Public Health director says social distancing, masks especially important

Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Pettit, the public health director in Orleans and Genesee counties, said about half of the recent Covid-19 cases in the two counties were asymptomatic. He is speaking at last week’s monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities.

ALBION – About half of recent the Covid-19 cases locally have been people who didn’t show symptoms of the coronavirus.

Paul Pettit, the public health director in Genesee and Orleans counties, said the cases were detected as part of mandatory state testing, typically for direct care, healthcare or nursing home staff.

Since June 30, there have been 52 new cases of Covid-19 in Genesee County and 22 new cases in Orleans County.

“Most were identified in the testing or screening that is required by the state,” Pettit said today.

The Health Department is seeing more younger people test positive. The median age in Monroe County last week was in the mid-30s.

Throughout the Finger Lakes Region, which includes Orleans and 8 other counties, Pettit said about 30 percent of positive cases recently have been people not showing symptoms of Covid-19.

That percentage has been even higher locally, with people who have Covid-19 but don’t show signs of any respiratory distress.

Pettit said the asymptomatic cases may give people a false sense of security, that they don’t have Covid-19 even though they feel healthy.

“If you are not symptomatic, you can still have it and spread it without being aware you are positive,” he said. “It goes back to why social distancing of at least 6 feet and wearing masking is so important.”

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Orleans has 3 active cases, while Genesee has 1

Orleans and Genesee counties both don’t have a new Covid-19 case to report today.

Genesee is reporting one more recovery, while Orleans has one more person on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

An online map of confirmed cases in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties, shows there are three active cases in Orleans, and 1 each in Genesee and Wyoming.

In Orleans County, there are 10 people on mandatory quarantine and three on mandatory isolation.

• State-wide Data: Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the lowest Covid-19 infection rate in New York State—0.65 percent—since the pandemic began.

New York State’s infection rate has been less than 1 percent every day for three weeks. The governor also announced that 8 million tests have now been conducted in the state.

“Fighting Covid-19 requires enormous bravery and discipline from New Yorkers and I thank them for today’s new record-low infection rate,” Cuomo said. “This is evidence that what each of us does to slow the spread—wearing masks, socially distancing and washing hands—makes a real difference.”

Of the 97,826 test results reported to New York State yesterday, 636, or 0.65 percent, were positive. The 636 additional cases of novel coronavirus bring the statewide total to 432,767.

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A Yates resident who is in the 30s is the latest confirmed case of Covid-19 in Orleans County. The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

The county has now had 288 people test positive for Covid-19.

Genesee County doesn’t have any new Covid-19 cases to report today. The county has one more recovery for 215 total.

Genesee also is reporting three more people on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. One Genesee resident also is hospitalized who has Covid.

• State-wide data: Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported that 791 people tested positive for Covid on Wednesday out of 83,437 test results for a positive rate of 0.95 percent. That is the 20^thstraight day the state has been under a positive rate of 1 percent.

Other data includes:

• Patient Hospitalization – 490 (-2)
• Number ICU – 126 (-10)
• Number ICU with Intubation – 52 (-2)
• Deaths – 4 (Total Deaths – 25,309)

More from the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments:

• Agricultural Seasonal Worker Covid-19 Testing Opportunity: The Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Health, and Labor are partnering with county health departments, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York Farm Bureau and community health partners in Clinton, Genesee, Orleans, Ulster and Wayne counties to offer free Covid-19 testing to agricultural workers.

These counties were selected for this opportunity as these counties see the highest number of out-of-state workers during harvest season. For registration, click here.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that free rapid testing sites will be opening in Western New York after a spike in Covid-19 cases.

The testing SWAT teams will be available in partnership with Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center, and Catholic Health. Eight new testing sites will open this Saturday.

Sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturday through Wednesday. All residents are eligible for tests and appointments can be made by calling 833-NYSTRNG (697-8764).

Some of the sites will be available in Niagara County. Orleans County is in the Finger Lakes Region, where the positivity rate for Covid-19 was 0.5 percent on Monday and Tuesday, and 0.6 percent on Wednesday. In the five-county WNY, the rate was 1.8 percent, 1.4 percent and 2.0 percent the past three days.

New York State will deploy 50 rapid testing machines to support the effort and will deploy more as needed. All tests are free of charge and the results will support the contact tracing efforts being conducted to monitor and control the virus spread.

“In Western New York, we have a caution flag out and we’re going to fly it a little higher today. The region’s infection rate was 2 percent yesterday, which is not good news,” Governor Cuomo said. “We’re going to deploy a SWAT team from the Department of Health that is going to conduct additional testing at eight sites in the region using Abbott testing machines, which provide same-day results literally within the hour. We’re focusing on Western New York and we’re going to continue to focus on it. Thank you to our partners Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center and Catholic Health for their assistance with this effort.”

A list of the eight new testing sites includes:

• Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215
• True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E. Ferry St., Buffalo, NY 14211
• Northwest Buffalo Community Center, 155 Lawn Ave., Buffalo, NY 14207
• Dunkirk Fire Murphy Training Grounds, 665 Brigham Rd., Dunkirk, NY 14048
• SUNY ECC North, 6205 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221
• Vigilant Fire Hall, 666 Main St., West Seneca, NY 14224
• John A. Duke Senior Center, 1201 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14301
• YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, 32 Cottage St., Lockport, NY 14094

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Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has joined by Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23) and Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar to provide additional funds for hospitals from the Public Health Services and Support Emergency Fund.

Jacobs, Reed, and Morelle cited Thompson Health in Canandaigua and Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport, which have not received any relief funding since the initial round of federal funding distributed on April 10th. Thompson Health serves over 165,000 residents and has more than 1,700 workers. Before COVID-19, 80% of their revenue came from outpatient services – these were halted to focus on the COVID-19 response, and they are now facing $10 million in losses.

“Hospitals in our region, such as Thompson Health, have fully complied with all COVID-19 guidelines and served their communities effectively during the pandemic,” Jacobs said. “However, following these guidelines has resulted in drops in inpatient volumes and increased costs for protective equipment and testing. While they have faced the same challenges and financial struggles as other providers, our hospitals, many serving rural communities, have not received the same amount of federal aid.”

Thompson Health and other providers have been without critical funding for over 17 weeks, despite their continued efforts to provide COVID-19 relief services to our area. Without additional support, they are facing severe financial cutbacks that could have devastating effects on the region.

The Representatives are asking for the consideration of a “plus-up” formula for future aid funding. Under this method, each hospital would receive, at minimum, the same percentage of the previous year’s revenue. This would make funding distribution more even, currently Thompson, for example, has received roughly 2% of FY19 revenue, while other hospitals have received up to 50% FY19 revenue.

“We care about our communities’ access to medical care and the incredible hospitals in our region who provide quality services,” Congressman Reed said. “It is only fair that HHS work with us to ensure bureaucratic classifications don’t prevent medical providers from receiving the federal aid they deserve to continue serving people during this difficult period.”

“Healthcare providers have been on the front lines battling this unprecedented global health crisis, yet many smaller providers have failed to receive the support and assistance they deserve,” Congressman Morelle said. “Many are struggling under the weight of financial loss and need our help to continue the essential services they provide for our community. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Chris Jacobs to stand up for these small hospital providers and urge HHS to provide additional relief immediately.”

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Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Today’s vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as polio, pneumonia, and cancers caused by HPV.

Because of advances in medical science, your children and family can be protected against more diseases than ever before. As schools and colleges begin to reopen, parents and guardians should make sure their children are up-to-date on their vaccines.

“Consulting with your child’s doctor before school starts is a fantastic way to get information about vaccine schedules while making sure your family is best prepared to start the school year,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans counties.

With the school guidance set forth by New York State, many safeguards are put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the academic setting. However, it is still important to remember and protect against vaccine preventable diseases.

During these challenging times, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend every child continues to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Well-child visits and vaccinations are essential services and help make sure children are protected. Children who are not protected by vaccines may be more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough,” said Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties. “As communities are opening up, it’s important for parents to work with their children’s health care team to make sure their children stay up to date on routine vaccines.”

With flu season right around the corner, it’s important that you schedule time for you and your family to receive your annual flu vaccine. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever.

Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination in September or October but getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season can help protect you.

Whether you are a parent, expecting a child, or an adult, you have the power to keep yourself and your family healthy against harmful diseases. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to help safely develop protection from diseases.

During NIAM, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments encourages you to talk to your primary care physician to ensure that you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines. We also encourage you to visit CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout your child’s life. Adults can use the CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.

For information about Health Department services contact:

• Genesee County Health Department at 344-2580 ext. 5555 or click here for the department’s website.
• Orleans County Health Department at 589-3278 or click here for the department’s website.

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Orleans and Genesee counties both don’t have any new Covid-19 cases to report today.

Orleans has 5 new individuals on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. Genesee has 11 new individuals on precautionary quarantine due to travel.

Genesee continues to have one person hospitalized due to Covid-19, while Orleans doesn’t have any hospitalized, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

State-wide Data: There are 566 new Covid-19 cases in the state out of 71,189 test results reported on Tuesday for a 0.79 percent positive rate. The state’s rate of positive Covid-19 tests has been below 1 percent for 19 straight days.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state is closely monitoring the recent increase in Western New York’s infection rate, which was at 1.8 percent on Monday and 1.4 percent on Tuesday.

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Orleans and Genesee counties are both reporting one new case of Covid-19 today.

In Orleans, the new case is a person from Shelby in the 60s. The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Orleans has now had 287 people test positive for Covid-19.

The county also is reporting one more person has recovered from Covid-19 and has been released from mandatory isolation. That brings the total recoveries in the community to 132.

The Health Departments also say 14 more individuals are on precautionary quarantine in Orleans due to travel from restricted states.

In Genesee County, the new case is a person from Pavilion in the 30s. The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive. Genesee has now had 276 people test positive for Covid-19.

Genesee also is reporting it has one resident is hospitalized with Covid-19, and one more person is on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Click here to view the online map of confirmed cases in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

• State-wide data: The state is reporting 629 people tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday out of 67,255 test results or 0.94 percent.

Other state data includes:

• Patient Hospitalization – 488 (+6)
• Number ICU – 133 (+13)
• Number ICU with intubation – 52 (-2)
• Deaths – 2 (Total Deaths – 25,297)

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Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland and Montana come off the list

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that five states—Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland and Montana—have been removed from New York State’s Covid-19 travel advisory. Guam has been added.

The advisory requires individuals who have traveled to New York from areas with significant community spread to quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine applies to any person arriving from an area with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or an area with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

New York State has had a rate of positive tests below 1 percent for 18 straight days. Yesterday, 2 deaths were reported from Covid-19, matching the state’s previous low. No deaths were reported in New York City.

“New Yorkers made enormous sacrifices to get our numbers as low as they are today, and we don’t want to give up an inch of that hard-earned progress,” Cuomo said. “That’s why these travel advisory precautions are so important – we don’t want people who travel to states with high community spread to bring the virus back here.”

The full, updated travel advisory list includes: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Virgin Islands and Wisconsin.

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Orleans County is reporting one new confirmed case of Covid-19 today, the first new case in a week. The county has now had 286 people test positive for the virus.

The new positive case is an Albion resident in the 50s. The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation. The county has now had 131 people from the community recover after getting Covid-19.

The Health Departments also reported 22 new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

In Genesee County there aren’t any new cases to report since Friday. The county has thtee more recoveries, bringing that total to 214.

Genesee has one resident hospitalized from Covid-19, and 13 new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Click here to view the online map of confirmed cases in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

• State-wide data: Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new record-low Covid-19 test positivity rate of 0.66 percent. There were 408 positive cases out of 62,031 test results. This was the 17th straight day with the positivity rate below 1 percent.

There are 482 hospitalizations in the state due to Covid-19, 120 people in ICU, and there were seven deaths on Sunday, bringing the total confirmed deaths in the state from Covid-19 to 25,295.

These are each of the 10 regions percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days. Orleans County is in the Finger Lakes Region.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Gyms & Fitness Centers: In order for these centers to prepare for potential reopening today, it is important for owners and managers to review the guidelines, develop their business safety plan and read and affirm the detailed guidelines located on the NY Forward website.

Prior to reopening and inspection, gym owners and managers will have to adhere to the NYS guidelines which can be found on the NY Forward website and completing the following steps:

1. Develop a business safety plan,
2. Have an HVAC inspection by an approved professional,
3. Complete the affirmation for each facility location that they have reviewed andunderstand the New York State guidelines and will implement these protocols. Click the link for the affirmation statement and choose gyms and fitness centers.

Once the business safety plan and air handling inspection are complete and an attestation form is submitted, Genesee and Orleans Counties will begin the process of scheduling inspections.  All facilities must schedule an inspection within two weeks of opening.  These steps must be completed prior to scheduling an inspection. For Genesee County call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 and for Orleans County call 585-589-3278.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new record-low Covid-19 test positivity rate of 0.69 percent and the lowest COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU patients since the pandemic began.

On Friday, hospitalizations dropped to 483, a new low since March 16, and the number of patients in ICUs dropped to 116, a new low since March 15. Intubations matched a previous low of 56.

“In New York we didn’t just flatten the curve, we bent it—and the numbers continue to stay low, demonstrating our data-driven phased reopening continues to work,” Governor Cuomo said. “Yesterday we had the lowest test positivity rate, lowest hospitalizations and lowest ICU patients since the middle of March. This shows that protecting public health and reopening our economy aren’t mutually exclusive if done the right way, and record-high testing doesn’t equal more positive tests. New Yorkers have driven this recovery and I urge everyone to stay New York Tough—wear masks, socially distance and stay disciplined. This thing isn’t over yet.”

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,553 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 8 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. The observed violations were in Manhattan, 6; Queens, 1; and Suffolk, 1.

Of the 94,849 test results reported to New York State yesterday, 653, or 0.69 percent, were positive. Those 653 additional cases of novel coronavirus bring the statewide total to 429,165 confirmed cases in New York State.

Today’s data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization – 483 (-7)
• Number ICU – 116 (-3)
• Number ICU with Intubation – 56 (-2)
• Deaths – 4 (Total Deaths – 25,282)

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Orleans County made it four straight days without a new confirmed case of Covid-19, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported today.

Orleans has 11 more people on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

In Genesee, there is one new confirmed case, a person in the 40s from LeRoy. The individual was not mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive. Genesee has now had 275 people test positive for Covid-19.

Genesee is also reporting two more recoveries from Covid-19, bringing the county’s total recoveries in the community to 211. One Genesee resident remains hospitalized due to the virus.

Genesee also has 23 more people on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Disparity between state and county numbers: We only report the numbers that are directly received to our departments. NYS data has been off due to some results being linked to people with one of our county’s addresses but actually don’t live in either county. These results are transferred to the appropriate county of residence, but are not reflected on the state’s daily updates.

• Be alert for scam artists: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Department staff will always identify themselves, their position, and the reason for their visit or phone call. All staff have county provided identification badges that have their pictures.

In the event you are approached by someone stating they are from the health department without a clear reason for their visit or phone call, do not let them in your home and do not give them any information and call 911.

• If symptoms, stay home: The most important thing to remember is if you are having any type of symptoms to STAY HOME! Some of the symptoms people have been reporting are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste and/or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headaches, fatigue nausea or vomiting and/or diarrhea.

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Orleans County, for the third straight day, doesn’t have any new Covid-19 cases to report. Orleans does have three more people on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported today.

Genesee County has one new confirmed case, a person in the 30s from Batavia. Genesee has now had 274 people test positive for Covid-19.

The new case is an individual who wasn’t on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

Genesee also is reporting nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. Genesee also has one resident hospitalized due to Covid-19.

Click here to view an online map of confirmed cases in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties.

• Statewide data: Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported today that the number of hospitalizations statewide from Covid, 518, is the lowest number since March 18.

New York also had its 13^th straight day with the infection rate below 1 percent. There were 601 new cases on Wednesday out of 80,984 test results, a positive rate of 0.74 percent.

Other statewide data includes:

• Number ICU – 120 (-11)
• Deaths – 5 (Total Deaths, 25,275)

More from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments:

• Communication survey: We need your help!  Please consider taking a few minutes to complete a survey to measure our Genesee-Orleans Health Departments communication efforts in response to Covid-19. Your response is appreciated! Click here for the survey.

The survey will be available for your input until Aug. 24.

• Testing:  If you are being tested for Covid-19 it is important that you self-quarantine until you get your test results, whether you have symptoms or not.  If you are symptomatic, meaning you are coughing, have a fever or other symptoms, self-quarantine even if you are an essential worker until you get your results back. If you have Covid-19 you may be spreading it!  That means to stay home and limit contact with other people, even in your household.

• Community Testing Sites: Check with the testing site for any specific criteria necessary for testing such as illness, contact with someone who tested positive, essential worker, required for reopening/business, etc. Many need to have a doctor referral/prescription. Always call first.

• Oak Orchard Health: 301 West Ave Albion, NY 14411. Call (585) 589-5613 to be screened and to schedule an appointment – no walk-ins.
• WellNow Urgent Care: 4189 Veterans Memorial Drive Batavia, NY 14020.
• Rochester Regional Health Urgent Care: 16 Bank Street Batavia, NY 14020.

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