Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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 10^th, 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 10^th, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia.  To register, click here.

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 60^thstraight 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.”

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.

Genesee County Health Department also hosting 2 clinics

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County YMCA on Pearl Street in medina will host a pop-up Covid vaccination clinic on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will continue to take Covid vaccination clinics on the road this week, with opportunities to get the vaccine at the Orleans County YMCA and Darien Lake.

All clinics are now available for walk-in and registration, including for the Pfizer vaccine, which is approved to vaccinate anyone 12 years old and older.

“The pop-up clinics are a great way for our residents to conveniently get vaccinated,” said Paul Pettit, public health director for the two counties. “The clinics have been running very smoothly and residents seem happy that they don’t have to travel very far to get their vaccination.”

Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccine clinics offer walk-in opportunities. However, the GO Health Departments encourage people to register and choose one of the three the vaccine. That way the Department can guarantee the dose, better space out the appointments and make the check-in process easier.

The schedule for clinics this week includes:

• Tuesday at Six Flags Darien Lake from 1 to 5 p.m., Darien Lake Human Resources, 1501 Sumner Road, Corfu. Vaccine available includes Johnson & Johnson, walk-ins and appointments (click here for appointment).

• Wednesday at Genesee County Health Department from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 3837 W. Main Street Rd., Batavia. Vaccines available include Moderna: walk-ins and appointments (click here) and Johnson & Johnson: walk-ins and appointments (click here).

• Thursday at Orleans County YMCA from 4 to 6 p.m. at 306 Pearl St., Medina. Vaccines available include Pfizer: walk-ins and appointments (click here) and Johnson & Johnson: walk-ins.

• Saturday at Genesee County Health Department from noon to 1 p.m. at 3837 W Main Street Rd., Batavia. Vaccines available include Pfizer: walk-ins and appointments (click here).

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 – not to answer Covid-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.

The GO Health Departments also are looking for businesses, churches and organizations willing to host a vaccination clinic. Those interested can fill out a survey (click here) and a Health Department staff member will then be contact.

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

In Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for June 2nd from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Rt. 31 West, Albion. To register for the Orleans Test Clinic, click here.

In Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for June 3rd from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia. To register for testing for the Genesee Test Clinic, click here.

2 counties report 27 new cases since Tuesday, and 44 more recoveries

The number of active Covid-19 cases in Genesee and Orleans counties has dropped from 94 on Tuesday to 78 today, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

There are 27 new confirmed cases in the two counties since Tuesday, and there are 44 more recoveries, which resulted in fewer active cases.

In Orleans County there are 9 new positive cases since Tuesday for a total of 3,083 cases since March 2020.

The individuals in the new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s and 60s. Orleans currently has two people hospitalized due to Covid-19.

The county is reporting 16 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

Correction from the GO Health Departments: “We have retracted 1 positive reported on May 27 who does not live in Orleans County.”

In Genesee County there are 18 new positive cases of Covid for a total of 5,309 cases since March 2020.

The individuals with the new cases of Covid are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Genesee currently has 10 residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Genesee is reporting 28 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

Statewide positive rate: The percent of positive tests for Covid on Thursday was 0.59 percent statewide, the lowest during the Covid-19 pandemic. The previous low was 0.65 percent on August 27, 2020.

The Finger Lakes’ 7-day average positivity fell to 1.87 percent on Thursday, bringing the individual 7-day average positivity of all 10 regions across the state below 2.0% for the first time since October 28, 2020.

Orleans and Genesee counties are both part of the Finger Lakes region. In Orleans County, the current 7-day average for percent positive with testing is 1.9 percent, while it’s 0.8 percent in Genesee. In the past 14 days, the positive test rate in Orleans is 1.8 percent and in Genesee it’s 1.2 percent.

This screenshot shows the new home page on the website for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In collaboration with Newbird in Buffalo and funding from The Kresge Foundation, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are pleased to announce the launch of the new joint GO Health website.

“As chief health strategists for Genesee and Orleans counties, GO Health has been building our cross jurisdictional relationship to become consistent in our messaging and reflect our joint working relationship through our social media platforms and now through the branding of the GO Health logo and our new website,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “This effort has been in the works for almost a year and a half in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe having a joint website will not only save time and resources, but be easier for our residents to access our forms, data and timely updates.”

There are two ways to access the new website: www.GOHealthNY.org or by going to the respective county websites and choosing Public Health.

There are 32 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Orleans and Genesee counties, in the first update since Friday.

That brings the total cases in the two counties to 8,365 since March 2020, with 3,074 in Orleans and 5,291 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 18 new positive cases and the individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

One resident from Orleans is currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Orleans is reporting 16 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

In Genesee County there are 14 new positive cases of Covid. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

There are 8 Genesee residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Genesee is reporting 24 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.

Active cases: The number of active cases in the two counties has dropped from 103 a week ago on May 18 to 91 today. The active cases in Genesee are down from 54 to 41. However, in Orleans the cases are slightly up from 49 on May 18 to 50 today.