There are 56 new cases of Covid-19 in Genesee and Orleans counties, in the first update since Friday afternoon. That brings the total to 8,298 since March 2020, with 3,043 in Orleans and 5,255 in Genesee, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department.

In Orleans County there are 20 new positive cases of Covid-19. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

There are 38 more recoveries – previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

There is currently one Orleans resident hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 36 new positive cases. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

There are 26 more recoveries –previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

There are currently 9 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Message from Genesee and Orleans County Health Department:

Masking: As of May 19, New York State will be following the CDC guidance which has determined it is safe for the majority of those who are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after final vaccination) to not have to wear masks in most cases indoors and outside.

Those who are not fully vaccinated, choose not to be vaccinated and/or are immunocompromised, work or attend Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and healthcare settings will continue to follow the State’s existing Covid-19 health guidelines regarding masking until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.

The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.

Hoag Library hosts ‘pop-up’ clinic today

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Chris Rice of Albion receives the Covid-19 vaccine today from Doris Delano, a registered nurse with the Orleans County Health Department.

He was one of 30 who received a vaccine shot in the first hour of a clinic held at Hoag Library in Albion.

Rice preferred the one-shot Johnson & Johnson dose, over the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which are two shots.

“This is about as convenient as it can get,” Rice said inside the library. “Now that it’s local it will be easier for more people to do it. It will be nice to be done with it and get back to normal. Hopefully this helps.”

The Health Department has been holding mass vaccination clinics at the Ridgeway fire hall sometimes for several hundred people. Next Tuesday will be the last one at Ridgeway fire hall as the Health Department looks to do smaller “pop-up” clinics around the county.

Hoag hosted one of the pop-up clinics today for the first time. The Health Department on Friday morning will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds on Route 31 in Knowlesville from 8:30 to 11 a.m. That is timed to coincide with the start of a food distribution at the fairgrounds.

“The whole idea is making close and accessible and using familiar locations,” said Dr. David Bell, emergency preparedness coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The pop-up clinics don’t require nearly as much manpower from the Health Department as the bigger clinics at the Ridgeway fire hall and GCC in Batavia. It takes 40 to 50 staff and volunteers for the Ridgeway clinic while the Health Department had a team of 8 at Hoag Library today.

Hoag Library in Albion hosted a pop-up vaccination clinic for the first time today.

The Department next week on May 27 is planning pop-up clinics in Holley with a mobile unit at the American Legion and in Kendall at the fire department. More information will be available about those clinics in the next few days.

“It’s where we can get the partnerships to host the clinics,” Bell said.

The department plans to continue the vaccination clinics for “as long as there is demand,” Bell said.

When there is little need for the clinics, Bell said people will be directed to local pharmacies, health care offices and the Health Department to get a vaccine.

Starting Wednesday, vaccinated people won’t be required to wear masks in most settings

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that beginning May 19, New York State will adopt the CDC’s “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People” for most business and public settings.

Consistent with the CDC guidance, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to follow State’s existing Covid-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.

“New Yorkers have worked hard over the last year to prevent the spread of Covid and keep each other safe,” Cuomo said. “That work has paid off and we are ecstatic to take this next step in the reopening of our beautiful state. The people of New York and visitors alike should take solace in the lifting of mask requirements, but be respectful of those who may still feel safest wearing their mask in public and business owners who may still ask patrons to don their mask.”

To implement the CDC’s guidance, New York State will be revising the following reopening guidelines to take effect on May 19:

Business Mask Rules

Given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks and over 52 percent of New Yorkers over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, the State will authorize businesses to continue to require masks for all in their establishments, consistent with the CDC guidance. In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance must wear masks in all public settings.

The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.

Business Capacity Rules

As previously announced, most business capacities — which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — will be removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.

However, given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain social distance, businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing, and therefore increase capacity, only if all patrons within the establishment — or a separate designated part of the establishment — present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass.

For areas where vaccination status of individuals is unknown and for patrons who do not present proof of full vaccination status, the required social distance of 6 feet still applies until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. This change will apply across all commercial settings, except the exempt settings outlined by the CDC.

Small- and Large-Scale Event Rules

Small-scale events will be able to apply the revised business mask and capacity rules. Specifically, for events below the State’s social gathering limit of 250 indoors or 500 outdoors, event venues will be able to require masks for all patrons — and DOH strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status is unknown — and social distancing of 6 feet will be required between parties of attendees, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Unvaccinated people should still wear masks.

For large-scale events that exceed the State’s social gathering limits, event venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required distance, as follows:

• Unvaccinated attendees and attendees who have an unknown vaccination status must be spaced 6 feet apart in assigned sections. Masks will be required in indoor event settings, except while seated and eating or drinking.
• Fully vaccinated attendees may be spaced directly next to one another at 100 percent capacity instead of 6 feet apart in assigned sections that are designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals. Masks are optional. Venues must verify vaccination status to take advantage of reduced social distancing requirements.
• Children under the age of 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible, and under the age of 16 who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, may accompany and be seated with a vaccinated adult in a fully vaccinated section.
• Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by attendees through paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass.

For large-scale events, proof of recent negative Covid-19 test result for attendees who are over the age of four remains required for unvaccinated attendees in indoor event settings above the State’s social gathering limit but will become optional in outdoor event settings.

Hoag Library, 4-H Fairgrounds and Ridgeway Fire Hall all hosting

Photo by Tom Rivers: Diana Fox and Daisy greet people on Saturday during a mass vaccination clinic at GCC in Batavia, where about 400 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine were administered. Daisy the dog has been popular at the clinic, especially with the younger people, helping to ease some nervousness before getting the shot.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be on the road this week with pop-up vaccine clinics. The Health Department have been offering the Covid-19 vaccines at the Ridgeway fire hall and at GCC in Batavia.

This week the vaccine will be offered at other locations as well by the G-O Health Departments.

In Orleans County that includes:

• Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion – Moderna for walk-ins and appointments (Click here to make an appointment); and Johnson & Johnson for walk-ins.

• Wednesday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ridgeway Fire Hall – Pfizer for appointment only. Click here to make an appointment, currently none available but spots could open up. Johnson & Johnson, for walk-ins and appointment. (Click here for an appointment).

• Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Orleans County Fairgrounds, 12690 New York 31, in Knowlesville – Moderna for walk-ins and appointments (Click here to make an appointment); and Johnson & Johnson for walk-ins.

In Genesee County:

• Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Genesee County Health Department, 3837 W Main Street Rd., Batavia – Moderna for walk-ins and appointments (Click here to make an appointment); Johnson & Johnson for walk-ins.

• Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UR Medicine, Primary Care – LeRoy Medical Associates at 127 W Main St., Le Roy. This includes Moderna for walk-ins and Johnson & Johnson for walk-ins.

“We are happy to be able to provide the pop-up clinics between the two counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director in the two counties. “With the shift in bringing clinics close to where people live, work, and play and being more flexible with the scheduling now is a great opportunity for more people to get vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated, 2 weeks after the second dose for Moderna and Pfizer and 2 weeks after the single dose of Johnson & Johnson will help us enjoy the spring and summer activities with less restrictions.”

The Pfizer vaccine is now able to vaccinate anyone 12 years old and older. Clinics with Johnson & Johnson and Moderna will be available for walk-in and registration. Pfizer clinics are by registration only.

For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines: Genesee at 585-815-7168 and Orleans at 585-589-3170.

These lines are to make vaccine appointments, and not able to answer Covid-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.

“With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now,” Pettit said. “There are plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered. For your health and the health of others, we encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”

If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, fill out the survey by clicking here.

2 counties report 42 new cases since Tuesday; Genesee has 2 more Covid deaths

The number of active Covid-19 cases in Genesee and Orleans counties has declined from 151 a week ago to 108 today, according to an update this afternoon from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The 108 active cases today includes 65 in Orleans and 43 in Genesee, which compares to 82 in Orleans and 69 in Genesee a week ago.

There are 42 new cases reported today in the two counties over the past three days since the last update on Tuesday. That brings the pandemic total in the two counties to 8,242 since March 2020.

7-day totals: The number of new cases the past seven days totaled 111, which 53 in Orleans and 58 in Genesee. That is down from the 157 the previous week when there were 73 new cases in Orleans and 84 in Genesee. Before that week there were 164 the seven days ending April 30, 187 the seven days ending April 23, 180 the seven days ending April 16, and 186 the seven days ending April 9.

In Orleans County the 16 new positive cases since Tuesday brings the county’s pandemic total to 3,023 positive cases. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 80s.

Orleans currently doesn’t have any of its residents hospitalized due to Covid.

The county also has 30 more of the previous positive individuals who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

In Genesee County there are 26 new positive cases since Tuesday for a total of 5,219 cases during the pandemic. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s and 50s.

There are currently 7 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid. The county also had two more deaths from Covid in the past week and has now had 123 resident die from a Covid-related illness in the pandemic.

Genesee also is reporting 34 of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

Masking: Although the CDC has determined it is safe for the majority of those who are fully vaccinated to not have to wear masks in most cases indoors and outside, NYS is currently still under the masking guidance and will be for both those fully vaccinated (2 weeks after final vaccination) or anyone not vaccinated. We are currently waiting on the State DOH and the chamber to provide updated guidance on these recommendations. We are advocating for the state to quickly adopt the CDC recommendations but until any changes are released current guidelines remain in effect.

Vaccine Update: Anyone 12 and older is now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID- 19. Currently only the Pfizer vaccine is allowed for those who are 12-17 years old. All vaccination clinics are for both first and second doses for Moderna and Pfizer brands on a “First Come, First Served” basis. Some clinics have walk-in (generally Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) and some are by appointment only (generally Pfizer). Please note making an appointment for any of the clinics will help save you time and make sure there is vaccine available for you.

For GO Health Department-run clinics use this link for updated clinics:

For general clinic locations, including pharmacies, go to www.vaccines.gov.

Both counties are offering vaccination clinic registration via phone – these numbers are for Covid Vaccination Registration only. In Genesee, call (585) 815-7168. In Orleans, call (585) 589-3170. For both numbers ask for the vaccine registration help line. The vaccine registration help line is NOT associated with either Public Health Department. The individuals who answer the phone can only assist with registering for a Covid-19 clinic, they cannot answer Covid-related questions.

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do not have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA). For Genesee OFA please call 585-813-2457 for Covid-19 Vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call. For Orleans OFA please call 585-589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns. Please be patient and try again later.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday that fully vaccinated adults don’t need to wear masks in indoor or outdoor gatherings, large or small.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced the new guidance and said it is based on new studies from people in Israel and the U.S. who’ve been vaccinated.

She said a federal mask requirement will remain in effect for people, whether vaccinated or not, who ride buses, trains, airplanes and when they are in stations and airports.

“If you are fully vaccinated against #COVID19, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, incl. local business and workplace guidance,” the CDC tweeted on Thursday.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state isn’t yet ready to adopt the CDC guidelines. He wants a review led by Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the Department of Health.

“In New York, we have always relied on the facts and the science to guide us throughout the worst of this pandemic and in our successful reopening,” Cuomo said. “We have received the newly revised guidance from the CDC regarding mask wearing and social distancing for those with vaccinations and are reviewing them in consultation with Dr. Zucker and our partners and health experts in surrounding states.”

A person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose Johnson &  Johnson vaccine.

The CDC issued these recommendations for fully vaccinated people with mask-wearing (this doesn’t apply to healthcare settings):

• Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance
• Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel
• Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States
• Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings
• Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic
• Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state has authorized use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds following the endorsement of the vaccine today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine has now been expanded to include people 12 and older, “effective immediately,” Cuomo said.

The CDC decision followed the federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday, which gave its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to include people ages 12 to 15.

Dr. Howard Zucker, New York state health commissioner, and the New York State Clinical Advisory Task Force recommended the expanded use of the Pfizer vaccine.

“Children under the age of 18 now account for more than 20 percent of new cases in this country, and vaccine authorization for a younger population will allow the state to continue its tremendous progress towards winning the war against Covid,” Cuomo said in a statement. “More than 17 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York State to date.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today highlighted a milestone in the state’s vaccination efforts against Covid-19.

The state is at 50 percent of adults who are now vaccinated, people 18 and older who have completed the vaccine series.

In Orleans County, 30.7 percent of adults 18 and older have completed the vaccine series, according to the state’s Vaccine Tracker.

In the state, 60.7 percent of those 18 and older have had at least one dose of the vaccine, which compares to 45.7 percent in the county who are 18 and older with at least one dose.

“Our continued progress on vaccinations is phenomenal and that’s a function of all the good work that our providers and volunteers across New York have done,” Cuomo said. “We are hitting critical milestones, but the rate of people coming in to get vaccinated has declined, and that’s troubling. We are especially focused on the youthful and the doubtful, and we are continuing to work with community leaders and pushing the message that everyone needs to get their shot because this vaccine is our key weapon in defeating this beast.”

GLOW counties

• Genesee – 35.6 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 52.9 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 42.7 percent of overall population with at least one dose
• Livingston – 37.6 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 51.9 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 43.3 percent of overall population with at least one dose
• Orleans – 30.7 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 45.7 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose; 37.4 percent of overall population with at least one dose
• Wyoming – 32.4 percent 18 and older completed vaccine series; 46.8 percent of 18 and older with at least one dose, 38.3 percent of overall population with at least one dose

Orleans passes 3,000 cases during pandemic; No hospitalizations currently from Covid in Orleans

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 69 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today in the first update since Friday afternoon by the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

That brings the total in the two counties to 8,200 since March 2020, and includes 5,193 in Genesee and 3,007 in Orleans.

In Orleans County there are 37 new positive cases since last Friday. That pushes the county past 3,000 cases during the pandemic. The 3,007 positive cases represents 7.5 percent of the county’s 40,352 population, based on the 2019 Census estimate.

Of the new cases, the individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. There are currently no Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid, the Health Departments reported.

In Genesee County there are 32 new positive bringing the total to 5,193 cases during the pandemic. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.

There are currently 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

New data format: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said they will be reporting the total number of positive cases, ages, number of active cases/mandatory isolation and on Fridays will include the NYS Fatality Data.

“We will no longer be reporting by region, facility data, negative and recovered numbers,” the Health Departments said in a news release. “Hospitalizations and ages of new positive individuals will be reported in the narrative. The total age breakdown and potential community exposure risks will continue to be posted on our websites. The data reporting chart will also include the Finger Lakes Covid Vaccination Hub updates on vaccination in both total number and percentage.”

Active cases: There are currently 130 actives cases in the two counties, which is down from 156 seven days ago. In Orleans, the active cases is down from 90 to 77, while Genesee decreased from 66 to 53.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Pfizer vaccine, currently the only one permitted for people ages 16 and 17, could get emergency authorization later this week for 12- to 15-year-olds as well.

The federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine to include people ages 12 to 15.

“This is an encouraging step in the ongoing battle against this global pandemic,” Cuomo said in a statement today. “The Covid-19 vaccine is our best weapon to defeat the virus, and we’re taking all the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our vaccine program.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, will meet publicly on Wednesday to review data and discuss whether to recommend the vaccine for this age group to the CDC director.

Following that review, Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, will meet with the state’s Clinical Advisory Task Force and make a final recommendation, “which means we could have full authorization for vaccinations to begin for 12- to 15-year-olds here in New York as early as Thursday,” Cuomo said.

“As we have with the authorization of each Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent changes, we will use science and data to determine the safest path forward for New Yorkers,” Cuomo said.

In Orleans County, 433 people have skipped their second appointments for a Covid-19 vaccine. Not getting the second shot makes the vaccine less effective.

The Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub provides a breakdown of nine counties in the region and the percentage of people who have not got the second vaccine shot within six weeks after the first one.

The 433 who didn’t come back for the second shot represents 3.7 percent of the people who should either get the second shot after 21 days with Pfizer or 28 days with Moderna.

The 3.7 percent is Orleans is lower than Yates, at 4.5 percent, and Genesee, at 4.2 percent, among the nine counties in the region.

Paul Pettit, public health director for Orleans and Genesee counties, “strongly encourages” people to get their second shot to be fully vaccinated.

“We’ve heard from many that end up out of town, not feeling well, some even on quarantine when they were supposed to come back,” Pettit said. “We will work with folks that have missed their appointments and get them in to another clinic to make sure they get fully vaccinated as soon as they can.”

Public health officials, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urge people to still get the second shot, even if it’s past the desired timeframe. The second shot, even after more than six weeks, increases the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Here is a breakdown of how many haven’t come back for the second dose within six weeks in the nine counties in the Finger Lakes:

• Genesee – 4.2%, 837 people
• Livingston – 3.3%, 734 people
• Monroe – 2.8%, 8,831 people
• Ontario – 3.6%, 1,768 people
• Orleans – 3.7%, 433 people
• Seneca – 3.1%, 345 people
• Wayne – 2.8%, 870
• Wyoming – 3.5%, 421
• Yates – 4.5%, 390

Throughout the nine-county region 14,629 individuals have not received their second shot within six weeks, as of April 22, the Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub reported.

This represents 3 percent of all people with at least one dose, and doesn’t include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with is one-shot only.

The 3 percent is much lower than the national average of 8 percent, which has been reported by the CDC.

The Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub reports that older ages have the highest rates of missed second shots, with 65-74, 75-84 and 85-plus age groups missing at 4.1%, 4.9%, and 7.0% rates of second doses, respectively.

‘With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now.’ – Paul Pettit, public health director

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Genesee Orleans County Health Departments will be on the road this week with pop=up Covid-19 vaccine clinics.

Clinics with Johnson & Johnson Janssen and Moderna will be available for walk-in and registration. Pfizer clinics are by registration only.

“As we transition away from the larger mass vaccination clinic approach, we will be hosting mobile clinics that will be held in various locations throughout our communities along with smaller scaled clinics at both of the health departments moving forward,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the two counties. “Working with community partners in both counties is a great way to reach out to those who want to be vaccinated against Covid.”

J & J and Moderna clinics offer walk-in opportunities. However, we encourage you to register via the vaccination webpage (click here)  and choose the vaccine that best works for you.  You can also click on the direct links below.

For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:

• Genesee: 585-815-7168
• Orleans: 585-589-3170

These lines are only to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer Covid-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.

“With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now,” Pettit said.  “There are plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered.  For your health and the health of others, we encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”

The clinics this week include:

Today (May 10)

• 9 to 11:30 am, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Rd., Medina. Moderna: walk-ins and appointments; J&J: walk-ins. Click here for more information. As of 10:30 a.m. there are 72 appointments available.

Tuesday (May 11) 

• 1 to 5 p.m. at Six Flags Darien Lake, Human Resources, 1501 Sumner Road, Corfu. Pfizer: appointment only (Click here) and J&J: walk-ins & appointments (click here).

Wednesday (May 12)

• 9 to 11 a.m. at GCC Athletic Arena, 1 College Rd., Batavia. Moderna: Walk-ins and appointments (click here) and J&J: walk-ins.

Thursday (May 13)

• 1 to 4 p.m. at Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Rd., Medina. Moderna: walk-ins and appointments. Click here for more information. As of 10:30 a.m., there are 72 appointments available. J&J has walk-ins available.

Friday (May 14)

• 3 to 7 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming, 8315 Park Rd, Batavia. J&J: walk-ins and appointments (click here).

Saturday (May 15)

• 9 a.m. to noon at GCC Athletic Arena, 1 College Rd, Batavia. Pfizer: appointment only (click here) and J&J: walk-ins.

If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, please fill out the survey (click here).  One of our staff members will be in contact with you.

For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide limited free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments.

For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for May 12th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Rt. 31 West, Albion. For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for May 13th from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia.

To register for testing go to the GO Health testing page (click here) and choose your preferred clinic location.

This map from the Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub shows the percent of residents 16 and older in each of the nine counties who have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

A breakdown of Covid-19 vaccine rates among zip codes shows Albion is significantly behind Medina for the percentage of its residents 16 and older with at least one dose.

Albion is the lowest of the seven zip codes in the county at 36.8 percent, while Medina leads the county at 47.6 percent.

The nine-county Finger Lakes has a breakdown of each county, and each zip code on the Finger Lakes Covid-19 Vaccine Hub, which is updated every Friday. Click here to see the website with the data.

In Orleans County, 14,109 of the 32,560 people 16 and older or 43.3 percent have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. That rate is only above the 41.2 percent in Wyoming County among the nine counties in the Finger Lakes Region, and significantly behind two counties over 60 percent – Ontario at 60.9 percent and Monroe at 60.2 percent.

In the Finger Lakes region, 56.6 percent of population 16 and older has had at least one dose of the vaccine, and 43.1 percent are done with vaccine series.

Here are the rates for the nine counties in the Finger Lakes (Percent of population 16 and older with at least one vaccine dose)

• Ontario: 60.9 percent
• Monroe: 60.2 percent
• Wayne: 51.1 percent
• Genesee: 49.5 percent
• Seneca: 48.8 percent
• Livingston: 48.5 percent
• Yates: 45.9 percent
• Orleans: 43.3 percent
• Wyoming: 41.2 percent

Orleans County zip codes (% of people 16 and older with at least one dose)

• Medina – 47.6 percent, 4,009 out of the 8,427 people 16 and older in 14103 have received at least one dose
• Kendall – 46.8 percent, 814 out of the 1,739 people 16 and older in 14476 have received at least one dose
• Waterport – 46.1 percent, 480 out of 1,042 people 16 and older in 14571 have received at least one dose
• Lyndonville – 44.2 percent, 1,038 out of the 2,346 people 16 and older in 14098 have received at least one dose
• Holley – 44.1 percent, 2,801 out of the 6,354 people 16 and older in 14470 have received at least one dose
• Kent – 40.0 percent, 587 out of the 1,467 people 16 and older in 14477 have received at least one dose
• Albion – 36.8 percent, 4,113 out of the 11,186 people 16 and older in 14411 have received at least one dose

Pittsford has the highest percentage of 16 and older with at least one dose in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region. The 14534 zip code has 21,002 out of 25,675 with at least one dose.

Romulus in Seneca County is the lowest at 23.6 percent with only 783 with at least one vaccine dose out of the 3,320 people 16 and older in the 14541 zip code. Attica in Wyoming County also has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the Finger Lakes Region at 24.2 percent or 1,941 out of 8,016 people who are 16 or older.

Other nearby zip codes

• Elba (Genesee) – 67.7 percent, 1,199 out of the 1,770 people 16 and older in 14058 with at least one dose
• Stafford (Genesee) – 61.7 percent, 536 out of the 869 people 16 and older in 14143 with at least one dose
• Le Roy (Genesee) – 54.3 percent, 3,668 out of the 6,755 people 16 and older in 14482 with at least one dose
• Batavia (Genesee) – 48.6 percent, 8,745 out of the 18,007 people 16 and older in 14020 with at least one dose
• Bergen (Genesee) – 48.5 percent, 1,507 out of the 3,105 people 16 and older in 14416 with at least one dose
• Hamlin (Monroe) – 46.9 percent, 2,730 out of the 5,826 people 16 and older in 14464 with at least one dose
• Corfu (Genesee) – 45.9 percent, 1,863 out of the 4,055 people 16 and older in 14036 with at least one dose
• Basom (Genesee) – 45.5 percent, 580 out of the 1,276 people 16 and older in 14013 with at least one dose
• East Bethany (Genesee) – 44.9 percent, 508 out of the 1,132 people 16 and older in 14054 with at least one dose
• Alexander (Genesee) – 44.3 percent, 601 out of the 1,356 people 16 and older in 14005 with at least one dose
• Byron (Genesee) – 44.0 percent, 844 out of 1,917 people 16 and older in 14422 with at least one dose
• Brockport (Monroe) – 43.9 percent, 7,574 out of the 17,244 people 16 and older in 14420 with at least one dose
• Pavilion (Genesee) – 43.9 percent, 990 out of the 2,254 people 16 and older in 14525 with at least one dose
• Oakfield (Genesee) – 43.3 percent, 1,276 out of the 2,945 people 16 and older in 14125 with at least one dose
• Darien Center (Genesee) – 40.2 percent, 728 out of the 1,812 people 16 and older in 14040 with at least one dose

Group will have annual banquet on Monday after last year’s was cancelled due to Covid-19

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Seated during their recent meeting of Laurel Twig at the home of Ginny Roberts are, from left, Jan McCloy, Sue Metzo, Jean Sipple and Nelda Toussaint. Standing is Ginny Roberts.

MEDINA – For nearly seven decades, the TWIG organization has been a vibrant part of the Medina community and avid supporter of Medina Memorial Hospital.

But, like many other service organizations, it has fallen victim of the times – a generation which is not of a mindset to volunteer.

The organization, whose membership once neared 400, had dwindled to less than 70 at its 2019 banquet.

There was no banquet in 2020, due to Covid, but the membership has regrouped and decided to have their banquet this year on Monday night at Zambistro.

TWIG, which stands for “Together With Individual Goals,” began as a vision of Mrs. Donald Acer of Medina, who felt there was a need for a women’s organization at Medina Memorial Hospital. She sought advice from women who were members of Twig Associations in nearby communities. She learned that women from Rochester, where a Twig Association had flourished, along with the Albion Twig Association at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital, were most helpful in several areas to their hospitals.

It is interesting to note that women of that era were usually referred to by their husband’s name, not their own first name.

On March 16, 1953, Mrs. Acer and Mrs. John Wilkinson, with the approval of the Medina Memorial Hospital directors, called a meeting at the Elks Club for the purpose of organizing a Twig Association. About 50 women responded.

From this meeting grew a committee to draw up a constitution, chaired by Mrs. Hubbard White, and a nominating committee, chaired by Mrs. Gladys Walters.

By April of 1953, the Medina Memorial Hospital Association of Twigs was established under the leadership of Mrs. John E. Wilkinson, the first president. Other officers were Mrs. Horace Bird, 1st vice president; Mrs. D.J. Cleary Jr., 2nd vice president; Miss Margaret McCarthy, treasurer; and Miss Laura Dombrowski, secretary.

Eight original Twig groups were formed, totaling 75 members. They were Apple Blossom, Bittersweet, Cherry, Evergreen, Juniper, Linden, Oak Leaf and Silver Birch.

Their early activities included sewing and securing bed pads. Surgical stockings, bandages, glove covers, surgical sheets, curtains and pillows. The first major project was a Christmas party undertaken that year for hospital personnel in the hospital dining room. Twigs supplied all the food and decorations and served the meal.

Georgia Thomas, standing, hands out face masks she made for the members of Laurel Twig during their fall meeting. Seated at front are Carol Smith of Albion, left, and Carol Shafer of Middleport. At rear are Jan McCloy and Sue Metzo, both of Medina. Hostess Ginny Roberts stands in the doorway.

In 1954 it was suggested that each group form a new Twig to ensure growth, and four new groups evolved – Dogwood, Hawthorne, Holly and Plum. The Association’s treasury showed a balance of $350, which Twigs donated, starting what was to become the first of hundreds of thousands of dollars and an unending supply of hospital equipment.

In these early years, it was more common for each Twig branch to donate small equipment individually, such as ice pitchers, glasses, trays, stainless steel medicine trays, pictures, packages of patient tissues, ash trays, books for the library, baby foot printer, ice crushers, etc. A sewing machine donated in 1955 by Mrs. E.C. Rosenkrans was widely used and much appreciated.

At the suggestion of Mrs. Elizabeth Robbins in 1955, the first “coffee corner” for the public was set up in the Twig Room.

By 1956, Twig was already purchasing many fundamental medical supplies for the hospital, such as bandages, pads, basins, gowns, waste cans, service tables, towels, drapes, etc. The annual Christmas party continued to be totally funded by Twig until 1975.

A machine for dispensing drinks for public use was installed in the lobby, when in 1956, Medina Memorial Hospital was in the planning stages for two new wings to be added – a three-story front wing and a two-story rear wing. Olive Twig and Tulip Twig joined the association.

Twig added six new groups in 1957, Beech, Lilac, Magnolia, Jasmine, Willow and Locust and the association grew by 125 members. A cookie and candy dispensing machine was added to the lobby and Twig donated an incubator to the Maternity Ward at a cost of $273. They also pledged $600 to the hospital building fund. Magnolia Twig organized the first hospital benefit dance at the Elks Club, netting $550. The Volunteer Service Program began and decorative tray favors were made for hospital patients. Olive Twig raised $300 for the building fund through a public book review, and decided to fashion puppets to be given to children in the hospital.

In 1958-59, Azalea, Tupelo, Wisteria, Spruce, Forsythia, Laurel, Maple, Wiegela and Tamarack twigs were formed, giving the association 27 twigs and 337 members. A water flash warmer costing $490 was donated for the operating room, along with the Twigs building fund pledge.

Cinnamon and Rosamond Twigs joined the association in 1960, and magnolia and Oak Leaf combined memberships. Miss Katherine Brown chaired the first Twig Fair in October. It took place at Oak Orchard Elementary School and included a roast beef dinner. There were 19 booths and full support of 27 Twigs, netting a profit of $2,500.

A Mardi Gras ball in 1961 created a big sensation, netting $1,500. The association continued to support the hospital with its purchase of equipment such as plastic bassinets for the nursery and two recovery room stretchers. A silver tea service was presented to the hospital in 1962 as a memorial to Miss Estelle Douglas, the first hospital administrator. Twigs made a donation of $3,000 to establish a physical therapy department.

The fundraising events, donations and projects supported by the Twig Association grew to be far too numerous to continue naming them all. It can be said, however, the Twig Association continued until just a few years ago to raise money by their individual projects, sponsor the hospital Christmas party, provide tray favors and puppets for patients, volunteer their services at the Greeter Desk and Reception Desk (saving the hospital thousands of dollars yearly) providing a hospitality room and attending to tons of mending and sewing of hospital linens.

When the hospital undertook a major renovation, the Twig Association pledged $100,000 for the new birthing wing, which was named for the association.

On Sunday, Aug. 10, 1969, Medina’s Twig Association earned prominent mention in The New York Times. The newspaper carried a feature story on Medina’s organization and its use of the term “twig” instead of the more usual guild, auxiliary or league. The story also mentioned the use of flowering shrubs as names for the individual groups.

In the 1965, Wildwood Twig was established for those members who were only interested in the volunteer aspect of Twig and required no monthly meetings. Volunteer service awards were initiated in 1959 when Mrs. Thomas Hickey received the first 100-hour pin. Since that time, endless awards have been presented at the annual banquet for accumulative hours of service, many numbering in the thousands. At its annual volunteer luncheon celebrating Twig’s 25th anniversary, it was reported volunteers over the years had given an estimated 63,500 hours.

In 1969, a newly remodeled Gift Shop and Snack Bar were opened. In 1974, the Gift Shop was expanded into the main hall of the hospital, where it continued to be a major source of funding for the Twig Association until approximately three years ago when it closed due to lack of volunteers. The Gift Shop annually earned an estimated $20,000, which the Twig presented to the hospital CEO each year at the banquet.

By 1979, when Mrs. White retired as Volunteer Services director, the Twigs were responsible for the Reception Desk, Gift Shop, Snack Bar, Gift Cart, Central Supply and Sewing.

By the late 1960s, some of the original Twig  groups had disbanded, mainly due to the health and age of their members. In the 1970s, Oak Twig joined the association. By now Twig had begun purchasing larger pieces of equipment for the hospital, such as a surgical lift, operating table ($6,000), proctoscopic table, obstetrical table ($4,300) and mammography X-ray equipment ($25,000).

Dogwood and Honeysuckle Twigs were formed in 1973 and Maple, Ming and Willow joined in 1976. Bayberry formed in 1977 and Hydrangea joined in 1978. Twig added some community education services, such as hospital tours for elementary school children in 1973 and expectant parent classes in 1975, instructed by Jeanne Crane. In 1977, they started sewing and stuffing Christmas stockings for all the patients, a project Laurel Twig continues today.

The newest Twig to be formed was Lilac, as the result of a Twig board meeting Sept. 25, 2004.

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the Twig Association had 20 Twigs totaling 273 members.

As of the last banquet on May 6, 2019, only 11 Twigs remained, with a total membership of 66. Of those, only Laurel still has regular meetings, although membership has dwindled to eight or nine who attend. In 1996, Laurel had 25 members.

Ginny Roberts of Medina has been president of Laurel Twig for many years, and Carol Shafer of Middleport remains secretary/treasurer. They have shortened their year, choosing to meet September through December and in June for a picnic. That is in addition to the annual spring banquet which this year is May 10.

Nelda Toussaint is one of the longest standing members of Laurel Twig. She joined, she said, when her son Jeff was a year old and she was looking for something to do to get out of the house at night. Other original members were Arden Dick, Eileen Incho and Jackie Kaldon.

“It was a big group,” Toussaint said. “Arden and I brought Ginny in.”

Original activities included card parties, big dances and fashion shows.

The lack of volunteers resulted in closing the Gift Shop several years ago, thereby ending the Twig’s biggest money maker. They still have a balance in their bank account, from which they continue to make gifts to the hospital.