Eddie Sundquist

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist is calling for transparency after Friday’s Chautauqua County press conference, which did not reveal where the latest coronavirus cases were located.

On Saturday he issued this statement: “As more COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Chautauqua County, I recognize the need to provide accurate and timely communications to our residents. The health and well-being of our citizens is a top priority for my administration. I want to remind residents that the Chautauqua County Health Department, the lead agency for the COVID-19 response, has not publicly confirmed any positive cases in the City of Jamestown. My office is aware of social media posts and other conversations regarding potential cases.”

County Health Department Director Christine Schuyler said the locations of the fourth and fifth positive tests on Friday did not matter as the virus is now countywide. That has not sat well with some residents here.

Sundquist is one of them.

“As Mayor, I firmly believe total transparency is necessary to fight this disease and any misconceptions surrounding it. But, as I have said all along, a confirmed case in the City is not a matter of if, but when. In the meantime, the City will do what we have done all along: be proactive and take any precautionary measures we feel are necessary to fight this disease.

“I want to urge all city residents to continue as they have been; staying home as much as possible, maintaining social distance, and taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your family. The city will remain committed to updating all residents on any new information we receive.

“Please stay positive, stay healthy, and do your part to help reduce the spread.”