The slow but inexorable increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in our area is a cause for concern, but the problem of how to protect local residents is one that raises questions. How restrictive is too restrictive? How to balance the value of downstate dollars against the risk of spreading the pandemic?
Essex County asked anyone who rents their property out through Air BnB or VRBO to close them down temporarily. Otsego County asked all second-home owners to stay home, and asked all visitors to check in with county health department when they arrive and quarantine themselves for two weeks.
Delaware County declared a State of Emergency on March 14. At the time, there was one confirmed case in the county. On March 19, County Supervisor Tina Molé issued a statement to all visitors, weekenders, and second homeowners. The message, which included instructions that echoed state and CDC guidelines, was a strong one.
“Please DON’T travel here from another county or geographic area (including Westchester County and the five boroughs of New York City) which is experiencing community transmission of COVID-19. It is far better for you to stay home and limit your movements.”
“Please DON’T have an expectation that resources will be available to you here that are not available to you in your home town. Delaware County has a limited number of healthcare resources, and testing capacity is also very limited.”
Walton Town Supervisor Joe Cetta on March 28 issued his own statement.
“We know we have been joined by many of our second-homeowners as they wait out these days of isolation. Welcome, and we hope you feel safe and enjoy being here and getting outside at your home. If you have come from a “hot spot” in the metropolitan area, we ask that you self quarantine for the recommended 14 days.”
Cetta said he felt like the two messages, though perhaps different in tone, were consistent. The first one, he said, was put out two weeks ago, when the crisis was new and unknown.
“The first priority for me and, I believe, all the Supervisors, is our permanent residents. With that being said, we also recognize we have a strong second-homeowner base which is vital to our economic vitality. We must continue to discourage travel which, of course, includes the second homeowners.”
These kind of statements are a bit like a high wire act.
“Delaware County’s economy would be in a lot more trouble without these homeowners.” Cetta said in an email. “I believe it was written with a balance in mind. There is no single answer for this crisis, we need to continue to explore several avenues and find what fits for our area.”
Anna Sea operates the Franklin Guest House in Delaware County, which she said is open all year. However, she said things are always quiet right now.
“We have no bookings in March and April,” she said, “so it hasn’t been an issue so far. But, I have already had a few summer guests cancel due to COVID-19 - their camps/plans got cancelled - and I am expecting most other summer guests I have on the books to cancel as well for the same reason. It is certainly a dire time for most folks.”
