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.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2021 at 4:48 pm
Press releases will go out on as needed basis; Health Department website will continue to track data
Today will be the last regularly scheduled update from the Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments on Covid data due to declining caseloads. There are currently 11 active cases in the two counties, with 3 in Orleans and 8 in Genesee.
The Health Departments have been issuing news releases on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, which was down from Monday through Friday updates. Earlier in the pandemic there were updates every day, including Saturdays and Sunday.
Since Tuesday, there are 9 new cases in the two counties with 7 in Genesee and 2 in Orleans.
In Orleans the 2 new cases bring the total since March 2020 to 3,094. The 2 new cases are individuals in their 40s and 70s.
Orleans currently doesn’t have anyone hospitalized due to Covid.
The county is also reporting 2 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee County the 7 new positive cases bring the total to 5,333 positive cases since March 2020.
The individuals are in their 20s, 40s, 60s and 70s. There is one Genesee resident currently hospitalized due to Covid.
Genesee also is reporting 7 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10- day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
Strating on Monday the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will track Covid-19 data on the “Emerging Issues Page” of the GO Health website every Monday and Thursday, with the exception of holidays. Press releases will be distributed and Zoom briefings will be scheduled on an as needed basis.
The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County Health Departments Covid-19 Case and Vaccination map will continue to be updated Monday through Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2021 at 4:20 pm
Number of active cases drops to 3 in county, down from 45 on May 28
Orleans County only has 1 new confirmed Covid-19 case since Friday, and the number of active cases has plummeted to 3. That is down from 45 on May 28.
Genesee County has 3 new confirmed cases, and the number of active cases is down to 11, compared to 33 on May 28. The active cases are dropping as new recoveries outpace new infections.
In Orleans, the new case reported today is a person between 0-19, according to an update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Orleans currently doesn’t have any residents hospitalized due to Covid. The county also has had 11 more recoveries or people who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee, the three new cases are in the age groups of 0-19 and the 20s.
Genesee has 3 residents currently hospitalized due to Covid. Genesee is reporting 3 more recoveries or people who completed the 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2021 at 5:24 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign directs people getting a Covid-19 vaccine on Saturday in Batavia at the Genesee County Health Department.
There will be two pop-up vaccine clinics this week in Orleans County at new locations.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments on Tuesday will be at the Yates Community Free Library and at State Street Park in Medina.
Tuesday in Orleans County: Vaccine shots will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the library, 15 N Main St., Lyndonville. The Johnson & Johnson shot will be available for walk-ins or by appointment (click here for more information.)
State Street Park in Medina will then host a pop-up clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 385 East Center St., the corner State Street and East Center Street. The Johnson & Johnson shot will be available for walk-ins or by appointment (click here for more information.)
Other clinics this week include:
• Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Health Department, 3837 W Main Street Rd., Batavia. Vaccines available include Moderna for walk-ins and by appointment (click here for more information) and Johnson & Johnson for walk-ins and by appointment (click here for more information).
• Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Orleans County Health Department, 14016 State Route 31, Suite 101. Vaccines available include Pfizer for walk-ins and by appointment (click here for more information).
• Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Rd., Oakfield. Vaccines available include Pfizer for walk-ins and by appointment (click here for more information).
“We are happy to be able to continue providing the pop-up clinics to our Genesee and Orleans County residents,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in the two counties. “As a reminder the Pfizer vaccine is for anyone 12 years old and older. Moderna and Pfizer are two doses and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Janssen vaccine is a one and done vaccine. People are considered to be fully vaccinated after 2 weeks following their last dose of the 2-series vaccines and 2 weeks after the J&J vaccine.”
The Pfizer, J & J and Moderna clinics offer walk-in opportunities. However, Pettit encouraged people to register and choose the vaccine that best works for them to guarantee the dose availability and make the appointment quick and easy. Walk-ins are available on a first come, first serve basis.
For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:
Orleans: 585-589-3170
Genesee: 585-815-7168
These lines are only to make vaccine appointments, and not able to answer Covid-related questions. They phone lines are not associated with either Health Department.
Rapid Testing Available: 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 Thursday, June 10th, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Rt. 31 West, Albion. To register, click here.
For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for Thursday, June 10th, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia. To register, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2021 at 5:07 pm
New cases since Tuesday include 7 in Orleans, 11 in Genesee
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties has dramatically dropped from 78 a week ago to 22 today, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.
The number of recoveries from Covid continues to outpace the new Covid infections. The two counties hit their Covid peak in January for active cases. Orleans had its most on Jan. 7 with 279, while Genesee was at 241 on Jan. 22.
In Orleans County there are 7 new positive cases of Covid since the last update on Tuesday. That brings the total to 3,091 cases since March 2020. The new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
There currently aren’t any hospitalizations in Orleans due to Covid.
Orleans also is reporting 28 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee County there 11 new positive cases of Covid for a total of 5,323 cases since March 2020. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
Genesee currently has 3 residents hospitalized due to Covid.
The county has 15 more people who completed their 1o- day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.
Statewide data: The statewide positivity of 0.42 percent (779 positive tests out of 187,686 tests) is the lowest single-day positive rate during the pandemic.
The 7-day positivity average of 0.56 also is the lowest during the pandemic. It marks the 60thstraight day of decline, down 84 percent from the previous peak of 3.57 percent on April 4, and down 93 percent from the post-holiday peak of 7.94 percent on Jan. 4, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
There are also 916 patients hospitalized in the state due to Covid, the lowest since Oct. 17.
“We’re working night and day to beat back this pandemic and reach the light at the end of the tunnel, but the key remains vaccinations and we need to get as many shots in arms as possible in every corner of this state,” Cuomo said. “Our numbers are trending in the right direction and much of the economy has been reopened but we cannot lose sight of our vaccination goals. For everyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated, remember that you don’t just protect yourself with the shot—you protect family, friends and our state, so make an appointment or walk into a site today.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 June 2021 at 7:40 pm
The number of new Covid-19 cases since Friday is only 2 in Orleans and 3 in Genesee, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported today. That is down significantly from recent new caseloads in the two counties.
There has also been another death from Covid in Genesee County, bringing the total deaths due to Covid to 125 in Genesee. There have been 83 Covid-related deaths in Orleans during the pandemic.
In Orleans County the 2 new positive Covid cases brings the total to 3,085 cases in the pandemic since March 2020.
There is currently 1 Orleans resident hospitalized due to Covid.
Due to technology issues, the Health Department is unable to report ages and the number of people removed from mandatory isolation in Orleans. This information will be updated in the June 4th briefing, the Health Department said.
In Genesee County the 3 new positive cases bring the total to 5,312 cases during the pandemic.
The new cases include people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. There are currently 4 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.
Genesee is reporting 18 more people have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation. The number of active cases in Genesee has dropped from 33 on Friday to 16 today.
Press Release and photo courtesy of Orleans County Mental Health Department
ALBION – The Orleans County Mental Health and Public Health Departments came together to support that May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.
This year’s theme, “Your Story Isn’t Over Yet,” which is reflected in the above picture of public health and mental health department staff and members of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
The “Your Story Isn’t Over Yet” theme is represented in the form of a semi-colon within a heart. It was created to symbolize affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues. The semi-colon inspires and reminds us of strength in the midst of suffering.
The Orleans County Mental Health and Public Health Departments, along with the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition would like to take this opportunity to remind our community that we are available to offer support in the face of adversity.
Resources are available in times of crisis, as well as to provide ongoing support to those in need. The Care + Crisis Helpline is a 24 hours/7 days week crisis line that can be reached by calling (585) 283-5200.
The New York State Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by phone or text, Phone: 800-273-8255, Text: 741741. These organizations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
Orleans County Department of Mental Health has walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please contact the Orleans County Mental Health Department at 585-589-7066 for additional information on their supports and services.
The shirts worn by the staff in the picture were made possible by the GOW (Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming) Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Steering Committee funded by the Suicide Prevention Center of New York State.
