UPDATE: The Big Flats Lowes has reopened after submitting plans to promote social distancing.

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UPDATE 9:02 PM: BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WETM) – Lowe’s will reopen tomorrow. In a follow-up press release, County Executive Chris Moss says, local health officials received plans on how to follow social distancing guidelines.

Earlier this evening, a representative from the Head of State Government Affairs for the Northern Region for Lowe’s Companies submitted an action plan as requested.

The plan is to supplement the store’s current procedures involving safety and social distancing protocols to keep customers and employees safe from the Coronavirus.

The plan has been reviewed and approved by Chemung County Public Health Director Pete Buzzetti, the enhanced efforts will include:

Posting an associate at the front entrance of the store
•Utilizing technology to track the number of customers in the store
•Limit the store traffic to 4 customers per 1000 square feet of building space
•Hire security or off-duty law enforcement to assist with crowd control as soon as feasible
•Continue to monitor and evaluate all procedures listed here and above

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BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WETM)- Retail home improvement giant Lowe’s, in Big Flats, is under investigation by the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, and health department due to social distancing violations.

Around 2:45 pm a heavy police presence appeared at the retail store on County Route 64, upon arrival all customers were forced to leave the store due to violation of social distancing. Officers are directing traffic at this time.

Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss issued a statement saying the store was given several warnings involving violations of orders.

As of now, no charges are being reported, this is on going investigation.
18 News is on the scene and will keep you update at information is given.