Masking and social distancing still required for those not vaccinated

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office 

File photo by Tom Rivers: A child swings at Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway in this photo from August 2015. Camp Rainbow is owned and operated by the Arc of Genesee Orleans, which will offer the camp this summer.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced updated guidance for health and safety measures at childcare, day camp, and overnight camp programs, effective May 19.

The measures include protocols for Covid testing, physical distancing and sanitation, among other requirements to help prevent Covid-19 cases. The Department of Health will continue to monitor and evaluate health metrics for child care facilities and camp programs and, if necessary, will issue further guidance.

“We are continuing to make incredible progress against Covid and lifting restrictions based on the science and numbers, but we are not yet at the finished line,” Cuomo said. “To help ensure maximum protections for staff and children at childcare and camp programs, we are issuing this guidance so the facilities can implement basic but critical measures that will allow them to operate safely.”

Facilities and programs must collect Covid-19 vaccination status and documentation for all staff and children, and implement mandatory daily health screening practices of their staff and visitors including daily temperature checks. Facilities and programs need to notify the state and local health department immediately upon being informed of any positive Covid-19 test result by a staff member or child at their site.

Each site must implement a property-specific capacity limitation for children and campers that ensures appropriate social distancing. Staff who are not fully vaccinated must maintain a distance of at least six feet from other unvaccinated staff.

Children and campers over the age of two and staff who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings except when eating, drinking, showering, swimming, or sleeping/resting. Since face coverings have been proven to be effective when distancing is not feasible, facilities and programs must provide and require the use of face coverings for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

Additional hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and Department of Health must also be followed.

Full guidance for facilities and programs is available by clicking here.

NY also lifts capacity restrictions for many businesses

Starting today fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most cases when they are in public settings, both indoors and outdoors.

The state has also eased the capacity restrictions for many businesses and venues.

“Today is a milestone in New York State’s war against Covid,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a  news release this morning. “With positivity and hospitalization rates at their lowest levels since last fall, and more than 10 million New Yorkers having received at least one vaccine dose, today New York State is adopting the CDC’s updated guidance on masks and social distancing.”

“This means that, 399 days after New York was the first state in the country to implement a mask mandate, effective today, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to use a face covering in most public places,” Cuomo said. “New York is coming back, and it’s a testament to the strength and grit of New Yorkers who banded together, stayed tough, and fought as one to defeat this Covid beast.”

In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask, according to the CDC and the new state guidelines. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance, must wear masks in all public settings.

Businesses also have the option to continue to enforce mask wearing, even for those who are vaccinated.

The state is still requiring masks at for Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and healthcare settings.

The state is lifting the restrictions on capacity for most businesses today. And businesses can eliminate the required 6 feet of social distancing for fully vaccinated people – but only if all patrons within the establishment or a separate designated part of the establishment — present proof of full vaccination status, Cuomo’s office said in a news release. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass.

“The steps we’re taking today don’t mean that Covid has been officially relegated to the history books,” Cuomo said. “We need to stay vigilant, continue to follow the safety guidelines in place, and help every single eligible New Yorker get vaccinated, so that we can finally reach that light at the end of the tunnel.”

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.