Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente has declared a state of emergency in Oneida County, meaning all public schools will be closed to students from March 16 to April 14.

“While there is still currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Oneida County, we’re taking every measure available to ensure the health and safety of our residents,” Picente said. “Since the onset of this threat, we have partnered with federal, state and local officials to prepare, evaluate and respond to this continually evolving public health emergency. We believe this strong action is necessary and will enhance our ability effectively fight this unprecedented situation.”

If necessary, the county executive can do the following during a state of emergency:

Establish a curfew, as well as prohibit and control pedestrian and vehicular traffic, except essential emergency vehicles and personnel.

Designate specific zones within which the occupancy and use of buildings and the ingress and egress of vehicles and persons may be prohibited or regulated.

Regulate and close places of amusement and assembly.

Suspend and limit the sale, dispensing, use or transportation of alcoholic beverages, explosives, and flammable materials and liquids.

Prohibit and control the presence of persons on public streets and places.

Establish or designate emergency shelters, emergency medical shelters, and in consultation with the state commissioner of health, community based care centers.

The state of emergency will remain in effect until rescinded by a subsequent order.

Earlier Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo waived the 180 school day requirement in New York, and left the decisions on closures up to individual districts.

Several schools in Herkimer and Otsego counties also announced closures on Friday.