Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti declared a state of emergency tonight, with plans to limit foot traffic in city buildings and speed up access to funds if needed.

Public access is restricted to Scranton City Hall, all fire stations, Weston Field and Weston Park.

All services, including police and fire protection, as well public works will continue as usual, without interruption.

The police department, 100 S. Washington Ave., and the public works department, 101 W. Poplar St., will remain open for city business, but in her proclamation, the mayor asked everyone not to go there unless absolutely necessary.

Nonessential meetings, including for boards, commissions and authorities are canceled. City council, which operates independently of the mayor's office, sets its own meetings.

City parks remain open to the public, but the mayor recommends staying off playground equipment.

"This is a time of anxiety and uncertainty for us all," she said in a statement. "We are working to anticipate the needs of our residents, from food to shelter to lost income and lost business. I want residents to know that we are gathering as many resources as we can to help each other get through this very trying time."

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