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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other nearby zip codes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments announced today that it will be shifting from weekday Covid-19 updates to providing those numbers twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday afternoons starting May 11.

“Along with the increased relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions, GO Health will only be reporting 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Fridays starting next week,” the GO Health Departments said in a notice to the media.

Tuesday’s briefing will include data from Friday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Friday’s briefing will include data from Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning.

The GO Health Departments are also changing the data it will be reporting to what it said is the most relevant information. This will include:

• Total positive cases by county. “We will no longer be breaking down into zones as Covid is everywhere,” the departments said.
• Total active cases (those who are in mandatory isolation)
• Ages of new positive individuals will be in the narrative only (the chart will be on the GO Health websites)
• Total number of 1 dose vaccinations and percentage of the population per county from the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub (data updated weekly).
• Total number of completed vaccine series and percentage of the population per county from the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub (data updated weekly).
• Total fatalities will be reported only on Fridays from the NYS data tracker.

The age breakdown and community exposure graphs (only when there is a potential exposure) will be on the GO Health websites. The mapping link will continue to be updated, but on a bi-weekly basis to coordinate with the briefings. The briefs will continue to include any updates as well as the community links.

The GO Health Departments will send updates, press releases and hold live zoom press briefings as situations warrant.

Cases past 7 days down slightly from totals in recent weeks

There are 22 new confirmed cases in Orleans and Genesee counties reported today, which brings the total for the two counties during the past 14 months of the pandemic to 8,131. That includes 2,970 in Orleans and 5,161 in Genesee.

In Orleans County today there are 8 new positive cases and those are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s and 40s.

Orleans is reporting 12 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 2 Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

In Genesee County there are 14 new positive cases and they are 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 10 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

• 7-day totals: The number of new cases the past seven days totaled 157, with 84 in Genesee and 73 in Orleans. That 157 is down slightly from the totals in recent weeks which includes 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.

• Active cases: There are currently 151 active cases in the two counties – 69 in Genesee and 82 in Orleans. That is down from 163 a week ago when there were 163 – 69 in Genesee and 94 in Orleans.

Orleans and Genesee counties today are reporting a 18 new Covid-19 cases in the two counties, for a total of 8,109 since last March 2020. That includes 2,962 in Orleans and 5,147 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 7 new positive cases reported today and they are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of  0-19, 40s and 50s, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

Orleans is reporting 13 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are 2 residents from Orleans County currently hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 11 new positive cases reported today and they are 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, 40s, 50s and 60s.

Genesee is reporting 13 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are 5 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

National Nurses Day – Today is National Nurses Day. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:

“Throughout the Covid crisis our nurses have been on the frontlines caring for New Yorkers and helping to keep us safe, at times putting their own health at risk for the rest of us. On this National Nurses Day and throughout National Nurses Week, we recognize the extraordinary contributions nurses have made – we could not have made it over the mountain and through the darkest days of the pandemic without their dedication, compassion and resiliency. We are eternally grateful for their service, so if you see a nurse today or this week, please stop and say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.”

Statewide Data: The statewide Covid-19 positivity rate dropped to 1.27 percent yesterday, the lowest since October 22 with 2,585 positive tests out of 203,644.

Western New York’s 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 2.82 percent yesterday. The positivity rate in every region of New York State has now dropped below 3 percent for the first time since November 5, 2020.

“As we make progress defeating the COVID beast and the numbers continue to come down, we are incrementally reopening our economy based on the science and the data,” Cuomo said. “We will get past Covid, but only if we do it together, so we need every single New Yorker to do their part and get vaccinated so we can begin to recover, reimagine and rebuild.”

There are 23 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today in Orleans and Genesee counties, bringing the total in the two counties to 8,091 since last March 2020. That includes 2,955 in Orleans and 5,136 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 12 new positive cases reported today and those cases are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby) and Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said 10 more of the previous positive individuals in Orleans have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 2 residents from Orleans County hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 11 new positive cases and they are 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, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

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

There are 5 from Genesee currently hospitalized due to Covid.

From the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• The GO Health COVID-19 Events Notification Form is to be completed for any events, social gatherings over the NYS maximum social gathering limit.

Responsible parties are to report events/social gatherings over the state’s maximum social gathering limits, no less than 5 days prior to the event. The notification form is available by clicking here.

• To check for vaccination providers click here.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced the Citizen Public Health Training Course for New Yorkers to learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies from top public health experts will open today.

This free, online 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.

Program 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. Those interested in enrolling or getting more information about becoming a NYS Citizen Public Health Leader can visit the program website by clicking here.

“We are determined to build back better, and part of that is making sure we are better prepared for the next pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “This innovative free program was developed by trusted experts and it will empower everyday New Yorkers with critical knowledge to better protect themselves, their families and their neighbors from public health emergencies.”

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. The course will be available through 2023.

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.

There are 28 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in Genesee and Orleans counties today, bringing the total to 8,068 in the two counties since March 2020. That includes 5,125 in Genesee and 2,943 in Orleans, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

In Orleans County there are 12 new positive cases today and they are 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, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

Orleans is reporting 8 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 2 Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 16 new positive cases of Covid and they are 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.

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

In Genesee, 5 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

2 counties pass 8,000 Covid cases in pandemic

Orleans and Genesee counties have 66 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 since Friday, and that puts the two counties past 8,000 cases in the pandemic since March 2020.

The two counties combined have a population of 97,632, according to the 2019 Census estimate. The 8,040 cases represents 8.2 percent of the population. In Genesee, 5,109 of the 57,280 residents have tested positive for Covid, or 8.9 percent. In Orleans, 2,931 out of 40,352 residents have had confirmed cases or 7.3 percent of the population.

There have been 204 Covid-related deaths in the two counties, with 121 in Genesee and 83 in Orleans, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In Orleans County in updated numbers today, there have been 34 new cases since Friday. The new cases are 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 and 60s.

Orleans also is reporting 42 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are 3 residents from Orleans currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Albion Central School said today an elementary student tested positive for Covid-19. The student was last in school on April 30.

The Department of Health has contacted any additional individuals deemed to have been in close contact with the student. At this time, no cases of Covid-19 have been transmitted through the school, the district said.

Lyndonville Central School said it was notified over the weekend that one student and one staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

The Health Department has determined that these cases have not resulted in any necessary quarantines, the district said.

In Genesee County there are 32 new positive cases and they are 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.

Genesee is reporting 32 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 4 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

There are four upcoming vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties for the single-dose John & Johnson vaccine which has been deemed and recently reauthorized for use in the United States.

The federal CDC and FDA on April 23 both lifted a brief pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and approved its use for people 18 and older. To learn more about the CDC’s overview of the safety of the vaccine, click here.

“The CDC and Food & Drug Administration have recommended that the use of J & J’s Covid-19 vaccine resume in the United States,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in Genesee and Orleans. “We encourage everyone to talk with their primary care provider if they have concerns about any of the vaccines. With the options we currently have we continue to encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated with the vaccine they are comfortable receiving.”

The four upcoming clinics all have walk-in options. However, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments encourages people to register online. They can click here to register and pick the appropriate J & J link or call the vaccine helplines in Orleans County at 585-589-3170 or Genesee County at 585-815-7168.

The schedule for the clinics includes:

• GCC in Batavia on Wednesday, May 5, from 9 to 11 a.m.
• Genesee County Office for the Aging, downtown Batavia, on Wednesday, May 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Ridgeway Fire Hall on Route 104 on Thursday, May 6, from 9 to 11 a.m.
• Orleans County Health Department in Albion on Friday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Health Department also is willing to do vaccine clinics at businesses, churches and other organizations. Those interested in hosting a vaccine clinic should fill out a short online survey (click here).

Covid Testing: For those who are seeking testing, both counties 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 5 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 6 at County Building #2, 3837 West Main St. Road, Batavia.

To register for testing go to the GO Health testing page by clicking here.

County moves from last to tied for 7^th lowest among 62 counties

Jessica Sutch, an employee with the Job Development Agency in Orleans County, holds a sticker given to people who get vaccinated at a mass clinic at the Ridgeway fire hall. She has been among the volunteers for several months at the vaccine clinics and the Covid testing sites before that run by the Health Department.

Orleans County continues to move past counties in the push to get residents vaccinated.

In early April, Orleans had the lowest percent of residents with at least one vaccine dose among the 62 counties in the state.

Orleans on April 27^th moved up to a tie with Fulton County for the third lowest vaccination rate at 32.8 percent.

On Saturday, Orleans was tied was seventh lowest with Steuben County at 35.2 percent. That is still well below the state-wide rate of 46.3 percent with at least one dose or 9,243,145 and the Finger Lakes Region’s rate of 47.4 percent.

Here the 10 lowest vaccination rates (at least one dose) for NY counties:

• Allegany County (population: 46,430) – 31.1 percent
• Cattaraugus County (population: 76,840) – 34.1 percent
• Tioga County (population: 48,560) – 34.4 percent
• Lewis County (population: 26,447) – 34.7 percent
• Bronx County (population: 1,432,132) – 34.9 percent
• Fulton County (population: 53,591) – 35.0 percent
• Steuben County (population 95,796) – 35.2 percent
• Orleans County (population 40,612) – 35.2 percent
• Jefferson County (population: 111,755) – 35.4 percent
• Chemung County (population 84,254) – 36.8 percent

In Orleans County, the state’s Vaccine Tracker reports that 14,308 people out of 40,612 have received at least one dose for 35.2 percent. The county has had 26.7 percent or 10,844 of its population complete the vaccine series, the state reported.

The vaccine has been available through pharmacies, Orleans Community Health, Oak Orchard Health and other healthcare providers, as well as the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. The G-O Health Department has been running mass vaccination sites at the Ridgeway Fire Hall and GCC in Batavia.

The Ridgeway site is nearing 10,000 doses. Staff and volunteers at the site have now administered 5,311 first doses and 4,035 second doses, said Paul Pettit, public health for Orleans and Genesee.

Orleans is behind the rate among similar-size nearby rural counties. The rates for the GLOW counties include:

• Genesee County (population: 57,511) – 41.0 percent
• Livingston County (population: 63,227) – 41.4 percent
• Orleans County (population 40,612) – 35.2 percent
• Wyoming County (population: 40,085) – 36.7 percent

Students urged to get vaccinated ahead of prom, graduation

There are 20 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report today in Genesee and Orleans counties, bringing the combined total to 7,974 cases in the two counties since March 2020. That includes 5,077 in Genesee and 2,897 in Orleans. Since last Friday, there are 164 more cases in the two counties, with 79 in Genesee and 85 in Orleans.

In Orleans County there are 11 new positive cases reported today and they are 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, 60s, and 70s.

Five of the new positive individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments said this afternoon.

Orleans is reporting 15 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 3 Orleans residents hospitalized due to Covid.

One of the newly positive individuals is an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, where 53 inmates have now tested positive for Covid during the pandemic.

In Genesee County there are 9 new positive cases of Covid reported today, and they are 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, 50s and 60s.

Genesee reported 18 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 7 Genesee County residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Active Cases: The number of active cases in both counties is down from a week ago as recoveries outpace new infections. There were 185 active cases on April 23, compared to 163 today in the two counties. Genesee has dropped from 84 to 69 in the past week, and Orleans is down from 101 to 94.

Groups asked to host a vaccination clinic: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is encouraging businesses, churches and organizations to consider hosting vaccination clinics for their employees, members and their families. Click here to fill out a short survey about hosting a vaccine clinic.

Prom (Graduation) Pointers from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Get vaccinated now to be able to participate in end-of-the-year school celebrations without having to be tested or miss out because you were exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid-19.
• All proms with over 100 participants (students and chaperones) are required to either be fully vaccinated (2 weeks after single dose Johnson & Johnson or 2 weeks after 2nd dose of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines) or have a valid negative test for Covid-19. If the individual has a PCR test it is good for up to 72 hours. The rapid antigen tests are only good for 6 hours on the day of the event, so timing to get that test is important.
• Limiting contacts with non-vaccinated individuals, proper mask wearing (covering nose & mouth), frequent handwashing, social distancing at least 6 feet from non-household members at least 2 weeks before your prom (or graduation) may protect you from missing this milestone event.
• If you test positive you will not be allowed to attend the event and it will also affect your contacts who are not fully vaccinated to not be able to attend.
• Getting the vaccine with plenty of time to become ‘fully vaccinated’ is the only way to assure you won’t miss these end-of-the-year celebrations.

Graduation Guidance for end-of-academic year celebrations: Click here for the guidance from the State Department of Health.

There are 20 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today in Genesee and Orleans counties, which brings the total to 7,954 in the two counties since the pandemic started in March 2020. There have now been 2,886 people test positive in Orleans and 5,068 in Genesee, the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments said.

In Orleans County there are 13 new positive cases and they are 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 and 80s.

Orleans is reporting 5 of the new positive individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

The county has 11 more of the previous positive individuals recovered and removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 3 Orleans residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Albion Central School is reporting five students have tested positive for Covid, including one at the middle school, one in the high school and three in the elementary school.

The student from the middle school and one of the students from the elementary school were last in school on April 19. Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined there was no need to quarantine any additional individuals.

The other two elementary students were last in school on April 27. The high school student was last in school on April 28. Those who were deemed to have been in close contact with the student have been contacted by the DOH.

At this time, no cases of Covid-19 have been transmitted through the school, the district said.

Medina Central School is reporting today that two students tested positive for Covid, including one at the high school and one at the elementary school.

In both cases the Department of Health has investigated in cooperation with the school and determined that no further quarantines need to take place.

In Genesee County there are 7 new positive cases reported today and they are 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, 40s, 50s and 60s.

Genesee is reporting 15 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 9 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Pop-up vaccination clinics: If a business or organization is interested in hosting a pop-up vaccination clinic, fill out the form and four-question survey by clicking here.

Vaccine update: Both counties are offering vaccination clinic registration via phone – these numbers are only for Covid vaccination registration. In Orleans, call (585) 589-3170. In Genesee, call (585) 815-7168.

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 the Orleans OFA call 585-589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail.

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.

The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available.

Active cases over 200 in two counties

Genesee and Orleans counties combined are reporting 39 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total to 7,934 in the two counties during the pandemic. That includes 2,873 in Orleans and 5,061 in Genesee, the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments said in a news briefing.

In Orleans County there are 21 new positive cases reported today, and those cases are 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, 60s and 70s.

Of the new cases, 8 were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

Orleans is reporting 6 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 4 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Genesee County is reporting 18 new positive cases. The new positive cases are 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, 50s and 60s.

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

Genesee County continues to have IT issues and the hospitalizations will be updated as soon as the issue is fixed, hopefully in the next day, the G-O Health Departments said.

Active cases: The number of active cases is up in both counties since a week ago. Orleans is up from 91 to 97 from April 21, and Genesee increased from 69 to 107. Combined the two counties are over 200 cases, increasing from 160 on April 21 to 204 today.

Midnight curfew ends May 17 for outdoor areas and May 31 for indoor sites

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas beginning May 17 and for indoor dining areas beginning May 31.

Governor Cuomo also announced that the 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted beginning May 17, with the curfew for all catered events set to be lifted May 31.

Additionally, the Governor announced that catered events can resume at residences beginning May 3 above the State’s residential gathering limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as long as the events are staffed by a professional, licensed caterer, permitted by the respective locality or municipality, and strictly adhere to health and safety guidance, including social and event gathering limits, masks, and social distancing.

Also on May 3, the guidance for dancing among attendees at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states, replacing fixed dance zones for each table with social distancing and masks.

Finally, the Governor announced that starting May 3, seating at bars will be allowed in New York City, consistent with the food services guidance that is in effect statewide.

“Lifting these restrictions for restaurants, bars and catering companies will allow these businesses that have been devastated by the pandemic to begin to recover as we return to a new normal in a post-pandemic world,” Cuomo said. “To be clear: we will only be able to maintain this progress if everyone gets the Covid vaccine. It is the weapon that will win the war and we need everyone to take it, otherwise we risk going backward.”

Ortt: ‘Small businesses can’t afford to wait another day’

UPDATED 12:15 p.m.: State Senate Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:

“While we are pleased that this long overdue action was finally taken by the Legislature today, there is still much more to be done – including the immediate elimination of the completely arbitrary curfew and capacity restrictions that hurt our bars and restaurants.

“The Governor may have announced that his arbitrary curfew will be lifted in a few weeks, but our small businesses can’t afford to wait another day.

“The Legislature should not only immediately repeal these nonsensical, non-scientific orders – we should also fully repeal the Governor’s emergency powers and restore local control to the officials who are best equipped to make decisions for the residents who elected them, and their local economies.

“New Yorkers are sick and tired of a Governor who transparently bases all of his decision-making on political science, not medical science. In the best interest of all New Yorkers, we must finally re-establish the Legislature as a co-equal branch.”