Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-through anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, Aug. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia). This event is open to Orleans County residents.
“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee County,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in Genesee and Orleans counties. “We remind all residents to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that their vaccinations are kept up to date.”
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 recommended and please follow all social distancing requirements.
To save you time, 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 Sept. 16. For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 x.5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.
“Please take advantage of this opportunity,” Pettit said. “Rabies 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.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2021 at 2:08 pm
‘It is important for all that are currently eligible to get their vaccine now to ensure we have the best protection and are successful in having in-person learning this school year.’ – Paul Pettit, public health director
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be offering Covid-19 vaccines next week as part of a push to have children 12 and older get the vaccine before school starts in September.
The Pfizer vaccine will be offered at the clinics, which is approved for everyone 12 years of age and older. Covid-19 vaccines are both safe and effective, the local Health Departments said.
“The back-to-school pop-up vaccine clinics are a great way for our youth and young adults 12 years of age and older to conveniently get the vaccine before school starts,” said Paul Pettit, public health director for the two counties.
Each clinic is open to the public and walk-ins will be accepted. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made through the links in this article. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to receive the vaccine. The second dose of the vaccine will be offered three weeks after the first shot at the same school during the same time.
“It is important for all that are currently eligible to get their vaccine now to ensure we have the best protection and are successful in having in-person learning this school year,” Pettit said. “Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is the most effective way to protect yourself and others. Vaccinated individuals continue to represent a very small amount of the total cases and current transmission rates so we need to continue to get as many people vaccinated as possible.”
The schedule includes:
• Monday, Aug. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Pembroke Junior/Senior High School, 8750 Alleghany Rd., Corfu, NY 14036. Click here for an appointment.
• Monday, Aug. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – LeRoy Wolcott Street School, 2 Trigon Park, Le Roy, NY 14482. Click here for an appointment.
• Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Medina High School, 2 Mustang Drive, Medina, NY 14103. Click here for an appointment.
• Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Byron-Bergen Jr/Sr HS Cafeteria, 6917 W Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416. Click here for an appointment.
• Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia, NY 14020. Click here for an appointment.
• Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Genesee County Health Dept., 3837 W Main Street Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Click here for an appointment.
• Thursday, Aug. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. – Charles D’Amico High School in Albion, 302 East Ave., Albion, NY 14411. Click here for an appointment.
• Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Orleans County Health Dept., 14016 NY-31, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411. Click here for an appointment.
Batavia Veterans Home among the sites with the new state requirement; Cuomo urges local governments to require employees be vaccinated or tested for Covid
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that patient-facing healthcare workers at state-run hospitals will be required to get vaccinated for Covid-19 by Labor Day.
There will not be an option to be tested in lieu of vaccination for these patient-facing healthcare workers. The Governor also announced that all New York State employees—about 130,000 people—will be required to get vaccinated for Covid-19 by Labor Day. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for Covid-19 on a weekly basis. New York State is working with state unions to implement the requirement quickly and fairly.
“New Yorkers have displayed tremendous dedication and resilience to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic across the state, but vaccination rates aren’t keeping pace with the Delta variant and we need to act now,” Governor Cuomo said. “That’s why we’re requiring everyone who works in a state-run hospital and interacts with patients to get vaccinated. New York is taking its vaccination effort a step further and requiring all state employees to get the shot or be tested weekly, and we look forward to working with our sisters and brothers in the labor movement to implement that quickly and effectively by Labor Day. Our healthcare heroes have led the way all through this terrible crisis, so let’s get vaccinated, save lives and beat this beast for once and for all.”
The Governor also called on the FDA to expedite final approval of the vaccine and end emergency use authorization restrictions. Governor Cuomo also urged local governments to require all employees to be vaccinated or submit to testing by Labor Day. If the numbers continue to increase, school districts in affected areas should also strongly consider taking further action.
State-run hospitals and facilities include:
Batavia Veterans Home
SUNY Stony Brook
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
Long Island Veterans Home at Stony Brook
Helen Hayes Hospital
SUNY College of Optometry
Montrose Veterans Home
St. Albans Veterans Home
Oxford Veterans Home
New York State continues to promote and expand access to the vaccine, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates. On July 26, Governor Cuomo announced the allocation of $15 million from the New York State budget to promote vaccination in communities across the state that were hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to strengthen communication, expand public education and enhance ongoing outreach efforts throughout diverse communities.
UPDATE at 3:19 p.m.: Michael Powers, president of NYSCOPBA (New York State Corrections Officers Benevolent Association), issued this statement: “It’s disheartening that an administration that touts itself being NY Smart, would take such a drastic measure without any input from the individuals this directly impacts. Just a month ago, the State celebrated the lifting of restrictions with fireworks shows and now today’s about-face. It’s time that we stop making decisions in a vacuum and start including stakeholders.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2021 at 10:16 am
2 local counties continue to lag behind state vaccination rate
The Genesee and Orleans County health Departments will both have Covid-19 vaccines available at the county fairs in both communities this coming week.
“The fair is a perfect place to reach members of our community and this is a great opportunity for residents that have not been vaccinated yet, to conveniently get vaccinated while they are visiting the fair,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in the two counties.
The vaccine schedule includes:
Orleans County Fair
Tuesday, July 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Genesee County Fair
Monday, July 26, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The vaccines will be available for free at both fairs. The one shot Johnson and Johnson will be available as well as the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. The second dose of Pfizer will be scheduled at the health department in each county.
The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those that are 12 and older, while the Johnson and Johnson vaccine can be administered to people that are 18 and older. Everyone under the age of 18 seeking vaccination must have a parent or guardian with them to provide permission.
“The vaccination rates in both Genesee and Orleans counties are slowly increasing, but we are still lagging behind New York State,” Pettit. “The majority of the cases we are seeing in both counties are people that are unvaccinated.”
The federal CDC reports percent of New York residents 18 and older with at least one vaccine shot to be 74.3 percent. In Orleans, 54.2 percent of those 18 and older have had at least one vaccine shot, while 61.6 percent have had at least one shot in Genesee.
Anyone who is interested in being vaccinated can stop by the county emergency preparedness and health department trailers and choose the vaccine that is best for them, the local health departments said.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there about the vaccines, so health department staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns that residents have,” the health departments said in a news release.
The local health departments reported on Thursday there were 4 active Covid cases in Orleans and 5 in Genesee. On July 15, there were 9 active cases in Orleans and 5 in Genesee. On July 8, there was 1 active case in Orleans and none in Genesee.
People who encounter rabies vaccine baits encouraged to leave them undisturbed
This map shows the target areas for sending rabies vaccine baits in New York State.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
New York will once again be taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states.
Ongoing field evaluation of a new oral rabies vaccine (ORV) called ONRAB will occur in Clinton, Essex counties in the Empire State as part of an evaluation that also includes parts of northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Additionally, evaluations will also occur in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming counties.
These sites were selected in part because of ongoing collaborations with partners from the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Canada in the fight against rabies to protect human and animal health and reduce significant costs associated with living with rabies across broad geographic areas. Aerial and hand distribution of baits will take place in New York from July 26 through August 24.
The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine. To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor, and dark-green food-grade dye. Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait. However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave them undisturbed. Should contact with bait occur, immediately rinse the area with warm water and soap and contact your local health department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County or 585-589-3278 for Orleans County.
Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm the dog. If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 268-2289.
Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is invariably fatal. Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife. The cooperative USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) was established in 1997 to prevent the further spread of wildlife rabies in the U.S. by containing and eventually eliminating the virus in terrestrial mammals.
The majority of the NRMP efforts are focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which continues to account for most of the reported wildlife rabies cases in the U.S. Raccoon rabies occurs in all states east of the established ORV zone that extends from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama. Continued access to oral vaccine and bait options that are effective in all target wildlife species remains critical to long term success.
During 2011, the NRMP worked with other Federal, State, and local partners to conduct the first raccoon ORV field trial in the U.S. in over 20 years. This field trial was designed to test the safety and immunogenicity of the oral human adenovirus-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine ONRAB (Artemis Technologies, Guelph, Ontario, Canada), which has been successfully integrated into comprehensive rabies control programs that resulted in elimination of raccoon rabies from Canada.
Encouraging results from the U.S. trial in West Virginia represented a major milestone that led to expanded evaluations in 4 additional states (NH, NY, OH, and VT) during 2012-2020. In 2021, the use of ONRAB will further expand into two additional states (PA and TN). Data from these evaluations will support licensing of this vaccine for broader, more aggressive management of raccoon rabies by the NRMP and partners, with the goal of eliminating the variant of the rabies virus that cycles in raccoons.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that applications are now open for the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program, a first-in-the-nation program that will assist with immediate Covid-19 response and vaccination efforts and strengthen local and statewide workforce capacities required to respond to future public health emergencies.
This program will provide up to 1,000 full-time, paid positions with placements at the New York State Department of Health, local health departments except for New York City, or other public health partners throughout the state. Individuals are encouraged to apply by clicking here.
Fellows will complete online coursework and receive a Public Health Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, as outlined in the Governor’s 2021 State of the State Address.
“We are teaming up with Cornell University to train and educate the next generation of public health professionals, who will be ready to hit the ground running and help their communities if and when another public health emergency hits,” Cuomo said. “I encourage everyone who is interested to apply for this first-in-the-nation program and become a part New York’s emergency public health and preparedness efforts.”
Fellows selected for the program will include recent graduates and students advanced in their graduate public health studies; individuals from nursing, medical, dentistry, pharmaceutical and allied health programs; retired medical professionals; emergency preparedness and other New Yorkers who will receive an intensive public health training curriculum developed by Cornell University.
Once selected for the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program, fellows will complete Cornell University’s Public Health Essentials Certificate Program, offered by the Master of Public Health Program. The program will assist in New York’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccination and response operations and establish an emergency response public health capacity that lasts beyond the current pandemic.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build upon the knowledge and expertise of the State’s public health workforce and the health care community to enhance our current Covid-19 response capabilities, engage New Yorkers who have shared our experience fighting this pandemic over the past year, support the return to essential routine public health activities and cultivate a new generation of public health professionals,” said State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2021 at 11:57 am
The number of active Covid-19 cases in Genesee and Orleans counties is down to 1, with none in Genesee and the 1 in Orleans, according to the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.
The local health departments provided the update on Thursday. On Tuesday there was also 1 case in the two counties, but it was in Genesee.
The Covid cases in the two counties have steadily dropped. On July 1, there were 4 cases in the two counties, with 2 in both Genesee and Orleans. On June 4, there were 22 active cases, with 11 in both counties.
On May 28, there were 78 cases with 33 in Genesee and 45 in Orleans, and 108 on May 14 with 43 in Genesee and 65 in Orleans.
On January 7, the number of active cases in the two counties topped 500 with 279 in Orleans and 238 in Genesee.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
ALBANY – The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners (NYSACCME) announced that counties are preparing to deploy settlement funds to ramp up the battle against addiction, overdoses, and deaths caused by the ongoing opioid epidemic.
The announcement follows a year that saw a significant resurgence in opioid-related deaths, with a record 81,230 fatal overdoses between May 2019 and May 2020, according to the CDC. The highest increase in opioid deaths, driven by fentanyl, is among Black Americans, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
“From ‘first responder’ law enforcement receiving calls for help, to the ‘last responder’ Coroners and Medical Examiners confirming the cause of death, local government officials have been witnesses to the pain and devastation of an opioid epidemic that was raging before Covid and has only grown worse since,” said Jack Marren, NYSAC President and Ontario County Board Chair. “The recent settlements, coupled with the creation of a dedicated Opioid Settlement Fund, will at some point in the future provide a fresh influx of resources for the treatment, education and prevention efforts that are critical to ending this epidemic.”
In a news conference on Thursday morning, NYSAC and NYSACCME resurfaced the See the Signs Save a Life campaign that was designed by Trellis Marketing to combat the scourge of opioid addiction in communities across the state by raising awareness of the warning signs of possible opiate addiction. The campaign, which was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was commission by the two groups and was broadcast briefly across the state and on social media. Watch the video by clicking here.
“By the time a person suffering from opiate addiction reaches a county coroner or medical examiner, it’s too late,” said Scott M. Schmidt, Orleans County chief coroner and president of New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners. “Tragically, over the last year we have seen a frightening resurgence in the number of our fellow New Yorkers who have lost their battle with opiate addiction, and we’ve decided we must redouble our efforts to prevent more of our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters from succumbing to this terrible scourge.”
“Our counties have been fighting the opioid epidemic for more than a decade and it is time that those manufacturers and distributors who are responsible for marketing these addicting and deadly pharmaceuticals in our communities be held accountable and help us put an end to this crisis,” said Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Executive and President of Count Executives of America.
“Counties cover every aspect of the battle against the opioid epidemic, starting with 9-1-1 centers and sheriff’s deputies, proceeding to health departments and mental health programs, and often tragically leading to our jails and county coroners. With recent settlements and legislation, we are now in a better position to support the individuals and families caught up in addiction before it’s too late,” said Marcus Molinaro, President of the New York State County Executives Association and Dutchess County Executive.
Additionally, NYSAC encouraged its member counties to support the Purdue Bankruptcy proposal.
“Attorney General Tish James recently announced the state of New York will support the plan, and so too should the counties. Though the proposal is far from perfect and can never heal the death and destruction caused by the production and overuse of opioids, it provides equitable funding on a national basis,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “The Purdue Bankruptcy proposal injects funding immediately and for the foreseeable future and can better help end the vicious cycle of addiction and avoids prolonged litigation and delay. Our goal was always to abate the harm. And because NYS recently enacted a Opioid Abatement Fund, these proceeds will go into direct deposit to this fund and will be used only for prevention, treatment and recovery programs.”
NYSAC and its member counties have been battling the opioid epidemic for many years through several agencies including county social services, health departments, law enforcement, jails, 9-1-1 dispatch, district attorneys, public defenders, probation, and coroners and medical examiners.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2021 at 10:29 am
New York has reached a milestone in the push to get eligible residents, those 12 and older, vaccinated against Covid-19.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced the state is at a 70 percent vaccination rate for those eligible. This includes people who have had at least one vaccination dose.
The state on June 15 was at a 70 percent rate for those 18 and older. On that date, Cuomo lifted most Covid-19 restrictions. The state is currently at 72.6 percent with at least one vaccination dose who are 18 and older.
“We continue to fight this virus by making sure every single eligible New Yorker gets vaccinated for Covid-19, and our state’s ability to beat it for good depends on getting shots in arms,” Cuomo said. “I urge everyone who hasn’t yet taken the shot to do so today—appointments, including walk-ins, are available at sites across the state.”
In Orleans County, 53.4 percent of residents 18 and older have had at least one vaccine dose. Orleans had the lowest vaccination rate on March 24 among all 62 counties. Orleans was at 19.2 percent on march 24, the lowest vaccination rate in the state.
Orleans is now at 53.4 percent of those 18 and older. That is now ahead of seven counties, but about 20 percentage points behind the state average.
Here is a list of counties below 55 percent of those 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose:
Delaware, 54.5 percent
Wyoming, 54.0 percent
Chemung, 53.7 percent
Orleans, 53.4 percent
Seneca, 53.0 percent
Steuben, 52.8 percent
Lewis, 52.2 percent
Cattaraugus, 52.1 percent
Fulton, 52.1 percent
Tioga, 50.4 percent
Allegany, 44.5 percent
Here are the vaccination rates in WNY counties (18 and older with at least one dose):
All 3 vaccines available at clinics in Albion, Batavia
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
This week, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are hosting Covid-19 vaccination clinics at their respective health departments.
For the first time, each clinic will offer all three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The Pfizer vaccine is available for anyone 12 years of age and older and the J&J and Moderna vaccine is available for anyone 18 years of age and older. J&J is one dose and Moderna and Pfizer are two doses.
• Genesee County will hold its vaccination clinic on Wednesday, June 30, from 1:30p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 3837 West Main Street Rd. in Batavia.
• Orleans County will hold its clinic on Thursday, July 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the County Office Building, 14016 State Route 31, Suite 101.
Both clinics are available for walk-ins and registration. If you are interested in making an appointment, visit the GO Health website by clicking here.
“We want to continue to provide opportunities for our residents to get vaccinated as we try to increase vaccination rates for each county,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the two counties. “According to the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub, Orleans County is currently at 51.2% and Genesee County is at 55.6% of population (12+) with at least one dose. Our goal is to vaccinate as many residents as possible.”
If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic, please fill out the survey (click here) and one of our staff members will be in contact with you.
Rapid Testing: For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments.
For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for June 30th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia. Registration is required. To register for testing at the Genesee Test Clinic, click here.
For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for July 1st from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Rt. 31 West, Albion. Registration is required. To register for the Orleans Test Clinic, click here.
For Covid-19 inquiries, those that do not have internet, vaccine/testing registration assistance and questions related to testing and vaccines, please call (585) 344-2580 ext.5559 for Genesee County and (585) 589-2762 for Orleans County.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York will end the state disaster emergency declared on March 7, 2020 to fight Covid-19. Given New York’s dramatic progress against Covid-19, with the success in vaccination rates, and declining hospitalization and positivity statewide the state of emergency will expire after Thursday, June 24.
Federal CDC guidance will remain in effect, which includes masks for unvaccinated individuals, as well as all riders on public transit and in certain settings, such as health care, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters. State and local government health departments will still be able to ensure mask rules and other health precautions are adhered to in those settings.
Since March of 2020, a variety of actions had been taken by executive order to assist in the rapid response to the pandemic by state agencies, local governments, hospitals, and businesses by both temporarily suspending or modifying laws as well as utilizing temporary directives. Hospitals were able to add space and staffing, meetings were authorized to occur virtually, and various deadlines were extended to accommodate a changed landscape.
“New York went from one of the worst infection rates to the lowest infection rate in the country, and it was all because of the efforts of New Yorkers who were smart, united and did what they needed to do throughout this entire pandemic,” Cuomo said. “Now we’re starting to write a new chapter for a post-COVID New York–the state disaster emergency is ending and we can focus on reimaging, rebuilding and renewing our state. This doesn’t mean Covid is gone, we still have to get more New Yorkers vaccinated, but we are getting back on track and starting to live life once again.”
(Editor’s Note: In the past week, Orleans County has reported 1 new Covid case and now has had 3,121 people test positive for Covid since March 2020. In Genesee County, there are 4 new cases since June 16, and Genesee has now had 5,439 people test positive during the pandemic.)
Marcus Molinaro, president of the New York State County Executives’ Association, issued this statement:
“Today, we learned from a tweet that the Governor will end the Covid-19 State of Emergency, effective tomorrow.
“This is yet another important milestone signaling the approaching end of a pandemic that so many heroic Americans have battled for over 16 grueling months.
“On behalf of the counties of New York, in addition to all those who played a critical role, I thank the leaders and government employees who were too often the unsung heroes in this pandemic. They all worked tirelessly, day and night saving lives and rebuilding our communities.
“Counties across New York led the local response to this catastrophe. County leaders were the on-site incident commanders, leading local emergency response, and our local health and mental health departments were the tip of the spear in administering the testing, tracing, and vaccination efforts that made this day possible.
“And, on behalf of all county governments, I extend our heartfelt prayers to those who lost loved ones. We are committed to recovering and rebuilding in their memory and honor.”
Dr. Libby served as family physician in Barker for 33 years
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
Dr. Margaret Libby
LYNDONVILLE – Dr. Margaret Libby, a family physician who has practiced in Barker for over 33 years, has moved her practice to Oak Orchard Health, 77 South Main Street, Lyndonville. All appointments scheduled with Dr. Libby will now take place at this location.
“I chose to move to Oak Orchard Health because it was a good fit for me and my patients. I enjoy practicing rural medicine and that’s their focus as well,” said Margaret Libby, MD.
As a family medicine physician, she also specializes in occupational health, care of the disabled, addictions, and behavioral health medicine with a focus on the social determinants of health (non-health-related conditions such as housing, education, and work that affect one’s health).
“We’re grateful that Dr. Libby has chosen our Lyndonville office to continue her practice,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She knows the people in the area so well. It’s appropriate that an experienced family physician like Dr. Libby joins us as part of our medical team.”
Dr. Libby joins Oak Orchard’s family nurse practitioner, Michelle Okonieczny.
Dr. Libby received her medical degree at SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and was a resident at Buffalo General Hospital. She also received an MS in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 June 2021 at 1:28 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Medina attorney David Schubel, new president of the board of Supportive Care of Orleans County (Hospice), meets with new CEO Elisa Chambery. Chambery replaces Kellie Spychalski, who retired and moved to Arizona in the spring.
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans County has undergone major changes during the past few months, starting with a name change to Supportive Care of Orleans County. The change is meant to better convey the agency’s mission and the services it provides, staff said.
More recently, former director Kellie Spychalski announced her retirement and a relocation to Arizona. She has just been replaced by new CEO Elisa Chambery of Rochester, effective June 1.
Chambery comes with a long record of work in the health care industry, including longterm care and rehabilitation and respite care at Highlands Living Center, a part of the University of Rochester Medical Center.
“My roots are in social work,” Chambery said during a recent interview. “Anything else but health care doesn’t seem meaningful.”
She received her master’s in health administration at Brockport State.
Chambery grew up in Rochester, from the time she was 12. She continues to live there and said she enjoys the 50-minute drive to Albion.
“It’s such a pleasant drive, and I look forward to it,” she said.
She said she is looking forward to working collaboratively with the board and new associate director Doug Sommerfeldt, who recently replaced Derek Reiner.
“The staff here is so committed,” Chambery said. “They seem like a very tight-knit group of individuals. This is truly their passion. I am also so impressed with the Martin-Linsin House. I’ve been in a lot of places, and I can’t think of anywhere more beautiful.”
Chambery and her husband Keith have four grown daughters, ages 26 to 31. One is a nurse practitioner, one a mechanical engineer, one a veterinarian and the other a kindergarten teacher.
As agencies and individuals navigate through the tail end of Covid, Chambery said she just wants to be here for the community.
Schubel steps into the role as president of the board of Supportive Care as he begins his second year on the board.
A Medina attorney, he has been practicing law since 1974, starting out with Miles and Webster. That became Webster, Schubel and Meier. He said the late Norris Webster “set the standard of how to practice law.”
Schubel’s involvement in Supportive Care’s board came about during a contemplative prayer group to which he belongs with former county judge Jim Punch at St. Mary’s Church in Medina.
“As the county attorney for 27 years, I was involved with the nursing home, which the county then owned,” Schubel said. “Jim said, ‘You have all the experience with health care. Why don’t you join the board.’”
“Jim said he wanted to step down, so here I am,” Schubel said.
Schubel is also a partner with Phil Keppler of Shelby Center in raising Hereford cattle.
“I grew up in Akron and used to come to Forrestel Farm for pheasant hunting,” he said. “I thought it was the greatest place to be. I saw the cattle and I was intrigued by them.”
Schubel was elected president of Supportive Care’s board at their annual meeting in May.
“This is a terrific organization and one of the true ornaments of Orleans County,” he said.
While he said he was not in on the decision to change the name of the organization, it said it is reflective of their mission to support, not only the patient, but their family and loved ones.
He called the board a diverse one, with all very talented people, one of which was former Albion school superintendent Ada Grabowski, who was given the status of director emeritus at the last meeting.
“We are duly aware of the challenges that face any health care agency in the industry, and we are exploring collaborative relationships with Rochester Regional Health,” Schubel said. “We still want to remain independent with local control, but all the regulations we have to comply with are really difficult.”
Unvaccinated individuals should continuing to wear a mask, per CDC guidance
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Covid-19 restrictions are lifted immediately as 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their Covid-19 vaccination series.
The State’s health guidance and New York Forward industry specific guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—are now optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings.
Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Consistent with the State’s implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals.
Further, the State’s health guidelines continue to be in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.
“What New York has done is extraordinary. Not only do we have the lowest Covid positivity rate in the United States of America, we have hit 70 percent vaccination ahead of schedule,” Cuomo said. “We successfully deployed the weapon that will win the war, and New York led the nation.”
As of today, over 70 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and the rate of new Covid-19 cases has plummeted to the lowest levels in the nation.
Given New York’s progress and the diminished risk of Covid-19 within the community, the State is lifting Covid-19 restrictions effective immediately, except for the mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals and in certain settings (e.g., large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and health care settings per CDC guidance).
While New York Forward industry reopening guidance is no longer mandatory for most industries, these documents will be archived and made available as a public reference.
With the removal of the State’s minimum standard for reopening, businesses are free to choose to lift all or some restrictions, continue to adhere to the State’s archived guidance, or implement other health precautions for their employees and patrons. Businesses are also authorized to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and patrons within their establishments, regardless of vaccination status. Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to applicable federal and state laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The State’s Covid restrictions remain in effect for large-scale indoor event venues—now defined as indoor venues that hold more than 5,000 attendees. Consistent with the State’s implementation of the CDC guidelines, proof of vaccination can be used to eliminate social distancing and remove masks for fully vaccinated individuals.
Unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals who are over the age of four must continue to present proof of a recent negative diagnostic Covid-19 test result and wear masks within the venue. However, social distancing can be reduced or eliminated between tested attendees, allowing venues to reach 100 percent capacity in all sections.
Rob Ortt, Senate Republican Leader, issued this statement this afternoon:
“Like all New Yorkers, I welcome today’s news that most remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted. I want to thank the thousands of frontline workers, healthcare professionals and countless others who helped us through this crisis and led us to this point. I would also like to recognize the many small businesses who fought to make it out of this pandemic and provided paychecks to millions of New York families during this difficult time.
“Instead of taxpayer funded firework shows celebrating his own lack of leadership, the Governor should mark this occasion by ending the state of emergency and reinstating the Legislature as a co-equal branch of government. Only then can we fully repeal unnecessary restrictions like masks mandates for school children.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2021 at 5:29 pm
In Orleans, vaccination rate for 18 and over is 51.9 percent
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today said the state is very close to lifting all Covid-19 restriction as the vaccination rate for those 18 and older is very close to 70 percent.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the state rate at 69.9 percent with 20,099,155 doses administered in NY. The state is at 50.0 percent of all residents who have completed the vaccine series.
Orleans County is below the state vaccination rate. Orleans in early April was last in the state with the vaccination rate among 62 counties, but has passed several counties since then.
Orleans currently has 51.9 percent of those 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose, and 43.5 percent of the total population of 40,612 with at least one dose. That is according to the state’s Vaccine Tracker (click here).
The 51.9 percent rate for those 18 and older is higher than the following counties:
Allegany, 43.4 percent
Tioga, 49.1 percent
Cattaraugus, 50.6 percent
Fulton, 50.7 percent
Lewis, 50.7 percent
Steuben, 51.2 percent
Seneca, 51.6 percent
With the state set to pass the 70 percent vaccination rate, Cuomo announced restrictions will soon be lifted. He was in Syracuse today at the State Fairgrounds and announced that the fair in August will reopen to 100 percent capacity. He also announced the state will be spending $40 million in tourism ad campaign to bring more people to visit the state.
The state’s percent of positive Covid tests has plunged from about 8 percent in January to the current 0.4 percent.
“The more people get vaccinated, the lower the positivity rate,” Cuomo said. “The more the vaccine rate goes up, the lower the positivity rate. That’s why we’ve been working so hard on vaccinations.”
The governor praised New Yorkers for getting the vaccine and allowing the state to reopen ahead of what was initially considered a very optimistic target of July 4.
“We beat all those predictions, but it doesn’t mean when we hit 70 percent it’s over,” Cuomo said. “It means it’s working. It means we’re doing well, but it also means keep going. It’s not the finish line at 70, but we’re coming around the last turn on the track and we have to focus and we have to know that we’re doing well.”
