By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

BATAVIA – Opioids for pain management are no longer the standard care for chronic pain, according to a board-certified family nurse practitioner at the United Memorial Medical Center Pain Management Center in Batavia.

Rebecca Russo

“We do not avoid prescription medications, but we work to avoid the management of opioids, which can decrease the perception of pain and not the cause of it,” said Rebecca Russo, responding to questions about non-opioid alternatives for the GOW Opioid Task Force.

Russo, an employee at the UMMC pain clinic since August 2020, said as a pain management nurse practitioner, she recommends minimally invasive fluoroscopic procedures for diagnosis and treatment of pain.

“We work with the patient’s primary care physician and other health care professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for these patients,” she said. “We also like to be as conservative as possible (by utilizing) non-invasive measures such as physical therapy, aqua therapy, chiropractic and massage treatments, and acupuncture.”

When it comes to opioids, Russo is well aware of the long-term effects – including addiction – that can result from prolonged use of these drugs.

“There are so many more alternatives a pain management specialist treating chronic pain that can offer the most benefit for these patients,” she said. “A multimodal approach to management is best in treating chronic pain. Opioids are not used for chronic non-malignant pain anymore as studies have shown.”

Russo said she switched to the pain management field when a colleague recommended her for a pain management and neurology position.

“I have to say I wouldn’t have had a better fit in my career. This specialty is fascinating and bountiful in ways to help patients, which I lay my foundation on,” the Michigan native said. “I have been working in pain management since I graduated with my Master of Science in Nursing four years ago.”

Prior to joining the program at UMMC, she was a registered nurse for six years, working on various units, including intermediate care, medical/surgical, observation and progressive care.

She said the local pain clinic treats a wide range of chronic and acute pain conditions, such as neck pain, cancer pain, myofascial pain, joint pain, back pain, phantom limb pain, bursitis, sciatica, post herpetic neuralgia pain, complex regional pain syndrome, peripheral neuropathy and failed back surgery syndrome.

“Some of the micro-invasive procedures that can be performed at the UMMC Pain Clinic include nerve blocks in various areas as well as radiofrequency ablations; lumbar, thoracic and cervical epidural steroid injections; trigger point injections; and spinal cord stimulator implantation,” she said.

The practice is growing coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, she reported, with more and more in-person visits being scheduled.

“At this time, we strive to keep our visits in-person, but we can accommodate telemedicine visits when a patient is unable to be seen in-person. This may be for various reasons such as being ill, inability to drive or last minute patient schedule changes,” she explained.

Russo sees the pain clinic as a viable alternative for people dealing with chronic pain, adding that the patient is considered “an important team member.”

“Interventional management is beneficial for patients when their pain continues even after attempting conservative treatments or do not have a diagnosis for their pain,” she said. “A proper diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment.

“Another benefit for these patients is that they want to avoid surgery if possible or if they’ve had surgery, but still experiencing pain, we can provide them alternatives to another surgery unless otherwise indicated.”

The UMMC Pain Center is located in Batavia at 229 Summit St., Suite 4. For more information, call 585-815-6710.

‘Orleans County is still considered high for level of community transmission’ – Paul Pettit, public health director

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid test kits to distribute to residents.

Starting Friday, February 18th, each town hall, village hall, library, and the Orleans County Office Building will have a supply of Covid test kits to distribute to residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.

“Per the CDC data tracker, Orleans County is still considered high for level of community transmission,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Orleans County Health Department.  “We continue to encourage anyone who has had close contact with someone who tested positive with Covid-19 to get tested 5 days after last contact. If you are experiencing any symptoms self-isolate and test for Covid-19.”

The GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Ave. in Albion will be open through at least Feb. 23, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for PCR and rapid testing. Walk-ins allowed or for an appointment, click here.

If you need a lab-confirmed test, visit the NYS Covid-19 testing sites for lab testing locations. Home tests can be reported on the GOHealthNY.org website by clicking the red Covid-19 Testing button and clicking your county.

It is expected the state will continue to send out Covid-19 home test kits as they receive them. Moving forward, please check with your Town/Village hall and local library system to determine access to home test kits.

A maximum of 2 kits per person will be distributed at the following locations:

• Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Village of Lyndonville: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed daily from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Village of Medina: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Village of Albion: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Village of Holley: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Yates Community Library in Lyndonville: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina: Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hoag Library in Albion: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Community Free Library in Holley: Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m. ; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid, after returning from travel, before and after attending large mixed gatherings, or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” Pettit said. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.”

To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 testing page and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.

Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form.  If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid.  At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).

It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.

If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing tight-fitting masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Orleans and Genesee counties continue to see Covid-19 cases fall from the peak of the Omicron surge.

The two counties reported 216 new cases over seven days, Feb. 9-15, which is down 92 percent from the 2,703 cases in the two counties from the peak of the Omicron surge from Jan. 5-11.

Each of the counties reported a death from Covid in the past week. Orleans has now had 110 residents pass away from Covid while Genesee has had 182 deaths from Covid during the nearly two years if the Covid, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Statewide the daily new cases are at the lowest levels since Oct. 25, and hospitalizations are down 72 percent since Jan. 11, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Tuesday..

“We have very promising numbers on Covid,” Hochul said. “We are in a good place.”

In Orleans County, the Covid cases the past 8 weeks include:

• 159 – Dec. 22-28
• 379 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4
• 855 – Jan. 5-11
• 645 – Jan. 12-18
• 521 – Jan. 19-25
• 255 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1
• 157 – Feb. 2-8
• 84 – Feb. 9-15

In Genesee County, the Covid cases the past 8 weeks include:

• 276 – Dec. 22-28
• 383 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4
• 1,848 – Jan. 5-11
• 1,014 – Jan. 12-18
• 847 – Jan. 19-25
• 361 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1
• 198 – Feb. 2-8
• 132 – Feb. 9-15

Photo contributed: Staff at Medina Memorial Hospital pose for a photo on Wear Red Day to celebrate Heart Month to highlight the importance of heart health and preventing heart disease.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital are continuing to celebrate February as Heart Month, with different events throughout the month.

According to information from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach, February was declared as American Heart Month by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, nine years after his own heart attack. Orleans Community is taking the opportunity this month to highlight the importance of heart health and that heart disease is largely preventable.

In addition to focusing on heart health for the entire month, the topic is being highlighted in different ways throughout February.

Feb. 4 was recognized as Wear Red Day, bringing awareness to the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women. In addition, the week of Feb. 13 to 19 is Cardiac Rehab Week, which highlights the role rehabilitation plays in reducing further the devastating effects of heart disease.

According to the Center for Disease Control, some important statistics on heart disease are:

• Heart disease is the number one killer of women, men and many ethnic groups within the United States.
• One in every four deaths is due to heart disease.
• Every year approximately 805,000 people have a heart attack, 200,000 of which happen to people have already had one.

On a positive note, heart disease is largely preventable by following these basic tips:

• Eat foods that promote heart health.
• Avoid smoking tobacco products.
• Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity for five days a week.
• Talk with your doctor to make sure you’re keeping track of your blood pressure and other potential warning signs.

Orleans Community Health urges everyone in the community to take heart disease seriously.

Medina Memorial Health offers several services in the Cardiac Department that can help.

Electrocardiograms, or EKG, are an innovative diagnostic tool. An EKG records the electric signal from the heart and is useful in detecting arrhythmias, heart attack and heart failure.

An Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that uses two-dimensional, three-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound waves to create a clear image of the heart. This image can then be used to diagnose conditions that affect the heart’s valves and chambers.

Vascular Ultrasounds use similar techniques as an echocardiogram to form images of blood vessels. At Medina Memorial Hospital, this tool is used to diagnose blood clots, blockages and other sources of congestion.

Cardiac Stress Tests are used to measure the heart’s ability to respond to stress, such as exercise or other stimulation. A stress test is an essential tool for identifying problems with blood flow, like blockages or arrhythmias aggravated by stress.

More information on these cardiac services can be found by logging on to Cardiac Services – Orleans Community Health.

Orleans reports 2 more Covid-related deaths, Genesee 4 more

The number of new Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties continues to fall. The two counties are reporting 355 new cases in the past week, with 198 in Genesee and 157 in Orleans.

Genesee also is reporting 4 more Covid-related deaths and Orleans has 2 more. Genesee has now had 181 residents pass away due to Covid and Orleans 109 during the nearly two years of the pandemic, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The 355 new cases from Feb. 2 to Feb. 8 are down from 616 new cases the previous 7 days.

Orleans County Covid cases the past 7 weeks:

• 159 – Dec. 22-28
• 379 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4
• 855 – Jan. 5-11
• 645 – Jan. 12-18
• 521 – Jan. 19-25
• 255 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1
• 157 – Feb. 2-8

Genesee County Covid cases the past 6 weeks:

• 276 – Dec. 22-28
• 383 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4
• 1,848 – Jan. 5-11
• 1,014 – Jan. 12-18
• 847 – Jan. 19-25
• 361 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1
• 198 – Feb. 2-8

Photo by Marsha Rivers: This sign is posted on the entrance at the Albion High School community entrance, leading to the gym. People will still be required to wear mask inside schools.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today that masks will not be required beginning tomorrow at businesses and many other indoor public places.

The governor said masks will still be required at schools, although she, public health and education officials will look at the data in early March and re-evaluate whether masks will be mandated in schools.

The decision to not require masks in businesses follows a big drop in Covid cases, hospitalizations and percent of positive tests from a spike in early January due to the Omicron variant.

Hochul announced the mask mandate about two months ago. The mask requirement remains in place for health care facilities, nursing homes, correctional facilities and on public transportation.

Local governments and private businesses can still require that masks be required, and people also can choose to wear them, Hochul said.

“Individuals who continue to want to wear masks can continue to wear masks,” she said.

Hochul said the mask mandate made a big difference in helping the state get through the Omicron surge.

The number of Covid cases statewide has plummeted from a high of 90,132 cases on Jan. 7 to 6,041 on Feb. 8. The percent positive is down from 23 percent on Jan. 2 to 3.67 percent on Feb. 8. The number of hospitalizations also has declined from about 12,000 on Jan. 12 to 4,600 on Feb. 8.

Hochul said schools would be provided with at-home Covid testing kits for each student to take before the February break and then again when they return. Those results will help public health and education officials decide whether masks will continue to be required in schools. Hochul said she expects to announce a decision in early March regarding masks in schools.

Rob Ortt, State Senate Republican Leader, issued this statement: “The end of the ‘business mask mandate’ is long overdue. But it is absolutely outrageous that Governor Hochul is extending her mask mandate for school children, with no established off-ramp. The public deserves to know which metrics and so-called science her administration used to make this misguided decision.

“At a time when restrictions across our country and the entire world are being dropped, New Yorkers are desperate for the same. They are desperate for leadership, desperate for checks and balances. This Governor and the Democrat-led legislature are providing NONE of the above and instead adding layers of more frustrations to New Yorkers.

“My Republican colleagues and I have fought against these mandates for years, and will continue to do so until every single unconstitutional mandate is lifted.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement:  “The end of the mask mandate for businesses is a welcome development, but given what the data is telling us about the rapid decline in Covid-19 infections and what is being done in neighboring states that have otherwise maintained egregious and heavy-handed policies throughout the pandemic, it isn’t close to the announcement we would hope to hear.

“At this point it should be no question that the time for state-level mandates of any kind has come to an end and control of pandemic management should return to local governments and school districts.

“For rural communities like mine, mask mandates for healthy children in schools have done far more harm than good. Should educators and local administrators deem that such mandates aren’t needed, they should have the ability to make the best decision possible for the well-being of their students.”

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Office Building

New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents.

Starting today each village hall, library and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.

“Orleans County is still considered high for level of community transmission,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Orleans and Genesee counties.  “We continue to encourage anyone who has had close contact with someone who tested positive with Covid-19 to get tested 5 days after last contact.  If you are experiencing any symptoms self-isolate and test for Covid-19.”

In addition to the at-home test kits, the GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue will be open through at least Feb. 23, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for PCR and rapid testing. Walk-ins are allowed. To make an appointment, click here.

If you need a lab-confirmed test, visit the NYS Covid-19 testing sites for lab testing locations. Home tests can be reported on the GOHealthNY.org website by clicking the red Covid-19 Testing button and clicking your county.

A maximum of 1 kit per person will be distributed at the following locations:

• Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Village of Lyndonville: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed daily from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Village of Medina: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Village of Albion:Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Village of Holley:Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Yates Community Library in Lyndonville: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina: Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hoag Library in Albion:Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Community Free Library in Holley: Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m. ; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans.

“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” Pettit said. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of Covid-19.”

To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website and Covid-19 Testing page and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.

Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test.

Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form.  If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid.  At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).

It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.

If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing tight-fitting masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (Covid-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Chart courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The new Covid cases are trending down in Genesee and Orleans counties from a peak about a month ago.

The two counties reported 616 new cases from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, with 361 in Genesee and 255 in Orleans.

That is down from 2,703 cases in the two counties from Jan. 5-11, 1,659 from Jan. 12-18 and 1,368 from Jan. 19-25.

Genesee is also reporting three more Covid-related deaths bringing that total to 177 since the pandemic started in March 2020. Orleans isn’t reporting any new Covid-related deaths in the past week and remains at 107.

Orleans County Covid cases the past 6 weeks:

• 159 – Dec. 22-28

• 379 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4

• 855 – Jan. 5-11

• 645 – Jan. 12-18

• 521 – Jan. 19-25

• 255 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1

Genesee County Covid cases the past 6 weeks:

• 276 – Dec. 22-28

• 383 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4

• 1,848 – Jan. 5-11

• 1,014 – Jan. 12-18

• 847 – Jan. 19-25

• 361 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Rd., Batavia).

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee County and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum. Face coverings are required and please follow all social distancing requirements.

To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on May 19^th at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.  For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 x.5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.

Editor’s Note: Orleans County residents are welcome to bring their animals to the clinic in Genesee County.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today that an indoor mask mandate at public places would be extended from Feb. 1 to Feb. 10, and would be re-evaluated close before Feb. 10.

Gov. Kathy Hochul

Hochul said she is encouraged be the recent data on Covid-19 cases.

On Thursday there were 13,592 new Covid cases with 6.15 percent positive. That compares to Jan. 7 when the state hit an all-time high for Covid cases with The 90,132 cases in one day. The percentage of positive tests that day was 21.17.

Statewide the hospitalizations dropped by more than 2,800 over the past week, Hochul said.

“New Yorkers are doing what is necessary to combat the spread of Covid-19 and the progress is evident in our numbers,” Hochul said.

Hochul first mandated face coverings to be worn in all indoor public places on Dec. 13, unless the business or venue implements a vaccine requirement.

She said the mask mandate has been a key in driving the Covid numbers down.

“I want to thank all the businesses and the people who follow these policies,” she said. “You are the reason our state is going to come out of this far sooner than other states.”

Charts courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

There are more than 1,200 more confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties in the past seven days. That is the third most during a week of the pandemic, but is still down from the previous two weeks. That is 1,266 cases from Jan. 19-25, down from 1,659 the previous week, and the 2,703 from Jan. 5-11, the most during the pandemic.

Orleans County is reporting 521 new cases in the past week (Jan. 19-25), which is down from 645 the previous week and 855 from Jan. 5-11. Those cases include 122 at-home tests in the past week, which was preceded by 173 (Jan. 12-18) and 233 (Jan. 5-11).

Genesee County has 745 new cases in the past week, which is down from 1,014 from Jan. 12-18, and 1,848 from Jan. 5-11. Those cases include 229 at-home tests in the past week, which was preceded by 199 (Jan. 12-18) and 325 (Jan. 5-11).

Genesee County has also had five more Covid-related deaths in the past week and Orleans two more. Genesee has now had 174 Covid-related deaths and Orleans 107 during the pandemic, which started in March 2020.

Orleans Community Health expanding surgical services

MEDINA – Dr. Joseph Misiti of Medina has announced he will donate his practice and move it to Orleans Community Health as an opportunity for the future of healthcare in the area. Misiti will remain full time in the new location.

Dr. Joseph Misiti

“Dr. Misiti is a home-grown Medina native who has dedicated more than 40 years to the health of the community,” said Kim Gray, CNO/director of surgical services at Orleans Community Health. “This expansion into Medina Memorial Hospital will also include three new providers. This is a moment of growth and one we should all be excited about.”

Dr. Misiti will be joined in this new location by Dr. Jennifer Griffith, Dr. Thomas Russo and Sean Yeckley, physician assistant. In addition to the many services and state-of-the-art equipment currently at Medina Memorial Hospital, this team will be able to offer a complete spectrum of services, the hospital announced.

Dr. Misiti received his doctorate at the University of Buffalo and completed his residency at Erie County Medical Center. He is currently serving as medical director at Orleans Community Health.

Dr. Griffith, a board-certified general surgeon, received her doctorate at the University of Buffalo and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center. With more than 20 years of experience, she is currently serving as chair of the Department of Surgery at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Dr. Thomas Russo, a board-eligible general surgeon, received his doctor of osteopathic medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. and completed his residency in general surgery at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Trenton, Mich.

Yeckley was born and raised in rural central Pennsylvania. His undergraduate education was completed at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa., where he received a bachelor of science in health science with a minor in biology. He remained in Loretto at St. Francis University to complete his graduate education and receive a masters of physician assistant science.

Immediately after graduation, he worked for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in vascular surgery at their Altoona campus. When new opportunities arose, he moved to Buffalo and has since been working in general surgery with Rochester Regional Health at United Memorial Medical Center and Orleans Community Health.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents.

Starting Tuesday, each library, town hall, village hall, and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits to distribute to their residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.

“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans counties. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of Covid-19.”

Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans. A maximum of one kit per family will be distributed at the following locations:

• Community Free Library in Holley: Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m./ Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m./Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Hoag Library in Albion:Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./ Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lee-Whedon Library in Medina: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./ Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Yates Community Library in Lyndonville: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m./ Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Orleans County Office Building: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Village of Albion: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Village of Holley:Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Village of Lyndonville:Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed daily 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Village of Medina:Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Town of Albion: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and noon to 3 p.m.
• Town of Barre: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Town of Carlton: Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m./Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
• Town of Clarendon: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m./Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m./ Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m. to noon
• Town of Gaines: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m./Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Town of Kendall: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 12:45)
• Town of Murray:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m./Saturday 9 a.m. to noon
• Town of Ridgeway: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Town of Shelby:Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Town of Yates:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Covid testing available at GCC in Albion: For Free PCR and rapid testing you can go to the NYS Covid-19 testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday-Saturday.  To register, click here.

To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.

Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test.

Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).

It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.

If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often.

To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (Covid-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

The Covid positivity rate fell below 10 percent on Thursday state-wide for the first time in about month, but remains much higher locally.

The percentage of positive Covid tests on Thursday was 9.75, with 28,296 of the 290,107 reported results coming back positive.

Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated the milestone on Friday.

“For the first time since Dec. 20, New York State’s percent positivity is in the single-digits,” she said. “I want to thank New Yorkers for doing the right thing to get where we are in fighting this winter surge. However, this isn’t the time to take our foot off the gas. Let’s keep using the tools – the vaccine, the booster and masking up – to further bring the numbers down and keep our vulnerable loves ones safe from this virus.”

Locally the percentage of positive tests is much higher.

• In Orleans, 17.5 percent of the tests were positive on Thursday (71 out of 406).
• In Genesee, 21.6 percent were positive (150 out of 695)
• In Niagara, 17.9 percent tested positive (305 out of 1,716)
• In Wyoming, the percent positive was 17.8 percent (64 out of 360)
• In Livingston, 24.8 percent were positive (124 out of 500)

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Genesee County has received 2,580 free Covid-19 test kits from New York State to distribute to Genesee County residents.

Starting the week of January 24, test kits will be available at town, village, and city municipal buildings during their regular business hours, while supplies last.

Residents should contact their local municipality for details of when the municipal building is open and the availability of test kits. A maximum of two kits (four tests) per family will be distributed and attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residency in order to receive kits. The following locations will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits:

• Town of Alabama
• Town of Alexander
• Town of Batavia
• Town of Bergen
• Town of Bethany
• Town of Byron
• Town of Darien
• Town of Elba
• Town of LeRoy
• Town of Oakfield
• Town of Pavilion
• Town of Pembroke
• Town of Stafford
• Village of Alexander
• Village of Bergen
• Village of Corfu
• Village of Elba
• Village of LeRoy
• Village of Oakfield
• Batavia City Hall, Clerks Office

“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans counties. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of Covid-19.”

Albion testing site at GCC campus: For Free PCR and rapid testing, you can go to the NYS Covid-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday through Saturday. To register, click here.

To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website Covid-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.

Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test.

Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).

It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.

If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (Covid-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Residents can sign up for an upcoming Covid-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website.