Charts courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The number of confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties continues to climb after very low numbers in February and most of March.

Orleans is reporting 83 new cases the past week from April 6 to 12, while Genesee has 119 new cases.

That is up from 54 in Orleans and 62 in Genesee the previous week. The week before that from March 23 to March 29 there were 25 cases in Orleans and 33 in Genesee.

Both counties remain low for community spread, according to the federal CDC.

The Genesee and Orleans County health Departments reports that another Genesee resident passed away from Covid bringing Genesee’s total Covid-related deaths to 185 during over two years of the Covid pandemic. Orleans has had 113 Covid-related deaths.

The new Covid cases in Orleans include 53 from lab tests and 30 from at-home tests. Genesee’s  119 cases include 75 from lab tests and 44 from at-home tests.

Statewide the positivity rate for tests is up to 5.32 percent or 6,546 confirmed positives out of 123,079 tests on Tuesday. The 7-day positive rate is 4.35%, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today.

“As we inch closer to the Easter and Passover holidays and many New Yorkers prepare to travel and gather with their loved ones, it is critical that we continue to utilize the tools at our disposal to prevent COVID spread and protect those around us,” Governor Hochul said. “Those who are traveling should get tested before they leave home, and those who test positive should stay home and discuss possible treatment options with their doctor.”

In 2021, GO Health tested 46 animals for rabies and 4 tested positive

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Department

Spring is here and that means wild animals will be giving birth to their babies. Sometimes these cute baby animals will stray away from their mothers and wander into backyards, into barns, and onto porches tempting people to catch them and take them in as their own.

“Please leave them alone because it can put you and other family members at risk of exposure to a fatal disease such as rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Rabies is a central nervous system disease, which attacks the brain and almost always results in death if a rabies exposure is not treated. Rabies is most often spread through bites, scratches, and contact with infected saliva. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. In addition, pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect against infection.

In 2021, GO Health tested 46 animals for rabies and four tested positive. Additionally, 221 dogs and 54 cats were observed in 10-day confinement between the two counties. A domestic animal is subject to 10-day confinement if they bite a human. The animal’s health and behavior is monitored for 10 days to determine if rabies may be present and if further action is required.

What can you do to protect yourself against rabies?

• Leave all wildlife alone, including any injured animals. If you find an injured animal, do not touch it and contact your local animal control office for help.
• Avoid feeding, approaching, touching, or adopting wild animals and stray domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
• If you see a stray dog or cat, do not pet it. This is especially important if you are traveling out of the United States to a country where rabies in dogs is common.
• If you find any animal that is acting strangely, you should contact your local animal control office for help.
• Be sure that your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Even indoor pets should be vaccinated and it is also recommended that livestock animals are vaccinated.
• Public Health Law, Article 21, Title 4 requires New York State (NYS) residents to keep their pets (cats, dogs, and ferrets) up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.
• Keep family pets indoors at night and do not let them roam alone.

Anyone who has been bitten by any animal or may have been exposed to rabies needs to take immediate action. Make sure to thoroughly clean any wounds or bites with soap and water, and then call your health care provider for further instructions. If you can do so safely, capture the animal (being careful not to damage the head/brain) and call your local health department to report the incident. Capturing the animal is vital in order for it to be tested for rabies. Testing will confirm if the animal is infected with the virus or not, making sure that only those who need treatment get it.

A doctor in consultation with the health department will determine who needs to be vaccinated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP). The cost to treat an individual varies considerably based on weight, number of doses, and insurance. In 2021, treatment costs ranged from $2,000 to $9,000. GO Health will work with the patient’s insurance company, but what is not covered by insurance is ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayers. In 2021, Genesee County treated 14 people and Orleans County treated 13 people.

“We encourage residents to do their part to prevent rabies in the community by vaccinating their pets and practicing caution around wild and stray animals,” stated Pettit. “Please visit one of the upcoming free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets.”

Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)

• Thursday, May 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 11th, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, September 15th,  from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, October 13th,  from 4 to 6 p.m.

Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 Rt. 31, Albion, NY)

• Saturday, April 23rd, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, August 13th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, October 15th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 589- 3278 for Orleans County or 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County.

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force

BATAVIA – “Medicated-Assisted-Treatment in Our Communities” is the topic of the GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting scheduled for 10-11 a.m. April 21 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia.

The hybrid-style meeting – both in person and via Zoom videoconferencing – is open to the public at no charge.

“We are excited to offer this hybrid option and, more importantly, to provide information on M-A-T to the community,” said Christen Ferraro, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator.

Discussion will center around what M-A-T is, how it is used in substance use disorder treatment and recovery and its effectiveness, as well as sharing their experiences working with M-A-T services in various settings.

Speakers are:

• Ann Bowback, clinical director at Spectrum Health & Human Services in Warsaw. She is the project director of the Medicated-Assisted-Treatment program in collaboration with Evergreen Health.
• Melissa Weingarten, Wyoming County Jail nurse. In November 2021, she joined the Wyoming County Health Department in a full-time capacity as the nurse for jail medical services, administering medication to the inmates.
• Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. She oversees the M-A-T services and Opioid Treatment Program clinic in Genesee and Orleans counties.

For more details and how to register, visit www.gowopioidtaskforce.com or contact Ferraro at cferraro@gcasa.org.

Charts from Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The number of confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties doubled in the past week, the local health department reported today.

Orleans had 54 new confirmed cases with 35 lab-based tests and 19 at-home tests. Genesee has 62 confirmed cases with 41 from labs and 21 at-home tests.

The 54 cases in Orleans from March 30 to April 5 compares to 25 in each of the previous two weeks.

In Genesee, the 62 cases from March 30 to April 5 compares to 33 the previous week and 23 the week before that.

The federal CDC continues to rank the two counties as low for Covid community spread.

Statewide the percent of Covid tests that were positive on Tuesday was 3.67 percent, 4,358 out of 119,484 tested. That compares with 2.54 percent a week before when 3,243 were positive out of 127,873.

The seven-day average for positive tests was 3.22 percent on Tuesday, compared to 2.45 for the seven days ending last Tuesday.

“As we approach the spring holidays of Easter and Passover, it’s important we all do what we can to protect our families and reduce the spread of Covid-19,” Governor Kathy Hochul said today. “Make sure everyone in your family who’s eligible is vaccinated and boosted. If you’re attending family gatherings or traveling, take a test before and after. And if you test positive, talk to a doctor about the available treatments.”

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

This week is National Public Health Week and this year’s theme is “Public Health is Where You Are.”

“National Public Health Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness about what public health is,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “This week is used to help educate and highlight the issues that are important to improving the health of individuals, our community and our nation.”

This year, there are daily themes for National Public Health Week and although these are complex issues, there are still small things that you can do to help the health of individuals and our community.

• Monday, April 4th – Racism: A Public Health Crisis

Racial inequities in health care, income, housing, education and many other factors have become more apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. These inequities impact the health and well-being of community residents. We encourage you to start conversations about health equity and have an open dialogue about how biases and inequities contribute to health disparities in our community.

• Tuesday, April 5th – Public Health Workforce: Essential to our Future

The public health workforce is essential to our future! Thank a Public Health Professional for all the work that they have done throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but also what they will continue to do in the future to help the health of our community.

Wednesday, April 6th – Community: Collaboration and Resilience

Come together as a community to improve housing, education, food, transportation and the environment. Share your voice and opinions about the health of your community by completing the Community Health Assessment survey.  You can access the survey by visiting the following links:

English: click here

Spanish: click here

You can also make an impact by joining a community garden, donating food to a local food pantry, or volunteering at a local food distribution event.

• Thursday, April 7th – World Health Day: Health is a Human Right

Celebrate World Health Day by protecting our planet and our health. Even doing small things such as walking or cycling to work, buying your groceries from local producers, recycling and buying less plastic can make a difference.

• Friday, April 8th – Accessibility: Closing the Health Equity Gap

While there are public health resources available where we live, some barriers can make it hard for people to access and use these resources. These barriers could be physical, mental, financial, or cultural. Advocate for your neighbors and engage your local leaders to support health equity in our community.

• Saturday, April 9th – Climate Change: Taking Action for Equity

Understanding and addressing climate change is critical to protecting human health and the environment. By working together, we can lessen the impacts of climate change by making choices that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Small things such as using water efficiently, buying used items, reusing or repurposing items, and reducing your food waste can all make a difference.

• Sunday, April 10th – Mental Wellness: Redefining the Meaning of Health

Each year, one in five American will experience mental illness. To improve your mental health, eat a well-balanced diet, engage in physical activity such as walking or hiking, participate in activities you enjoy and connect with others. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a sign of strength, not a weakness. If you are struggling with depression, contact a mental health provider or call Care + Crisis Helpline at 585-283-5200, or text 741741.

GO Health hopes that you will help celebrate National Public Health Week by participating in some of the ideas described above to help make our community healthier, stronger and safer. By working together, we can build a healthier community and help everyone in Genesee and Orleans Counties live a healthier life.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Robin Sidari runs Immediate Care For You with telemedicine services.

ALBION – An Albion native has returned home to offer an increasingly popular way of providing medical services.

Robin Sidari, daughter of Carol Culhane of Gaines and the late Jerome Sidari, has a doctorate of nursing as a board certified family nurse practitioner. It is her desire to fit healthcare into busy lives in a convenient and safe setting by offering virtual urgent care.

Sidari graduated from Albion High School in 1990. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brockport State College and entertained the idea of going into pre-med, but changed her mind. She worked as a lab technician for a time, then went back to school for nursing at Monroe Community College. After receiving her two-year degree there, she went to work at Strong Memorial Hospital in 2009 in their cardiovascular surgery unit.

In 2010, Sidari decided to become a nurse practitioner graduating in 2014 from the University of Rochester, after which she started working in outpatient cardiology at Strong. Then she moved to Rhode Island for two years, where she worked in a CVS Minuteclinic. After returning to Rochester, Sidari went back to Strong to work in advanced heart failure/heart transplant unit for a year. Next followed four years in urgent care at Strong.

Desiring to further her education, Sidari enrolled in Chatham University, where she obtained her doctorate in nurse practitioner in 2021.

After facing the Covid pandemic, Sidari left Strong to pursue a career in a new health field – telemedicine.

“Much of my career includes treating patients of all ages in an urgent care setting, both in person and through telemedicine,” Sidari said.

In addition to her clinical experience as a nurse practitioner in urgent care, she also has extensive experience in the specialty of cardiology. She has cared for the mildly ill to the critical ill patient. She has seven years’ experience teaching nursing students at both the RN and nurse practitioner levels.

Sidari said telemedicine is becoming popular all over the country, but is often not available in rural areas. She said the advantages of telemedicine are a patient doesn’t have to wait hours in a waiting room full of sick people, transportation is not a problem with the high cost of gas and there is no wait to get an appointment.

She is qualified to treat patients of all ages, from babies to adults, with acute illness or injury which needs same-day care. She calls her practice ICU (Immediate Care for You). She treats minor injuries, such as allergies, flu, upper-respiratory infections and urinary tract infections; minor injuries, from abrasions, animal and insect bites to strains and sprains; and skin conditions. She can also refill prescriptions.

Anyone with a condition which requires more serious care Sidari will refer to their primary care doctor or the emergency room.

Sidari is licensed to practice in New York, Rhode Island, Wyoming and Florida. She charges one fee for a 30-minute telemedicine visit, and only accepts credit cards.

Patients can log on to her website at www.icareforyouonline.com, or she may be reached by phone at (585) 228-7874. She is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday or at other times on a limited basis in case of an emergency.

Sidari may also be contacted on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/icareforyouonline.

The number of new confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties remains at a low level.

In seven days from March 23 to March 29 there were 25 new cases in Orleans, the same number as the previous week. Genesee is up from 23 to 33. The 33 is down from the 38 from March 9-15.

The federal CDC continues to rank the two counties as low for Covid community spread.

Statewide the percent of Covid tests that were positive on Tuesday was 2.54 percent with 3,243 positive out of 127,873. The seven-day average for positive tests is 2.45 percent.

“While we keep a watchful eye on hospitalization and case trends, it is vitally important that every New Yorker continues using the tools we know are effective,” Governor Hochul said on Wednesday. “If you’re feeling sick, get tested and limit your exposure to others. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about available treatments. The vaccine and booster are still the most effective way to limit infection and severe illness, and I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of these tools so we can continue to keep ourselves and loved ones safe and healthy.”

Women tend to be the caregivers in families, whether they’re caring for their parents or their children and significant others, but they often ignore their own health. It’s important that they take time for themselves which is why I’m dedicating this article to that topic. 

Yearly exams and preventing Cervical Cancer

Many Moms wouldn’t think of skipping their kids’ “Well Child” visits each year, but they don’t always come in for their yearly physicals. During your physical, we’ll take your blood pressure, weight, address any health issues and talk about preventative measures for your future. For women, we’ll also do a Pap Smear if that’s appropriate. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure.

How can you manage your stress? 

Stress affects women (and everyone) in different ways. It’s often a major factor in weight gain and struggles with mental health. Remember, you can’t take care of anybody if you’re not taking care of yourself. 

How can you help yourself? Some simple tips include increased exercise such as walking which gives you the added benefit of some quiet time – time with your own thoughts. If you don’t allow yourself some downtime, you’re going to burn out. If you’d like to talk with a behavioral health professional, Oak Orchard Health offers counseling that can be done by phone, video, or in-person. Getting outside perspective and advice can be super helpful to your mental health. 

Healthy eating 

Eating healthy can make a world of difference in your life but it does take planning and thoughtful purchases. Staying away from fast foods, processed foods, and high-calorie drinks can have a big impact on weight loss. Diets that include lots of vegetables or vegetables with fish, are the best for you. I understand that people are busy and often don’t have the time to prep fresh vegetables, but you can get the same nutritional value if you microwave or steam frozen vegetables. Be sure to read the labels when purchasing and look for lower calorie and carbohydrate items. You will be surprised that there are healthy items in the frozen food area beyond just frozen vegetables. 

Eating regularly is as important as what you eat. Be sure to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, and avoid eating late at night. If you find yourself hungry late at night or in between meals, look to healthy snacking like vegetables such as cucumbers or even a small salad with lite dressing. 

Breast cancer and early detection

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It can occur at any age, but the risk goes up as you get older. Because of certain factors, some women may have a greater chance of having breast cancer than others, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Many of you reading this article already know that getting a mammogram is the #1 way to detect breast cancer – but when should you get one? The American Cancer Society recommends women start at age 40 for their yearly breast cancer screening and I agree.  Should you have a family history of breast cancer you may need to get your mammogram earlier, particularly if that family member was under 40 years of age. If that’s the case, you may want to start mammograms at 35. 

Shingles, what are they?

The CDC reports that a number of studies have revealed that more women than men develop shingles, although it states that the reason for the disparity is not known. What are shingles? Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body and becomes inactive. Years later, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles. 

Often people associate Shingles with a terrible rash, but it can also show up like a fever, malaise, flu-like symptoms, and sometimes the rash can be very minimal. This virus can also cause meningitis so it’s extremely important to see your medical provider and get treated. If you are 50 or older, you are eligible to get the Shingles vaccine to prevent getting this often very painful disease. 

We hope you’ve found this article to be helpful. Should you have any other questions, please contact your medical professional or Oak Orchard Health. 

18-month program connects leaders in health care and community-based organizations in WNY, CNY

The director of the Orleans County United Way is one of 34 professionals in the Health Leadership Fellows program. These are leaders from health care and community-based organizations throughout western and central New York.

Dean Bellack

Dean Bellack said he is making connections with key foundation and agency leaders as part of the 18-month program.

The group held its opening conference from March 14-16 in Canandaigua. The Fellows meet monthly and develop, in small teams, inter-organizational projects that seek to address a community health need.

They also participate in development sessions focused on personal leadership, results-based leadership, leading change, and communicating as a leader. After graduating, Fellows continue to collaborate and learn together as members of the Fellows Action Network.

Bellack, the United Way executive director the past three years, said he was recommended for the program by some of the foundations he has worked with in his role with the United Way.

He said he is honored to be in a prestigious program with so many leaders across the region, from small counties to organizations based in Buffalo.

“It’s total immersion into the nonprofit world and nonprofit thinking,” Bellack said today. “It’s making connections for us in Orleans County.”

Bellack said the United Way has been successful in securing foundation money for a digital literacy initiative and to hire a grantwriter to assist local organizations and municipalities.

He expects the Health Fellows program will give him stronger relationships that could lead to more funding opportunities for the county.

“This is about making the connections we need,” he said. “It’s connecting to foundations and funders in the community and further outside of Orleans County.”

Since 2005, the Health Leadership Fellows program has worked to build and strengthen a network of collaborative leaders across health-related organizations in WNY and CNY in order to enhance regional capacity for addressing community health issues.

During the 18-month program, Fellows meet monthly and develop, in small teams, inter-organizational projects that seek to address a community health need.

They also participate in development sessions focused on personal leadership, results-based leadership, leading change, and communicating as a leader. After graduating, Fellows continue to collaborate and learn together as members of the Fellows Action Network.

“The tenth cohort of Health Leadership Fellows is an inspiring group of change-makers,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President, the Health Foundation. “The pandemic has reinforced how critically important it is for health care leaders to break down silos and partner to meet the community’s needs more effectively. Cohort 10 will join the proud tradition of Fellows graduates who work together to make a real, lasting impact for the people we serve.”

The number of confirmed Covid cases increased in Orleans County from 13 during the week of March 9-15 to 25 from March 16-22.

That is still significantly less from the Covid surge in early January when there were 855 cases from Jan. 5-11.

In the past eight weeks in Orleans the cases have dropped from 255 from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 157 from Feb. 2-8, 84 from Feb. 9-15, 41 from Feb. 16-22, 29 on Feb. 23 to March 1, 15 from March 2-8, 13 from March 9-15, and 25 from March 16-22.

In Genesee County the number of new confirmed cases from March 16-22 was 23, which was down from 38 the previous seven days, according to an update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Neither county reported a new Covid-related death the past week and Genesee remains at 184 and Orleans at 113 during the pandemic the past two years.

Statewide the percent of positive tests on Wednesday was 2.13 percent or 3,450 out of 162,273, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

She said daily hospitalizations were at 911, the seventh straight day under 1,000.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Elizabeth “Liz” Gurnsey sits at her desk at the Albion Healthcare Center, where she is a nurse practitioner. Gurnsey grew up just down the road and returned to her home town to serve the community.

ALBION – Becoming a nurse practitioner is a dream job for Elizabeth “Liz” Gurnsey, but being able to practice in her home town is icing on the cake.

Gurnsey has been added to the staff of Orleans Community Health’s Albion Healthcare Center, the clinic located just a short distance from where she grew up on Butts Road.

She was born in Rochester, and when she was 10 her parents moved to Albion to be in a rural setting. After graduating from Albion High School in 2006, she enrolled in Oswego State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it, so I worked at Tim Hortons and CRFS for a while,” Gurnsey said. “When a friend told me about an accelerated nursing program at the University of Rochester, I applied.”

She finished the one-year program with another bachelor’s degree in 2013 and landed a job at Strong Memorial Hospital. She spent eight years there as a registered nurse, when she decided she wanted to do more.

“I really wanted a primary care position serving a small community,” Gurnsey said. “I saw a position posted online but it was filled. I had reached out to the hospital and introduced myself as a nurse practitioner looking to work back into the area. A month later I saw this job posted and set up an interview with Nicole.”

Nichole Helson is administrator of the Albion Healthcare Center and couldn’t be happier to have Gurnsey on staff.

Gurnsey said she is thrilled to be serving her home town community.

“These are my people,” she said.

Gurnsey is married to Brandon Gurnsey, a friend from high school who she started dating after they graduated. They were married and moved to Barre in 2015.

Gurnsey is passionate about her profession and encourages people not to hesitate to come to a nurse practitioner if they are looking for a primary care doctor.  She said her goal is to promote health maintenance and encourage patients to get early detection.

“I’m open minded and a good listener,” she said. “I allow my patients to be part of their health care. If a patient doesn’t want to do what I recommend, I respect that.”

She explained a nurse practitioner can treat and manage chronic disease.

“If someone comes in with something more complicated, we have a provider on site, Dr. Syed Raza,” Gurnsey said. “We work together and collaborate.”

“If anyone is looking for a primary care provider in general, they are not going to lose anything by seeing a nurse practitioner,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing, communication and outreach at Orleans Community Health’s Community Partners.

Gurnsey added she is very down to earth and doesn’t use a lot of medical jargon.

“These are my family, my friends and my neighbors, and I’m so happy I landed here,” she said.

The Albion Healthcare Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Gurnsey is on site Monday through Thursday. The facility originally started as a walk-in clinic, then expanded to primary care, including walk-ins, Robinson said.

The site offers lab work, X-ray, physical therapy and primary care, as a walk-in or by appointment. The number for appointments is (585) 589-2273.

Provided photo: Medina Memorial Hospital welcomes the public to free Covid-19 tests.

MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital is handing out “I Health” Covid-19 test kits, free to the community.

The hospital is inviting residents to take up to three boxes. There are two tests per box.

The tests are located behind the screener at the receptionist’s desk in the lobby.

“We want to make sure people get the tests if they need them,” said Scott Robinson, director of Communication, Marketing and Education at Community Partners.

The hospital currently has about 500 kits, and is expecting to have more shortly.

Tests going to nursing homes, adult care facilities, schools, senior centers, food banks and other sites in communities

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 20 million Covid-19 over-the-counter tests will be distributed across the state through the spring to bolster New York State’s ongoing preparedness efforts.

“As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, test kits are a critical tool in the fight to stop the spread of Covid-19 and prevent exposure to others,” Hochul said. “While our numbers remain low, now is the time to ramp up the distribution of tests and build up our stockpile so we can bolster our preparedness for the future to protect our communities, and safely move forward through this pandemic.”

The state will continue to provide over-the-counter test kits to nursing homes, adult care facilities, and schools, and will partner with elected officials for continued distribution to the public, during the next few months to identify new Covid-19 cases and keep New Yorkers safe.

This includes one million tests to schools outside of New York City every other week until the end of the school year. New York City no longer receives state distributions because they have sufficient test kits to get them through the year. At home tests have proven to be an invaluable tool for identifying cases and protecting our communities; they were responsible for finding at least 15,000 positive cases among students and staff the week after the winter break alone.

In addition to these continued distributions, the state is increasing distribution points for test kits. The State will partner with Mayors, County Executives, Members of Congress, Borough Presidents and State Legislators across New York to increase access to tests for the general public.

And the State will coordinate distribution of 1.74 million tests to the NYC Housing Authority tenants, enough for each household to receive four tests. An additional 500,000 tests will be made available to various food banks and senior centers throughout the state, based on request.

More than 54 million tests have already been distributed throughout New York since the beginning of the year, including nearly 30 million tests to schools, 12.5 million tests to nursing homes and adult-care facilities, and more than 10 million tests to local officials for public distribution in their respective communities. The distribution efforts follow the procurement of more than 90 million rapid tests in recent months.

NYS Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Expanding access to over-the-counter test kits is a key part of our strategy to return to normalcy during the Covid-19 era. While getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect against Covid-19, testing is another important tool to prevent the spread of infection so we can safely return to work, school, and social activities. We commend Governor Hochul for continuing to lead New York State through this new phase of the pandemic and providing our residents with the tools they need to keep themselves and their communities safe.”