transcript. We apologize to those who struggled to access the meeting; Supervisor Hughes copy/pasted inaccurate meeting ID information which led to the confusion. This will be rectified for May's meeting.
Dateline: April 7, 2020 - 4:42pm
Until further notice, the Essex Transfer Station is unable to accept recycling at this time. We are supporting this directive by the NYS Department of Health and Essex County to protect our employees from COVID-19 spread. Please hold on to your recycling until we can accept it again in the future.
Dateline: March 31, 2020 - 1:07pm
The April Town Council meeting will be held virtually, by order of the Governor of the State of New York. For details on how you can observe this meeting, please click here.
Dateline: March 25, 2020 - 8:53pm
Important FAQ from Essex County Public Health Department
Important FAQ from Essex County Manager Dan Palmer
March 23, 2020 flyer to the community (PDF)
Dateline: March 22, 2020 - 2:15pm
Citizens of Essex: In an effort to balance my role as a member of the Essex County Board of Health and as Supervisor of the Town of Essex, I want to maintain the maximum amount of transparency to my citizens as afforded to me by all applicable laws. It is my duty to protect my community as well as each individual citizen of this Town and of the County in which I serve. HIPAA laws are firm and should not be ignored. They were created to protect each one of you should an issue arise. Please take notice that the two new cases of COVID-19 announced yesterday by Essex County Health Department (ECHD) are in the Town of Essex. The newly identified cases had travel history and have been self-isolating at home. HIPAA laws constrain me from saying anything more than this. I do not know the identity of the affected citizens. I do not know where in Essex they reside. I do know that Essex County Health Department staff is identifying and reaching out to anyone who may have had close contact with the confirmed cases, which appears at this time to be limited. Any person who may have an exposure risk will receive information and guidance from ECHD. If there is any concern to you, ECHD will contact you. I respect that this information will elicit a wide variety of emotions: shock, fear, anger, relief in knowing chief among them. Please do all you can to channel your emotional energy to improving your daily routine and habits. We must buckle down even more and take extra precautions to ensure our community well-being. Hold in your thoughts the speedy recovery of our affected neighbors. We must limit our exposure as much as possible. We must act as if we already have it. Thank you.
Dateline: March 21, 2020 - 3:30pm
Supervisor Hughes signs Proclamation of Local State of Emergency and Local Emergency Order. Click here to view.
Dateline: March 19, 2020 - 2:04pm
We are super pleased to share that we have received our allotment of hand sanitizer from Emergency Services. If you are in need, please stop by Essex Town Hall today (Thursday) until 5pm or between 9am and 330pm on Friday with your EMPTY 8oz bottle and we will fill it up for you. We must limit this to 1 fill-up per person. Unable to make it these two days? Call Supervisor Ken over the weekend at 518-963-4287 x4 during the day (please) to schedule a time to get your full-up. Thanks!
Dateline: March 18, 2020 - 10:15pm
We had a very busy day with new issues cropping up at almost every moment. Highlights include:
2nd home owners - we welcome you back but we implore you to please isolate yourself in your Essex home for 2 weeks upon arrival. You have come from other places where the infection rate may be worse off than Essex County. You may be asymptomatic. Please help your neighbors and your community. If you need assistance with accessing food or other services, contact Supervisor Ken Hughes at (518) 963-4287 x4. We can get you assistance in the interim.
Short term rental and lodging owners have been asked to comply with a request from the Supervisor's office to cancel any further rentals or lodging to stop the influx of people from other parts of our region or country. This is putting Essex at unnecessary risk and we ask for compliance with this request
Beggs Park, the playground, the lower parking lot and the dock are officially closed to any and all visitors. These are places of gathering and we cannot promote such activities at this time. The Grange and Library, Town-owned buildings also remain closed indefinitely. Thank you to the Grange Board and Library Board for their support in this endeavor.
The ferry is scheduled to shut down on the 19th of March. Supervisor Ken Hughes is vigorously working to support a reverse in decision by LCT. He has already reached out to LCT Headquarters in Burlington and to Congresswoman Stefanik's office expressing dismay and dissatisfaction with this decision.
Our support of elderly and low-income residents continues in earnest. Please contact Amy at (518) 963-4287 and press * to connect with her for more details.
DATELINE: March 17, 2020 8:57 p.m. - Essex Supervisor Ken Hughes with a video update to the Essex community.
We have our first confirmed case in Essex County as reported by multiple news outlets. It is in the Saranac Lake area. As of today, Town Hall is closed to visitors. You MUST make an appointment prior to any visit. This is to protect the health and welfare of you and our employees. Non-essential staff will be working remotely. Elected officials will set their own hours. This is through the end of March. Please refer to the video for complete details This document was shared with staff today. This document was mailed to all Essex residents today.
DATELINE: March 15, 2020 10:08 a.m.
We are especially concerned for our community's senior citizens and the potential lack of household products and food items available to them. To that end, we at Town Hall are supporting a grassroots effort to collect anything that you may spare for our elderly neighbors: household cleaning items, canned and non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, etc. If you have anything you can spare, please drop it off to the Town Hall Board Room between 9-3:30pm any weekday. If you know of an elderly Essex resident who needs assistance, please call Amy at (518) 963-4287. Press the * key during the welcome greeting. If you wish to help volunteer to deliver items from Town Hall to those in need, please let Amy know, too.
DATELINE: March 12, 2020 4:09 p.m.
Supervisor Ken Hughes continues to work with other local and Essex County resources to stay best informed. Any decisions made in Essex to protect the health and well-being of Essex residents will be done in consultation with the Essex Town Council and on the advice of the following: Don Jaquish, Essex County Emergency Management Director ... Linda Beers, Essex County Public Health Director ... Dan Manning, Essex County Manager ... Shaun Gillilland, Chair of the Essex County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Gillilland issued a state of emergency on 3/10/2020 in response to COVID-19. He emphasized that there are no cases of the virus in the county but that if an outbreak occurs, this declaration could allow the county to respond quickly. There remains no known positive cases in Essex or Essex County. To date, nobody is in isolation. We are aware of one person (identity unknown) who has opted to self-quarantine as a precaution.
Essex County links:
State Links:
Federal/International Links: