There are 69 new confirmed Covid-19 cases since Friday afternoon in Genesee and Orleans counties, bringing the total to 7,692 in the two counties during the pandemic, including 2,756 in Orleans and 4,936 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 36 new cases since last Friday. 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, 70s and 80s.

Of the new cases, 9 were previously on quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

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

Five of the new cases are inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility, where 49 have now tested positive during the pandemic.

There are 3 Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there are 33 new confirmed cases of Covid, and those 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, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Genesee is reporting 39 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 7 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Active cases down in Genesee, up in Orleans since a week ago: The number of active cases in the two counties is at 159 today, which is down 10 from a week ago. In Genesee the active cases decreased from 92 to 78, while in Orleans the cases are up from 77 to 81 in the past seven days.

Vaccine clinics: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments encourage people to check the health page (click here) for upcoming vaccination clinics. Those clinics are targeted for Genesee and Orleans residents but open to residents who live, work and/or study in New York State.

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.

Allegany County now last in state for vaccinations

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lynn Miller, a local EMT, gets a vaccine dose ready during a clinic on April 1 at the Ridgeway fire hall. Lucy Taylor-Welch, in back, is the county’s probation director. She and many other county and local municipal officials are assisting with the vaccine clinics.

Orleans County has hit a new milestone in getting people vaccinated against Covid-19. The county has passed 30 percent of its population with at least one dose of the vaccine.

The state’s Vaccine Tracker currently says 30.6 percent or 12,417 of Orleans County’s 40,612 residents have received at least one vaccine dose. The state says 20.8 percent or 8,452 of the county’s residents have completed the vaccine series.

Orleans is still behind the state rate of 41.4 percent and the rate in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region of 43.0 percent.

The distinction of the county with the lowest vaccination rate has been between Orleans and the Bronx County for most of the past two months. But they have both passed Allegany County, which is now the lowest at 29.3 percent. Allegany is currently the only county out of 62 in the state below 30 percent with at least one dose. (Bronx County is currently at 30.9 percent.)

Orleans continues to lag several percentage points behind nearby counties. The county rates for at least one vaccination dose include: Genesee, 37.4 percent; Niagara, 39.4 percent; Livingston, 37.3 percent; Monroe, 45.3; Erie, 44.0 percent; and Wyoming, 33.5 percent.

To check for vaccination clinics in Orleans County, click here to be directed to the site from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments about their vaccination clinics.

Both counties are offering vaccination clinic registration via phone. In Genesee, call (585) 815-7168. In Orleans, call (585) 589-3170. For both numbers ask for the vaccine registration help line.

Program will reimburse out-of-pocket child or dependent care, transportation, lodging and other qualifying expenses for eligible workers

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that applications are being accepted for the $26.6 million available to support essential workers and first responders through the Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund program.

The program, coordinated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, is designed to reimburse out-of-pocket child or dependent care, transportation, lodging and other qualifying expenses that eligible workers incurred while employed in New York State between March 1, 2020, through the date of application submission. Up to $1,000 is available per household. The funding comes from private donations from individuals, charitable trusts and businesses made during the COVID crisis.

“From day one of the Covid-19 pandemic, New York’s essential workers and first responders did their jobs so the rest of us could stay safe. Their brave and selfless service to New Yorkers will never be forgotten and we must ensure we support them in the midst of unique transportation, lodging and child care challenges,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund will reimburse essential workers for important living expenses they’ve incurred while keeping the rest of us safe, and I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to apply for funding now.”

Qualifying applicants include first responders, health care workers and many multi-industry essential workers. Eligible workers can apply on their own or be referred to the application by employers, unions or social service providers who employed them during the Covid emergency. Families who earn up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level – or $125,470 for a family of four – are eligible to apply for the funds to cover expenses.

OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, “We at OCFS are proud and honored to assist our first responder and essential worker neighbors by getting relief to those who honorably and tirelessly responded to the Covid-19 crisis. Thousands of essential workers have expressed interest in the funding, and we are pleased to coordinate this grant program for these worthy employees. They have saved so many lives throughout the pandemic.”

About the Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund

The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund is a non-competitive application. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and who submit the required income documentation and had eligible expenses will be awarded up to $1,000 to reimburse out-of-pocket costs incurred while responding to Covid-19 that have not been reimbursed by another source. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The maximum reimbursement amount is $1,000 per household. Applications and grant opportunity instructions are available by clicking here.

2 counties report 180 cases in past 7 days

Orleans and Genesee combined are reporting 33 new cases of Covid-19 today, which brings the total to 7,623 for the two counties in the past 13 months of the pandemic. That includes 2,720 in Orleans and 4,903 in Genesee.

There have been 180 cases the past seven days in the two counties, including 74 in Orleans and 106 in Genesee. The week before that there were 186 cases in the two counties.

The percent positive rate the past 7 days is 3.5 in Orleans and 2.5 percent in Genesee. The positivity rate the past 14 days is 3.2 in Orleans and 3.1 percent in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 16 new cases reported today and that includes 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 is reporting 9 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.

Of the new cases, 2 are inmates at the Albion Correctional Facility, and one is a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments also said it removed one of yesterday’s positive individuals as they are not a resident of Orleans County. Yesterday’s final number of new positives was 2,704.

In Genesee County there are 17 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 80s.

Genesee is reporting 19 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee has 3 current residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Of the new cases, one is a resident of The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia.

Genesee also is reporting a death from Covid, a community resident over 65. Genesee has now had 121 deaths from Covid during the pandemic.

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

Vaccine Update: Both counties are offering vaccination clinic registration via phone. In Genesee call (585) 815-7168. In Orleans call (585) 589-3170. For both numbers ask for the vaccine registration help line.

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

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 24 more cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total in the two counties to 7,591 in the past 13 months of the pandemic, including 2,705 in Orleans and 4,886 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 14 new cases of Covid reported today with those cases 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.

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

Orleans is reporting 9 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.

This chart was prepared by the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments and shows Covid trends in Orleans County since January.

Genesee County is reporting 10 more positive cases of Covid-19. 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 and 40s.

Genesee reported 8 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 3 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

This chart was prepared by the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments and shows Covid trends in Genesee County since January.

Statewide data shows hospitalizations declining: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Covid-19 hospitalizations in New York State dropped to 3,963, the first time under 4,000 since December 1.

The statewide positivity rate dropped to 2.76 percent, the lowest since November 21. The statewide 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 3.05 percent, the lowest since November 25.

Half of New York adults have received at least one dose of vaccine: Cuomo today also announced that more than 50 percent of New Yorkers 18 years of age and older have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and more than one in three in the same age group have been fully vaccinated.

More than 12.5 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in New York State. 198,257 doses have been administered across the state’s vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.5 million doses have been administered over the past seven days.

“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts and commitment of our providers and volunteers, more than half of New Yorkers who are 18 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and more than a third are fully vaccinated,” Cuomo said. “You take the vaccine not just for yourself – you take it to keep other people safe.”

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments prepared this chart of the local vaccination rates.

Racing tracks can allow spectators, up to 20% capacity

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced the state has extended the closing time for bars and restaurants from 11 p.m. to midnight, effective April 19. The curfew for catered events will move from midnight to 1 a.m.

“This is a change that the NYS Restaurant Association has loudly advocated for and we thank all restaurant owner/operators who added their voice to our phone2action campaign to help get this change made,” the Restaurant Association stated on Wednesday. “We will continue to ask for additional capacity and curfew changes – and we hope to see further easing of restrictions in the near future.”

Cuomo also announced that spectators will be allowed at horse and auto races at 20 percent capacity, beginning Thursday, April 22. Spectators will be subject to the state’s strict guidance, which is currently in effect for other professional sports competitions with fans.

Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to the state’s health and safety protocols on face coverings, social distancing and health screening.

“We’re continuing to fight the pandemic each and every day, and the vaccine – the weapon that will win the war – is working,” Cuomo said. “As the situation becomes more manageable, we’re allowing spectators at auto and horse races back into stadiums to safely enjoy great events together. We have a long way to go before reaching a level of immunity that defeats the Covid beast for good, and that’s why New Yorkers need to continue practicing safe behaviors as they go about their daily lives.”

There are 28 more cases of Covid-19 in Orleans and Genesee counties, bringing the total during the pandemic in the two counties to 7,568. That includes 2,692 in Orleans and 4,876 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 13 new positive cases of Covid and those new cases are residents 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, and 50s.

Orleans is reporting 14 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Of the new cases 2 were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

In Orleans 4 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

In Genesee County there are 15 new positive cases and those individuals live in West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). Those people are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

Genesee is reporting 25 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee is reporting 4 residents are currently hospitalized due to Covid.

• Active case numbers decrease: The number of active cases in the two counties is down from 173 on Tuesday to 143 today. In Orleans, the active cases are down from 74 to 60, while in Genesee the active cases decreased from 99 to 83.

• Vaccine clinic in Ridgeway on April 15: There are still appointments available for the Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday, April 15, from 12:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Ridgeway fire hall on Route 104. (There were 71 spots available as of 4:45 p.m.) Click here to make an appointment.

Walk-ins can stop in from 1 to 3 p.m. with doses available on a first come, first served basis.

There are 33 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today in Orleans and Genesee counties, bringing the total during the pandemic to 7,540 in the two counties including 2,679 in Orleans and 4,861 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 14 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, 70s and 80s.

Orleans is reporting 17 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Of the new cases one was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive. There are currently 2 Orleans residents hospitalized due to Covid, according to a news briefing this afternoon from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In Genesee County there 19 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 and 50s.

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

One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Genesee County Jail, where 32 inmates have now tested positive during the pandemic.

Six Genesee residents are currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Vaccine Update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is currently on pause due to a very rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after getting the vaccine, generally 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine.

If you have recently received the vaccine, be alert for potential symptoms such as developing a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath – within the last few weeks – contact your primary care provider and seek medical treatment.

There are still two vaccines and there have been no adverse events with either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

All New Yorkers 16 and over are eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Visit the GO Health Vaccination Page to check for upcoming vaccination clinics. All of our clinics are targeted for Genesee and Orleans residents but are open to residents who live, work and/or study in New York State.

If you do not have internet access, there are walk-in hours with walk-ins on a first come, first served as vaccine is available. The walk-in hours for Wednesday, April 14, at GCC in Batavia are 1 to 4 p.m. The walk-in hours for Thursday, April 15, at the Ridgeway fire hall are 1 to 3 p.m.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

BATAVIA – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on Thursday, April 8, around 3:20 pm.

The person was walking on the sidewalk near Batavia Gardens Apartments heading west towards Jerome Place in Batavia.

The dog is described as a tan Chihuahua. The dog was accompanied by a 16-18 year old male who was described as tall and thin with brown/dark/dirty blonde, semi long shaggy hair. He was wearing a black hoodie, pants and glasses. He had headphones on and was paying attention to his phone at the time of the incident.

It is important to locate the dog to determine whether or not it is current on its rabies shot. If the health status is not identified, post exposure rabies shots will be offered to the victim.

If you have information about the location of the dog and its owner, please contact the Health Department in Genesee County at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

Spring is here and animals are out more, so “love your own…leave the rest alone.” All wild and unknown animals (even dogs and cats) should be avoided whenever possible since the possibility of exposures to rabies can occur anywhere and anytime.

New York State is following the federal government’s lead in pausing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine “out of an abundance of caution,” said Dr. Howard Zucker, the state’s health commissioner.

The FDA and CDC recommended the vaccine the state’s pause use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six reported cases of a rare and severe blood clot. Nearly 7 million of the J & J vaccines have been administered in the U.S.

Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, Johnson & Johnson developed a one-shot vaccine, whereas the others are two shots.

Zucker said the health and safety agencies will evaluate the next steps.

“As the CDC and FDA have said, any adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ‘appear to be extremely rare’ and, ‘People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.’” Zucker said in a statement.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is allowing walk-ins at two vaccinations clinics this week – GCC in Batavia on Wednesday and the Ridgeway fire hall on Thursday.

Currently there are about 1,000 doses available for the two days. As of about 6 p.m. today that includes 802 spots at GCC from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Click here to register online. Walk-ins will be accepted from 1 to 4 p.m.

The clinic on Thursday at Ridgeway will be from 12:45 to 5:30 p.m. There are currently 245 spots available. Click here to make an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted from 1 to 3 p.m.

These clinics are for the Moderna vaccine, which is available for anyone 18 and older.

Today’s clinic at Ridgeway had nearly 300 of the vaccine doses go unclaimed through appointments.

Actives cases in past week for 2 counties up from 131 to 169

There are 64 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Genesee and Orleans counties since the last update on Friday afternoon, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

The new cases bring the total to 7,507 in the two counties in the past 13 months of the pandemic, which includes 2,665 in Orleans and 4,842 in Genesee.

In Orleans County there are 19 new positive cases since Friday. Those new cases are residents 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 70s.

The G-O Health Departments said one of the new positive individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

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

In Genesee County there are 45 new positive cases, and they include residents in 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 80s.

Genesee is reporting 31 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Five Genesee County residents are currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Of the new cases, 2 are residents of Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia.

• Active cases continue to increase: The number of active cases in the two counties is at 169 today, compared to 131 a week ago, and 97 two weeks ago.

The active cases right now include 77 in Orleans compared to 45 a week ago, and 92 in Genesee compared to 86 a week ago.

The state is sending 35,000 vaccines to the student population at SUNY schools and private colleges.

This initial allocation will include 21,000 vaccines to be administered to SUNY students and 14,000 vaccines to be administered at private colleges. The vaccines will be administered to residential and non-commuter students who are leaving for the summer, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today.

“We’re now focusing on students, and we want to get students vaccinated before the end of the school year,” Cuomo said. “The 18 to 24 population is growing in positivity, and many of them are in colleges and universities. It makes all the sense in the world to use the schools as the base for the vaccine.”

Cuomo urged people to get the vaccine to “help us stamp out the Covid beast.” There have been 12 million doses administered so far in the state, and Cuomo said “overwhelmingly data shows it’s safe and effective.”

He said many young adults see themselves as superheroes, that Covid can’t affect them. But the governor said younger people have died or been badly sickened by Covid. Many others without severe symptoms have “long haul” symptoms and have been affected for months.

Others without symptoms can still spread the virus to others.

“Do you want to play Russian roulette with your life?” he said about people not wanting to get the vaccine.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said the SUNY system will push to have students vaccinated before they leave for summer break. Getting students vaccinated “is the key to restoring normalcy on our campuses when students return in the fall,” he said.

There are more than 1,300 appointments available for Covid-19 vaccines through the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The vaccines are available for free to eligible residents. The eligibility is currently anyone 16 and older. However, the vaccine appointments are for the first dose of the Moderna vaccine which is available for people 18 and older.

There are currently about 300 appointments available for a vaccine clinic at the Ridgeway Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Click here to register and for more information. There will be another clinic at Ridgeway on Thursday.

GCC in Batavia will host a clinic on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. There are about 1,000 appointments as of this morning. Click here to register and for more information.

These clinics are targeted to residents in Orleans and Genesee counties but are available for any New York State individuals who reside, work or study in the state.

“We want to see all of these clinics filled up with those who can also commit to returning for the second dose of the Moderna vaccine 28 days later,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in the two counties.

Press Release, VA Western New York

BUFFALO/BATAVIA — VA Western New York Healthcare System is providing Covid-19 vaccinations to anyone who served in the military to include their caregivers and spouses and some other beneficiaries under the authority granted by the SAVE LIVES Act that was signed by President Joe Biden on March 24.

The expanded authority depends on the readily available Covid-19 vaccine supply and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to prioritize veteran s enrolled in VA care. Previously, only veterans that were already enrolled and eligible for VA health care could receive Covid-19 vaccinations.

“Since the start of the pandemic, VA WNYHS (Western New York Healthcare System) has been focused on vaccinating as many veterans as possible, and we are excited to multiply our efforts thanks to the SAVE LIVES Act,” said Royce Calhoun, associate director of VA WNYHS.

Veterans now eligible under the SAVE LIVES Act who wish to receive a vaccine can click here to register online and stay informed on the VA’s vaccine rollout process.

Additionally, veterans, caregivers and spouses of veterans can call directly to schedule their Covid-19 vaccination at (716) 862-7868.

To maintain continued health and safety during the pandemic, please do not visit a VA facility for a Covid-19 vaccine without an appointment.