Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas has declared a state of emergency for the city in preparation for any actions or precautions necessary to halt the infection or spread of infection of the COVID-19 or Coronavirus.

While no cases have yet been reported in Dunkirk or Chautauqua County, the city is declaring a state of Emergency, along with the state and Chautauqua County, to encourage social distancing and other practices to flatten the bell curve of infection.

This will remain in effect for five days, or by declaration of the Mayor that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner, and may be extended as necessary.

Earlier Monday, in a letter received by the OBSERVER, the city canceled all remaining meetings for the month March including; Personnel Committee, Safety Committee, Economic Development, Finance Committee and Department of Public Works.

In addition, tonight’s Common Council meeting and workshop, along with the four public hearings scheduled to be held has been postponed until further notice; these will be rescheduled.