‘This updated guidance is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down.’

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who are fully vaccinated from Covid-19 don’t need to quarantine if they have been exposed to someone with Covid– for within 90 days after getting the second shot.

“Fully vaccinated persons who meet criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following an exposure to someone with Covid-19,” the CDC said in the updated guidance Wednesday.

People are considered fully vaccinated if they have both shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines – and at least two weeks have gone by since the second dose was administered.

However, people who have had both shots should quarantine if they have had Covid exposure more than three months after being vaccinated because it is unclear how long the vaccine will be effective.

The CDC said vaccinated people should follow all other health guidance, including wearing a mask and social distancing when possible.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the state Department of Health, issued this statement this afternoon:

“Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance regarding quarantine following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. According to the guidance, ‘asymptomatic fully vaccinated individuals’, meaning those who have received both shots and at least two weeks have passed since the second shot, are no longer required to quarantine within 90 days after the second shot.

“From the outset of the pandemic, New York State has followed the science and listened to the experts, and quarantine requirements only for New Yorkers who have received both shots will be similarly updated to reflect the CDC’s new guidance. However, the science regarding Covid transmissibility post-vaccination remains unsettled, and this updated guidance is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down.

“All New Yorkers, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should continue to wear masks, social distance, and be smart until herd immunity is reached and this pandemic is fully relegated to the history books.”

3 Covid-related deaths also reported in Genesee County

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported 10 new confirmed Covid cases in Orleans County and 13 more in Genesee.

The 10 new cases in Orleans County bring the total to 2,304 positive cases since 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, 30s, 40s, 60s, 80s and 90s.

Of the new cases, one was on quarantine prior to testing positive. Three of the new cases are residents of Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina.

Orleans is reporting 13 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed

from the isolation list. The number of active cases in the county dropped from 73 on Tuesday to 67 today.

The county is reporting 2 residents are currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Albion Central School reported a middle school student and two high school students have tested positive for Covid-19.

The student from the middle school is a hybrid learner and was last in school on Feb. 5.Those determined to have been in close contact with the student have been identified and should be contacted by the Department of Health, the district stated on its website.

The two high school students are also both hybrid learners. One was last in contact with other students on Feb. 5. The other high schooler was last in school on Feb. 8. Those determined to have been in close contact with the student have been identified and should be contacted by the Department of Health, the district said.

In Genesee County the 13 new positive cases bring the Genesee total to 3,999 positive 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, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

Genesee is reporting 19 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. The number of active cases in the county is down from 92 on Tuesday to 82 today.

Genesee has 15 residents currently hospitalized due to Covid-19.

The county also has had three more residents die from Covid who were all over age 65. That brings the total deaths in the county to 116 from Covid.

“Our deepest condolences to the families and friends during this very difficult time,” the Health Departments stated today in a news briefing.

ALBION – Paul Pettit, the public health director for Orleans and Genesee counties, was expecting more vaccine doses this week for the two counties.

Paul Pettit

Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week said the state would be getting 16 percent more vaccine doses from the federal government. Today, he said the amount would be up another 5 percent from the 16.

But for Orleans and many other rural counties in the state, Pettit said the vaccine allotments have been cut. For Orleans County this week, it will only be getting 200 doses, down from 400 a week ago. Genesee is down from 600 last week to 500 this week.

“Vaccines continue to be a great frustration to us,” Pettit said this evening during a conference call with government officials in Orleans County. “I can’t rationally explain this to anyone. It was supposed to be more.”

In the county, 100 doses will go Walgreens in Albion to be given to eligible residents 65 and older. The County Health Department will administer the other 100 doses to essential workers.

Last week in Orleans, the Health Department received 200 doses, while Rosenkrans and Orleans Community Health in Medina both had 100. (The Health Department also distributed a one-time allotment of 100 doses for groups homes in the county, which isn’t included in the 400.)

Next week the eligibility pool will be significantly expanded after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced earlier this week people under age 65 with underlying health conditions would be eligible for the vaccine. Pettit said people are going to be frustrated as the demand and eligibility increase for the vaccine, while the supply is so low.

“We urge patience,” he told the local officials. “But don’t be surprised if we get some angst next week as additional people get into the pool but can’t get the vaccine.”

The Health Department and Orleans County Emergency Management Agency will be doing a vaccine clinic for the third time this Thursday at the Ridgeway fire hall. The slots are all filled up. Pettit said the county-run clinic has the capability of administering 700 to 800 doses a day once there is more vaccine doses available locally.

“We’re ready to go,” he said. “We will push them out, whatever we get.”

Orleans County has 3 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today, one of its lowest totals in recent months.

Orleans averaged 7.5 cases a day in November, followed by 24.3 a day in December and 25.4 a day in January.

With the 3 new cases reported today, Orleans County is at 2,294 positive cases since last March, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments is reporting this afternoon.

The new 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 and the 40s.

Two of the new positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.

The county is reporting that 13 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. The number of active cases in the county dropped from 83 on Monday to 73 today.

There are 3 residents currently hospitalized due to Covid-19.

Albion Central School is reporting a high school and elementary school student have tested positive for Covid-19.

The elementary student is a hybrid learner and was last in school on Feb. 2. Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined there was no need to quarantine any additional students or staff, the district stated on its website.

The high school student is a hybrid learner and was last in contact with other students on Feb. 5. Those determined to have been in close contact with the student have been identified and should be contacted by the Department of Health, the district stated.

In Genesee County there are 28 new positive cases for a total of 3,986 confirmed 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, 60s and 70s.

Genesee is reporting that 30 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are 17 Genesee residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

There also is one death of the Genesee resident reported today due to Covid. That brings the total deaths in Genesee from Covid to 115. For more information on Covid fatalities in counties in the state, click here.

Cases are down significantly so far in February

January was another month of huge Covid-19 caseloads in the three local rural counties of Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming.

The three counties combined had 2,814 cases. That isn’t as many as in December when there were 2,993 confirmed cases in the three counties, but it is still near the peak of the pandemic, which is nearing a year locally.

The three counties had nearly 3,000 cases each of the past two months. That is far more than the 2,108 cases in the three counties – from March through November.

The cases began a sharp upward trajectory in November with 1,133 cases in the three counties.

So far in February, the numbers are going down significantly.

Genesee, which averaged 45.8 new cases a day in January, so far is averaging 13 new a day in February. Orleans has decreased from 25.4 cases a day in January to 18 so far in February. Wyoming averaged 19.6 cases daily in January and has an average of 10 so far each day in February.

The average daily caseloads in January were about how many each county had for the total of July and August, when the counties often didn’t have any confirmed cases in a day. Orleans only had 22 cases total in July and August, while Genesee had 55 and Wyoming recorded 30 in those two months.

Once the weather got colder and more activities moved inside in November, cases really took off, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo saying 74 percent of those cases were from household spread.

Here is a monthly breakdown of the Covid cases in the three counties:

Orleans County (population: 40,352)

First case reported on March 18.

• March – 6 cases (6 cumulative cases)
• April – 89 cases (95 cumulative)
• May – 126 cases (221 cumulative)
• June – 45 cases (266 cumulative)
• July – 10 cases (276 cumulative)
• August – 12 cases (288 cumulative)
• September – 29 cases (317 cumulative)
• October – 82 cases (399 cumulative)
• November – 224 cases (623 cumulative)
• December – 753 cases (1,376 cumulative)
• January – 788 cases (2,164 cumulative)

Genesee County (population: 57,280)

First case reported on March 17.

• March – 13 cases (13 cumulative cases)
• April – 136 cases (149 cumulative)
• May – 37 cases (186 cumulative)
• June – 40 cases (224 cumulative)
• July – 32 cases (256 cumulative)
• August – 23 cases (279 cumulative)
• September – 30 cases (309 cumulative)
• October – 66 cases (375 cumulative)
• November – 579 cases (954 cumulative)
• December – 1,495 cases (2,449 cumulative)
• January – 1,419 cases (3,867 cumulative)

Wyoming County (population: 40,085)

First case reported March 17.

• March – 8 cases (8 cases cumulative)
• April – 60 cases (68 cumulative)
• May – 12 cases (80 cumulative)
• June – 9 cases (89 cumulative)
• July – 18 cases (107 cumulative)
• August – 12 cases (120 cumulative)
• September – 12 cases (132 cumulative)
• October – 69 cases (201 cumulative)
• November – 330 cases (531 cumulative)
• December – 745 cases (1,276 cumulative)
• January – 607 cases (1,883 cumulative)

Source: Orleans Hub research, local health departments, Census Bureau 2019 estimates for population

People with underlying conditions can try to get vaccine beginning Feb. 14 at state-run sites

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New Yorkers with comorbidities and underlying conditions can make appointments at state-run mass vaccination sites beginning Feb. 14, with the first appointments scheduled for Feb. 15.

Excess vaccine supply meant for hospital workers can be used to open eligibility for New Yorkers with comorbidities and underlying conditions. Local health departments will determine how, where and when to schedule appointments in their jurisdictions, and those appointments will begin as early as Feb. 15. No local jurisdiction should accept appointments until the allocations are known, and no earlier than Feb. 14.

“As the state’s effort to vaccinate health care workers nears completion this week, we are now shifting those doses to prioritize those New Yorkers with comorbidities and pre-existing conditions – a group which has felt the brunt of Covid’s destructiveness first-hand,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want to remind newly eligible New Yorkers to please be patient when beginning to schedule appointments – we can only administer as many doses as the federal supply allows and we’re continuing to fight for more every day.”

To show they have comorbidities or underlying conditions, New Yorkers must provide documentation as required by the facility where they are getting vaccinated which must be either:

• Doctor’s Letter, or
• Medical Information Evidencing Comorbidity, or
• Signed Certification

New York State will audit local systems. The New York State Department of Health will host a call with county executives and local health departments to discuss strategies and compliance associated with vaccinating New Yorkers with comorbidities and underlying conditions.

The full list of comorbidities and underlying conditions is available below. The list is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as New York State obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.

Adults of any age with the following conditions 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

Recoveries outpacing new cases in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming

This chart from the Health Departments in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties shows how the actives cases started to increase in November and have been decreasing in the past few weeks.

The number of active cases in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties has fallen to its lowest level in about two months. There are currently 242 active cases in the three counties with 83 in Orleans County, 91 in Genesee and 68 in Wyoming.

A month ago on Jan. 7 there were 718 active cases in the three counties. (Click here to see a three-county database about Covid cases.)

The 83 in Orleans compares with a pandemic high of 279 on Jan. 7. It’s also the fewest active cases in Orleans since there were 77 on Dec. 4.

The 91 in Genesee County is the lowest number in the county since there were 89 on Nov. 12. Genesee, as recently as Jan. 22, had 241 active cases.

Wyoming County today is reporting 68 actives cases, which is down from its pandemic high of 202 on Jan. 8. Wyoming was at 67 active cases on Friday, the lowest since 70 on Dec. 1 and 58 on Nov. 30.

Orleans reports 26 new Covid cases, Genesee 33 more since Friday

In its first update since Friday, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments today are reported 26 new positive cases in Orleans County and 33 more in Genesee.

In Orleans County the 26 new confirmed cases bring the total to 2,291 positive cases since last March.

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, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Of the new cases, 6 were on quarantine prior to testing positive.

The new cases include 7 residents of The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab in Albion and 3 inmates at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a men’s prison in Albion.

“Orleans County is currently seeing an increase of positive cases in non-county regulated facilities, which is increasing the daily positivity rate,” the Health Departments said in an afternoon news briefing.

Orleans also is reporting 44 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized, the Health Departments said.

In Genesee County the 33 new positive cases bring the total to 3,958 confirmed 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, 60s and 70s.

Genesee is reporting 57 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee has 18 residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Orleans County, however, has highest rate in Region

Information from Governor’s Office on seven-day positivity rate for the 10 regions of the state.

The Finger Lakes Region, which was a Covid hotspot in the state about a month ago, now has one of the lowest positivity rates in the state and has reduced the numbered of people hospitalized with Covid by more than half.

The Finger Lakes, which includes Orleans County, had a positivity rate for Covid-19 at 10.29 percent on Jan. 5. That was the seven-day average for percentage of tests that were positive for Covid.

The 7-day average was down to 3.22 percent on Friday, the third lowest of 10 regions in the state. The Southern Tier at 1.53 percent is the lowest and Long Island, at 5.57 percent, is the highest.

Statewide the 7-day positivity average ending Friday was at 4.58 percent, according to data from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office.

Although the positivity rate in the Finger Lakes Region is at 3.2 percent over the last 7 days, in Orleans County it’s at 7.2 percent the past week, the highest of the nine counties in the region.

The rates for the other counties include Genesee, 2.9 percent; Livingston, 5.8 percent; Monroe, 2.8 percent; Ontario, 3.3 percent; Seneca, 3.0 percent; Wayne, 3.2 percent; Wyoming, 6.1 percent; and Yates, 4.4 percent.

The Finger Lakes also led the state on Jan. 5 with the highest percentage of its population hospitalized due to Covid at 0.08 percent, which was double the state average. The Finger Lakes had 934 residents hospitalized with Covid on Jan. 5. A month later the region had 448 hospitalized with Covid or 0.04 percent of its population.

New York on Friday had 7,804 patients hospitalized statewide with Covid, the lowest since Dec. 27, Cuomo said.

There were 11,252 new Covid cases out of 261,285 tests, for a positivity rate of 4.31 percent. The state has now had 1,460,747 individuals test positive for Covid during the pandemic.

Cuomo also reported there were 158 more deaths from Covid, including one each in Orleans and Genesee counties. The state is now reporting 36,079 total deaths from Covid during the pandemic.

“New York’s positivity and hospitalization numbers continue to decline from the holiday surge, a reflection of the discipline New Yorkers have shown to defeat the virus,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The ultimate weapon to win the war is the vaccine and we are getting needles into arms every day, but we need more supply because we have the operational capacity to do much more. Super Bowl weekend is here and while the instinct may be to celebrate together, we cannot get cocky – we must continue doing the things we know are effective at taming the virus: wear a mask, adhere to social distancing, and avoid gatherings. We can beat this thing, but we must stay smart.”

Active cases in 2 counties drops from 292 a week ago to 222 today

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 24 new confirmed cases for 6,190 since last March, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon in a news briefing.

The two counties also currently have 222 active cases, which is down from 292 a week ago.

In Orleans County there 13 new positive cases of Covid-19 for a total of 2,265 positive cases since last March.

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, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Of the new cases, 5 were on quarantine prior to testing positive. One of the new cases is an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a men’s prison in Albion.

Orleans also is reporting 26 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. The number of active cases in the county has dropped from 127 to 111 in the past week.

Orleans also is reporting 3 of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Albion Central School reported a student from the High School has tested positive for Covid-19. The student is a hybrid learner and was last in the building on Jan. 21. Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined there is no need to quarantine any additional students or staff, the district stated on its website.

Holley Central School is reporting that two students have tested positive for Covid-19. One student attends the Alternative HS program at the Elementary School, whose last day in-person was Jan. 22. The other attends the MS/HS, whose last day in-person was Feb. 4.

The health department has indicated that there is currently no additional quarantining required of other students or staff members due to close contact with these particular cases. These cases are not connected to the report from yesterday, Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, said in a letter on the district website.

Medina Central School said today a middle school student tested positive. The Department of Health is working with the school district to identify any potential close contacts and is notifying families who may have to quarantine, Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent, said in letter on the district website.

In Genesee County there are 11 new positive cases for a total of 3,925 positive 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, 60s and 80s.

Genesee is reporting 30 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. The number of active cases in the county has dropped from 165 to 111 in the past week.

Genesee has 18 residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

There has also been another Covid-related death reported in the county, bringing that total to 111 since last March.

“The individual was over the age of 65,” the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments stated. “We will not be reporting any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual at this very sad time.”

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today released the list of comorbidities and underlying conditions that New York State will use to determine eligibility for the Covid-19 vaccine. New Yorkers who have one of the comorbidities on the list will be eligible for the vaccine beginning February 15.

“New Yorkers with comorbidities and underlying conditions exist throughout the state’s population—they’re our teachers, lawyers and carpenters, in addition to the doctors who keep us safe every day, and they are a highly affected population,” Cuomo said. “We’re committed to vaccinating vulnerable populations that have suffered the most as we distribute a strictly limited supply of vaccines, and people with comorbidities are 94 percent of the state’s Covid deaths. That’s why we’ll open eligibility to people with comorbidities starting February 15 and give hospitals the ability to use extra doses they have to address that population. Local governments have a week to prepare for the new change—they need to get ready now.”

The full list of comorbidities and underlying conditions is available below. The list is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as New York State obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.

Adults of any age with the following conditions 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

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 51 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total to 6,166 in the two counties since last March, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

In Orleans County there are 33 new confirmed cases to report today for 2,252 cases since March.

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, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

Of the new cases, 5 were on quarantine prior to testing positive.

The new confirmed cases include 7 residents at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina, 3 residents at the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab in Albion, and an inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a men’s prison in Albion.

In Orleans County, 17 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

The county currently has 3 residents hospitalized due to Covid.

• Rapid Test Results: Orleans County conducted a drive-through rapid test clinic on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. There were 144 people tested and four were positive for Covid.

• Holley Central School is reporting three staff members in the Middle School/High School and one contracted employee who is assigned to the MS/HS have tested positive for Covid-19.

One of the staff members was last at school on Jan. 27, two on Feb. 2, and the fourth on Feb. 3.

The Health Department has indicated to district officials that there is no quarantining required for any students, due to these cases. The staff members who will be quarantined due to being close contacts of these individuals have been informed, Brian Bartalo, district superintendent, posted in a letter on the district website.

• Medina Central School is reporting two new Covid cases, a high school student and a middle school student. The Department of Health has determined that no further quarantines are required from the school district for both students, Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, posted in a letter on the school website.

In Genesee County there are 18 new positive cases of Covid to report today for a total of 3,914 cases since last March.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke) and Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.

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

There are currently 23 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Press Release, RESTORE

RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, a program of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming training cycle in early March.

There is an urgent need for volunteers in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Volunteer Advocates are responsible for taking crisis phone calls from their home and providing information and advocacy to sexual assault survivors at a hospital or police station. Volunteers offer support, information and resources to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. The time commitment is flexible, and at the volunteer’s discretion. All applicants will be screened and must complete 32 hours of training prior to beginning their volunteer commitment.

The training will take place in a virtual setting, with optional in-person hybrid sessions, depending on Volunteers’ comfort level. All RESTORE services are dynamically responding to the changing Covid-19 protocols and using a variety of communication methods, depending on the needs and comfort level of the survivor.

Those interested in volunteering for RESTORE must be at least 20 years of age, have reliable transportation, and be comfortable working with those in a crisis situation.

For further information about volunteering with RESTORE, email restore@ppcwny.org.

RESTORE leads the community response to sexual violence through advocacy and education, by providing the safety, support and validation that changes the lives of all those affected.

RESTORE 24-hour hotlines: 585-546-2777 (Monroe County) and 1-800-527-1757 (Livingston, Wyoming, Orleans and Genesee Counties).

2 more deaths reported in Genesee County from Covid

There are 50 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report today in Genesee and Orleans counties, the G-O County health Departments said this afternoon.

In Orleans County there are 30 new positive cases for a total of 2,219 confirmed cases since last March.

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, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Of the new cases 4 were on quarantine prior to testing positive, the Health Departments said.

Orleans also is reporting 10 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are four county residents currently hospitalized due to Covid-19.

The new confirmed cases include 7 residents at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Medina, one at  the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab in Albion, and one is an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, a women’s prison.

Albion Central School is reporting that two students from the high school have tested positive for Covid-19.

One of the students is a fully remote learner so the Department of Health determined there is no need to quarantine any additional students or staff.

The second student is a hybrid learner and was last in the building on Jan. 22. Due to the 48-hour look-back period, the Department of Health determined there is no need to quarantine any additional students or staff, the district state don its website.

In Genesee County there are 20 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 for a total of 3,896 positive cases since last March.

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 70s.

Genesee is reporting 21 of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are 22 Genesee residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

There are also two more deaths from Covid-19 in Genesee for 109 total during the pandemic. The two deaths reported today include a community member over age 65 and a resident of the Batavia VA Medical Center who was over the age of 65.

Rapid Test Results: Genesee County conducted a drive-through rapid test clinic on Tuesday. Out of the 290 tested, 14 were positive for Covid.

Orleans receives 500 vaccine doses this week, but needs many more to meet demand

Orleans County has 500 Covid-19 vaccine doses this week, with the doses split up among the Health Department, Orleans Community Health, and some local pharmacies and healthcare providers.

The county is projected to get a 16 percent increase next week in the vaccine, Public Health Director Paul Pettit said, but the amount is still far short to meet the expanded eligibility groups. (Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday said the 1B vaccine prioritization group eligibility could be expanded to restaurant workers, taxi drivers, and developmentally disabled facilities.)

“The supply is still nowhere near the amount we need for all of the eligible groups,” Pettit said on Tuesday evening in a conference call with local government officials.

The local vaccines are currently are being administered through pharmacies (people 65 and older); Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital doing healthcare workers, people in the 1A group and some residents 65 and older; and the Health Department, which is targeting essential workers.

Gov. Cuomo on Tuesday said he received assurances from the federal government the supply to the state would be increased by 20 percent the next three weeks.

“That is a good sign with more vaccine starting to flow,” Pettit said.

The Health Department will have a vaccine clinic on Thursday at the Ridgeway Fire Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Those slots are currently filled. Pettit sympathized with residents who keep checking for vaccine appointments but they tend to be full.

“It’s very challenging,” Pettit said. “Once they are posted, they’re immediately gone.”

The public health director said it could take several months to have work through all the eligible groups, which will continue to expand.

“This will be a prolonged event over the next three, four, five, six months,” Pettit said.

The county will need many volunteers for the vaccine clinics, which will likely be expanded to other days in the week once there is more vaccine.

Justin Niederhofer, deputy director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Agency, is coordinating the personnel for the clinics.

“We are looking for more volunteers,” he said. “We’re going to be in that for the long haul.”

Emergency Management can be reached at (585) 589-4414.

Cuomo in an update on Tuesday said about 1.7 million vaccine doses have been administered so far in the state – 1,414,241 first doses and 321,204 second doses. That state has about 19 million residents.

“We’re in a footrace to vaccinate the entire eligible population while continuing to keep the infection rate low,” Cuomo said. “We’re moving heaven and earth to administer as many doses as possible, but on a global level we are experiencing high demand and scarce amounts of the vaccine. We have much more distribution in place than we have supply, and as soon as we have more doses from the federal government we can get those shots in the arms of New Yorkers as quickly and fairly, while continuing to make sure the communities hardest hit have access to and trust in the vaccine.”

Agency recognizes other staff for milestone anniversaries

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

Ask any of Amy Klos’ coworkers or supervisors and they’ll all say the same thing when it comes to the 21-year employee’s job performance at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: She’s the one that holds things together.

Amy Klos

“Amy is always available to us no matter what is happening, she can multitask better than anyone and she always gets the job done well,” said Shannon Murphy, director of treatment at the Batavia clinic on East Main Street. “Amy truly cares about every staff member and our patients, and on most days, she is the glue.”

Murphy’s glowing assessment reflects the commitment and dedication that Klos has provided to the agency since starting as a secretary at its former Growney building location at Bank Street and Washington Avenue in 1999.

Since then, she has taken on more responsibility and, just recently, was promoted to the position of customer relations manager for GCASA’s Batavia and Albion clinics as well as the Opioid Treatment Program facility in Batavia.

A lifelong Oakfield resident, Klos found her way to GCASA after receiving a two-year degree from Central City Business Institute in Syracuse in the mid-1980s and working at the office of Dr. Yeong Lee, a Batavia pediatrician.

“I found out about the GCASA job from women who worked there and took their children to Dr. Lee,” she said. “They told me that they were in need of a secretary at GCASA, they posed the question and checked it out.”

Klos said she and two or three others worked in the front office (located in the basement of the Growney building) checking clients in, answering the telephone and verifying health insurance.

“I worked there for about 10 years before moving to the agency’s current location on East Main Street,” she said. “John Bennett was running the outpatient clinic – he now is GCASA’s executive director – and I was his secretary and also worked in the front office at the same time.”

As time passed, Klos moved into the director of treatment secretary position while continuing to assist the support staff, and in the late 2000s, she was elevated to supervisor of the Batavia office, overseeing a half-dozen employees.

“The agency was expanding at that time – the numbers in the clinic were increasing and the opioid epidemic also hit, which increased our workload and productivity,” Klos said, “and along with that came changes to policies and procedures.”

Three years ago, Klos was promoted to supervisor of the treatment and OTP (methadone) clinics and now has added an oversight role at the Albion clinic.

She said she is tasked with getting everyone on the same page, so to speak.

“Generally, the responsibilities across the clinics are very similar, so we’re trying to make all three offices the same as far as protocols and policies,” she explained. “There are some slight differences depending upon the doctor you’re working with, the day of the week and the prescribed dosage.”

Klos is a key player in the integration of services and procedures and, when at full strength, she is supervising eight full-time and part-time secretaries.

She said the best thing about GCASA is the “teamwork” displayed by the staff, which, by the way, includes her daughter, Katie, a nurse.

“The employees here help each other out and it’s great to know that people have your back. And it’s also nice to know that you can help people,” Klos said. “Change happens frequently but no matter what, you still have the basics. You have to remember to say please and thank you. That goes a long way and too many people don’t realize that.”

Klos said she strives to make a positive impact upon clients’ lives.

“When people are struggling, giving them a helping hand really does make a difference. I say to patients all the time, “I’m here if you want the help. If you don’t want the help, that’s up to you, but we’re here to help you 100 percent along the way.’”

When not on duty, Klos is keeping an eye on her mom, Ann Perfitt, who lives across the street from her in the village; joins in her husband as they “flip houses” on the weekends, enjoys outdoor activities and has fun with the family dog, Sam.

Murphy said she hopes Klos stays with the agency for another 20 years.

“Personally, I have had the pleasure of working next to Amy for over 15 years. She is diligent, smart and able to do her job while truly caring about everyone involved,” Murphy said. “I cannot imagine what I would do without her right next to me and as my friend. She truly is loved by all.”

In other GCASA news, the following employees were recognized recently for their longevity with the company:

• 5 years – Brenda Post, QA/corporate compliance officer, Genesee County Clinic; Shandi Temperato, chemical dependency counselor, Orleans County Clinic.

• 10 years – Diana Fulcomer, prevention educator, Orleans Prevention Program; Cherlyne Gerould, payroll manager, Genesee County Administration.

• 15 years – Sherri Bensley, assistant director of prevention, Orleans Prevention Program; Nick Mardino, maintenance, Orleans County Clinic.

• 20 years – Cyndi Mardino, secretary, Orleans County Clinic; Stephanie Nadolinski, house manager, Atwater Community Residential Program.

• 30 years – Kim Corcoran, human resources/administrative assistant, Genesee County Administration.