Big Flats, NY (WENY) -- Chemung County Executive Chris Moss, in an update, said Lowe's will reopen tomorrow morning.

In a follow-up release, Moss says that the county had received an action plan from the Head of State Government Affairs for the Northern Region for Lowe's. The plan is to help supplement the store's procedures involving safety and social distancing protocols to keep customers and employees safe from the virus.

The plan has been approved by Chemung County Health Director Pete Buzzetti.

The new plan includes,

  • Posting an associate at the front door
  • Utilize technology to track the number of customers inside
  • Limit the store's customer traffic to 4 people per 100 sq ft.
  • Hire security to help in customer and crowd control asap
  • Continue to monitor and evaluate all procedures

“I'd like to thank Lowe's Company for their prompt attention to this matter involving the public health of all Chemung County residents,” said Moss.

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Big Flats, NY (WENY) -- Lowe's in Big Flats is currently closed because of “continual violations of Executive Order(s) issued by New York State Governor pertaining to social distancing.”

A couple of Chemung County Sheriff's deputies were on the scene asking people to leave the store around 3:00 PM this afternoon. A customer coming back for a second trip mentioned that when he was in the home improvement store earlier in the day, he had seen instances in which the social distancing order was not being observed. Employees at the store were allowed to remain inside.

In a press release Chemung County Executive Chris Moss said that following multiple written and verbal warnings, the County health department requested that Lowe's submit a plan detailing how they'll comply in the future. The store will only be allowed to re-open once the plan has been submitted and approved.

Moss, goes on to say in the release, “Essential businesses have a responsibility to make sure their customers and employees are kept as safe as possible from contracting and or spreading the Coronavirus”.

Another patron had mentioned that the store, typically closes for customers around 7:00 PM and closes for the night around 11:00 PM. The 4 hours between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, we're told is dedicated specifically for cleaning and disinfecting.

“I want to make it clear, that it is not the intent of the County to pursue closures, fines and possible arrest, but businesses who have been allowed to remain open, as they are designated as 'essential' must follow the guidelines set forth by the state,” says Moss.

Public Health is currently our Main Priority and everyone must do their part,” added Moss.

Several of Lowe's Home Improvement employees could be seen wearing masks.