Grant will help landlords, homeowners with costs to remove lead

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In January of 2019, the Genesee County Health Department received a $1.3 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address lead-based paint hazards in residential buildings within the counties of Genesee and Orleans.

Of this $1.3 million, HUD has directed that $1 million be used specifically for lead-based paint hazard reduction activities, while $300,000 to be directed to other health-related home repairs, maintenance and upgrades.

“The funds were initially earmarked strictly for use in the City of Batavia and the Village of Albion,” said Darren Brodie, Lead Coordinator for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Fortunately, in December of 2020, HUD approved an expansion of the Genesee-Orleans Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program to include qualified properties throughout all municipalities in both counties.”

Eligible homeowners and landlords with eligible tenants may apply to receive these funds. Landlords are required to match 10 percent of the total project costs. For example, a landlord would be required to pay $500 toward a $5,000 project, or $2,000 toward a $20,000 project. Buildings containing more than one unit are accepted, even if all units are not eligible based on the requirements described below.

No match is required for owner-occupied dwellings. All recipients of these grant funds are required to maintain ownership of the residence for 5 years following project completion.

Projects are bid on and completed by a pre-approved list of local contractors, all verified as properly trained and EPA-certified in lead-safe work practices. Contractors who wish to be on our list should contact this office.

Applications can be obtained by contacting lead program staff at the Genesee County Health Department. Program staff can quickly determine your initial eligibility and will help to guide you through the application process, which requires document gathering and filling out forms by the owners and tenants.

In order to be eligible to receive these funds you must meet all of the following requirements:

• low income tenants or homeowners (call for details regarding vacant units);
• dwelling was built prior to 1978;
• dwelling contains lead-based paint;
• dwelling houses a family with at least one child under the age of 6 living there or visiting frequently, or an expectant mother.

If you need help determining if your family or home fits the criteria, contact lead program staff.

For additional information contact the Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580 ext. 5555 or visit the website at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html.

Active cases drop in past week in 2 counties from 124 to 91

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 11 new confirmed Covid-19 cases, bringing the total in the two counties to 7,124 since March 2020.

In Orleans County there are 4 new positive cases reported today for a total of 2,533 confirmed cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases include residents in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 40s, 50s and 60s.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is reporting 1 of the new positive individuals was under quarantine prior to testing positive.

Orleans is reporting 2 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. No one from Orleans County is currently hospitalized due to Covid.

The G-O Health Departments said one of yesterday’s reported positives has been removed after it was learned that person was not a resident of the county. Yesterday’s count should have been 2529.

In Genesee County there are 7 new positive cases for a total of 4,591 confirmed cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases are residents in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 40s, and 70s. (One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.)

Genesee is reporting 24 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Two Genesee residents are currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Active Cases: The number of active cases in the two counties decreased from 124 a week ago to 91 today. That includes Orleans, which is down from 41 to 37 actives cases, and Genesee, which declined from 83 to 54 cases.

Revised Skilled Nursing Facility Visitation: There are strict guidelines issued by the state (click here), but here are some highlights:

• Visitation can be conducted through different means based on the facility’s structure and residents’ needs.
• All who enter the facility will be screened for signs and symptoms of Covid-19, and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms or those who had close contact with someone with Covid-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status);
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred);
• The use of face coverings or masks (covering nose and mouth);
• Social distancing at least six feet between persons;
• Instructional signage will be throughout the facility and proper visitor education on Covid-19 symptoms, infections control precautions and other applicable facility practices (e.g. use of face covering/mask, specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas, hand hygiene);
• Cleaning and disinfecting high frequency touched surfaces in the facility often, and designated visitation areas after each visit;
• Appropriate staff use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Effective cohorting of residents (e.g. separate areas dedicated to Covid-19 care);
• Resident and staff testing conducted as required

For the revised Adult Care Facility Visitation, click here for guidelines from the NYS Health Department.

‘We understand the emotional toll that this community has experienced by being separated from their loved ones during a particularly challenging year.’ – NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker today announced the release of revised nursing home visitation guidance to align with guidelines recently released by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The guidance, which takes effect immediately, permits visitation at all times and for all residents with limited exceptions for unvaccinated residents in areas of high community spread and lower resident vaccination rates, residents with confirmed Covid-19 infection or those in isolation or quarantine. Facilities must still continue to adhere to strong infection control practices.

“From the very beginning we’ve used science and data to find the appropriate balance between protecting our most vulnerable populations in nursing homes and the importance of allowing safe contact with their loved ones,” Governor Cuomo said. “We now have three effective vaccines that are leading to significant decreases in long term care Covid cases and a robust staff testing system to limit community spread from entering a facility. Now is an appropriate time to take the next step and safely reconnect this community with their families.”

The number of positive cases in nursing homes have decreased more than 80 percent since peaking in mid-January during a second Covid post-holiday surge. DOH strongly recommends that all facilities offer testing for visitors as Covid-19 is still present in communities statewide. Compassionate Care visits, which had previously been allowed in all facilities at all times, will continue under this new guidance.

“We understand the emotional toll that this community has experienced by being separated from their loved ones during a particularly challenging year,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “We’re confident that these facilities can continue strong infection control practices that will allow for the safe visitation they have dearly missed.”

This guidance replaces the February 23rd guidance which required a facility to be Covid-free for 14 days.

There are 31 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today in Genesee and Orleans counties bringing the total in the two counties during the pandemic to 7,114 cases.

In Orleans County there are 7 new positive cases for a total of 2,530 confirmed cases since March 2020. The positive cases reside in the Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 30s, 40s, and 50s. One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at Albion Correctional Facility, where there have been 23 confirmed cases during the pandemic, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Of the new cases, 3 were under quarantine prior to testing positive. Orleans also is reporting 2 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

No one from Orleans County is currently hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 24 new positive cases for a total of 4,584 positive cases.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. (Three of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Genesee County Jail where eight inmates have now tested positive for Covid.)

Genesee is reporting 10 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. There are currently 2 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have two Pfizer vaccination clinics with appointments available for residents from Genesee and Orleans counties.

All approved vaccines are effective and saves lives. We encourage anyone that is currently eligible to register for an upcoming clinic.

Vaccine is now available for people age 50 and older along with the existing priority groups (click here to see the eligibility).

Pfizer is a 2-series dose series, 21 days apart (3 weeks), and is recommended for people aged 16 and older. It is important to note that you must be able to return for the second dose 21 days after the first dose at the location you received your initial vaccination. You will be making that appointment after you are vaccinated. If you cannot make that date, please do not make an appointment for a 2-dose series until you can make both appointments.

Visit the Health Department’s vaccination web page (click here). There are direct links to the 1st dose Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination clinics:

• GCC in Batavia on March 29 (click here to register)

• Ridgeway Fire Hall in Medina on March 30 (click here to register)

Orleans Community Health – Medina Memorial Hospital also has 3 clinics planned at 200 Ohio St, Medina:

• March 26 (Click here to register)

• March 30 (Click here to register)

• April 1 (Click here to register)

If you are interested in making an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of a free, online Citizen Public Health Training Course for New Yorkers to learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies from top public health experts.

This innovative course, delivered by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York, will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become NYS Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state.

Participants will learn about Covid-19, public health emergency preparedness and response, and other public health issues, while gaining insight into information and resources that will benefit their communities. More information on the Citizen Public Health Training Program, including how to register to become a NYS Citizen Public Health Leader, is available by clicking here.

“The innovative Citizen Public Health Training Program will empower New Yorkers to become Public Health Leaders in the fight to defeat Covid once and for all and help us build a more resilient New York for the future,” Cuomo said.

This training, developed by Cornell University’s Master of Public Health Program and delivered through eCornell, is a four-part online training program to equip New Yorkers with expertise and tools to help build and support community-led initiatives surrounding prevention, detection and response in the event of public health emergencies. Upon completion of the training, participants will be designated a “NYS Citizen Public Health Leader” and will be informed about how they can volunteer in support of their local public health operations – especially during emergencies – as well as how to find, use and share verified information about public health matters from reliable sources.

This program was first announced as part of the Governor’s 2021 State of the State proposal. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, New Yorkers were asked to do their part to fight a virus in ways they had never done before. Everyone was given a crash course in virology, learning to properly wash their hands, sanitize their homes and businesses, and safely care for their family and neighbors.

Thousands of New Yorkers signed up and were trained to be contract tracers, helping to track and mitigate the spread of the virus. When other states needed help, these New Yorkers heeded the call and brought their new public health skills to the rest of the country. This new training will help New Yorkers gain the tools to protect themselves, their families and others against future health emergencies.

“We are calling on New Yorkers in every neighborhood and community in the state to become trained Citizen Public Health Leaders to help their community prepare for and respond to public health issues and build the knowledge to mobilize against the current crisis and beyond,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

Click here to see a video about the program.

There are 19 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today in Genesee and Orleans counties, bringing the total to 7,083 in the two counites since March 2020.

In Orleans County there are 7 new positive cases today for a total of 2,523 cases during the pandemic.

The positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.

Orleans is reporting one more of the previous positive individuals has recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at Albion Correctional Facility. No one is currently hospitalized due to Covid in the county.

In Genesee County there are 12 new positive cases reported today for a total of 4,560 confirmed cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases reside in the Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 80s.

Five of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Genesee County Jail in Batavia, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported.

Nine more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There are also 4 current Genesee residents hospitalized.

Extra allocations should help boost county’s vaccination rate

Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign directs people to a Covid-19 vaccination clinic at Genesee Community College in Batavia on March 9.

Orleans County currently has the lowest vaccination rate in the state, with 19.2 percent of its residents receiving at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The county has been lagging behind the state and regional average for vaccination rates, but has been ahead of Bronx County, until now.

Bronx is just ahead of Orleans with a vaccination rate of 19.4 percent. Kings County, also in New York City, is at 19.6 percent, according to the state’s Vaccine Tracker.

A week ago, Orleans was at 16.6 percent of its residents with at least one dose of the vaccine. That was just ahead of the Bronx at 16.2 percent.

Orleans County’s current 19.2 percent rate is well behind the state average of 26.5 percent and the nine-county Finger Lakes Region of 28.8 percent.

Among other nearby counties, the vaccinate rates (with at least one dose) include: Genesee, 24.6 percent; Wyoming, 22.6 percent; Erie, 28.3 percent; Niagara, 24.6 percent; Monroe, 30.1 percent; and Livingston, 25.4 percent.

Paul Pettit, the public health director in Genesee and Orleans counties, said Orleans will be getting extra allocations to help get caught up in vaccinations.

The county will be getting 600 doses this week as part of its state allocations. It also will be receiving 1,170 doses from the state in a special allocation, and another 1,170 allocations from neighboring Monroe County.

The county will be working with local physicians to administer the 1,170 doses from the state, Pettit said during a conference call on Tuesday with elected officials in Orleans County.

With the 1,170 doses from Monroe, Orleans will administer about 700 on Tuesday during a vaccine clinic at the Ridgeway Fire Hall, and about 500 will also go to a vaccine clinic at GCC next Wednesday, Pettit said.

“Hopefully these extra allocations will help us get our vaccination rates up higher and be more in line with the region,” Pettit said.

Genesee reports another Covid death; State passes 40,000 Covid deaths during pandemic

Genesee and Orleans counties combined are reporting 15 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total during the pandemic, going back to March last year, to 7,064 cases in the two counties.

In Orleans County there are 3 new confirmed cases reported today for a total of 2,516 positive cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases reside in the Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 30s and 40s.

Orleans is reporting 5 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. Currently, there aren’t any Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported.

In Genesee County there are 12 more positive cases of Covid-19 for a total of 4,548 during the pandemic.

The new positive cases reside in the Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

Genesee is reporting 30 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. Genesee has three residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Genesee also is reporting another death from Covid. The individual is over age 65. The person is the 121^stwith a Covid-related death in Genesee County during the pandemic.

“We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family,” the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this very difficult time.”

• Active cases decrease: The number of active cases in the two counties dropped from 112 on Monday to 90 today as the recoveries outpace the new Covid infections. Genesee is down from 83 to 63, and Orleans dropped from 29 to 27.

• Covid deaths in NY pass 40,000: New York had 53 more Covid-related deaths on Monday, putting the state’s total during the pandemic to 40,023.

• Rapid Tests at Health Department: Starting March 24th, Orleans County will have limited rapid testing available at the Orleans County Health Department. Those getting a test need an appointment in order to be tested. Click here for the link to register for a test.

Orleans reports no one in county currently hospitalized due to Covid

There are 29 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Genesee and Orleans counties since Friday, bringing the total in the two counties to 7,049 since March 2020.

In Orleans County there are 9 new positive cases of Covid since Friday for a total of 2,513 cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). One of the new cases is an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison.

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is reporting 4 of the new positive individuals were under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

Orleans also is reporting 20 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

The Health Department reports a milestone today with no one from the county currently hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 20 new positive cases of Covid since Friday for a total of 4,536 confirmed cases during the pandemic.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). One of the new positive individuals is a resident of the New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia.

The individuals with the new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

Genesee is reporting 19 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There are currently 2 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• 50 and older now eligible for vaccine: Beginning March 23rd, all New Yorkers 50 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Public facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit organizations were eligible beginning March 17th. This expansion includes public-facing essential building services workers. Providers, including pharmacies, will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers, in line with federal policy beginning March 10th. This is all subject to the availability of the vaccine to the providers.

This new addition of new eligible residents still far exceeds the supply of vaccine received in our counties. Individuals who are eligible must have an appointment in order to get a vaccine.

To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties, click here.

• Office for the Aging can assist those without internet access: 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. and 4 p.m. 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. and 4:30 p.m. 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 and crashing due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have several upcoming vaccination clinics with appointments available for Genesee and Orleans County residents.

Whichever Covid-19 vaccine is available is the right vaccine to get now! All approved vaccines are effective and saves lives. We encourage anyone that is currently eligible to register for an upcoming clinic.

The Governor has also announced New York will expand vaccine access to people age 50 and older beginning Tuesday, March 23, along with the existing priority groups.

Visit the vaccination web page at the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (click here).

Direct links to the 1st dose vaccination clinics are:

• Genesee clinic at GCC Batavia (click here). There were 160 appointments open at 1:35 p.m.

• Orleans clinic at Ridgeway Fire Hall (click here). There were 355 appointments open at 1:35 p.m.

If you are interested in making an appointment to get your Covid-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that starting tomorrow at 8 a.m., New Yorkers 50 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

(Editor’s Note: The eligibility was lowered from 65 to 60 years old on March 10.)

The governor said 103,425 doses have been administered across New York’s vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days.

More than 1.65 million doses have been administered through New York mass vaccination sites and FEMA sites to date. Delivery of the week 15 allocation begins mid-week.

“We continue to kick vaccinations into overdrive throughout the state by expanding eligibility, establishing new vaccination sites and allowing providers to reach new populations. More New Yorkers are getting vaccinated every single day, but we still have a long way to go before defeating the Covid beast and reaching safety,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York’s distribution network is at the ready to handle an expected increase in supply, and we’re excited to expand eligibility even further to New Yorkers over the age of 50 as we move to get through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

New York’s vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The ‘Am I Eligible’ screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor’s letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification

Those sites will continue to vaccinate people over age 60 and teachers

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new guidance has been rolled out allowing pharmacies to vaccinate New Yorkers with comorbidities. Pharmacies were previously able to vaccinate New Yorkers over the age of 60 and teachers.

“New Yorkers with comorbidities are among our state’s most at-risk residents, and access to the Covid-19 vaccine protects this vulnerable population as we work to defeat the virus and establish the new normal,” Governor Cuomo said. “As New York receives more doses and more people receive the vaccine, we’re able to expand the population pharmacies can serve, and this is a commonsense step forward that will help make it easier to protect New Yorkers.”

New Yorkers with comorbidities or underlying health conditions can show they are eligible with a doctor’s letter, medical information evidencing comorbidity, or signed certification.

New Yorkers age 16 and older with the following conditions are eligible for vaccines due to increased risk of moderate or severe illness or death from the virus that causes Covid-19:

• Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary diseases
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
• Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2), Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia
• Liver disease

On March 9, Governor Cuomo announced that with increased supply of the vaccine, restrictions concerning which segments of the eligible population specific providers can vaccinate will be relaxed to align with the expanded eligibility beginning March 17. Previously, certain types of providers were directed to focus their vaccination efforts on specific populations to ensure equitable vaccine distribution. For example, hospitals vaccinated health care workers, local health departments vaccinated essential workers and pharmacies vaccinated New Yorkers 65 years of age and older.

As part of this effort, providers are being encouraged to vaccinate those New Yorkers most at risk, such as individuals 60 years of age and older and people with comorbidities and underlying health conditions. Today’s announcement further builds on those efforts.

With 6 new cases reported today, Orleans now tops 2,500 in past year

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 42 new Covid-19 cases today, which puts the two counties past 7,000 cases during the pandemic.

The two counties have a combined population of 97,632. With 7,020 confirmed cases, 7.2 percent of the population has tested positive for Covid in the past 12 months. Both counties had their first case of Covid a year ago this week.

Genesee County had had a higher percentage of its population test positive with 7.9 percent or 4,516 residents out of 57,280 people.

In Orleans County, 6.2 percent or 2,504 people out of 40,352 residents have tested positive for Covid.

In Orleans County, there are 6 new positive cases reported today for a total of 2,504 cases during the pandemic.

The positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 40s and 50s.

One of the new positive individuals was under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

Orleans is reporting 7 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 3 county residents hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 36 new positive cases reported today for a total of 4,516 cases in the past year.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). Two of the cases are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia.

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s.

Genesee is reporting 9 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee currently has one resident hospitalized with Covid.

Active Cases: The number of active case sin the two counties increased in the past seven days, from 93 on March 12 to 124 today. In Orleans County, the active cases went up from 37 to 41. In Genesee, the cases increased from 56 to 83.

Vaccine Finder: The Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub just launched a Finger Lakes Vaccine Finder to help those seeking vaccination. Click here for more information.

Orleans and Genesee counties today are reporting 26 new Covid-19 cases in the two counties, bringing the total to 6,978 in the two counties since a year ago.

In Orleans County there are 11 new positive cases for a total of 2,498 confirmed cases since last March.

The positive cases reported today reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 70s and 80s.

Orleans is also reporting that 1 more person has recovered from Covid and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 3 county residents hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 15 new positive cases of Covid reported today for a total of 4,480 cases since last March.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

Genesee is reporting 11 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee currently has 3 county residents hospitalized due to Covid.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Rapid Testing: Pre-registration is required for rapid testing clinics. The next testing clinic, which is open to Orleans and Genesee counties, will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on March 23 at the Genesee County Emergency Management Office/Fire Training Center at 7690 State Street Rd., Batavia.

Use the Rapid Covid-19 Test Intake Form for Genesee County Covid-19 Rapid Test Clinics. You will need one form per person being tested. If you are filling out the form, please complete it, print it out and bring it with you. Click here for the form.

To register for the clinic please go the follow this link.

The clinics will be determined on a week-to-week basis as our focus will be on vaccine moving forward. Please note if you have recently tested positive, please do not come and get tested again at these clinics. These clinics are to identify new cases, not to determine if you are now negative. It is important to understand that you may still test positive for several weeks after initially testing positive.