There are opportunities this week for Orleans County residents to get the Covid-19 vaccine at a mass clinic.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have first dose Moderna vaccination clinics with appointments available targeting those who are 18 and older and open for any New York State individuals, who reside, work or study in the state.

There will be a clinic on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ridgeway Fire Hall on Route 104. As of 5:10 p.m., there are currently 116 appointment spots available. Click here to register.

There will be a clinic Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon at GCC in Batavia at the college’s athletic center. There are currently 169 spots available. Click here to register.

Walk-ins will be accepted at both clinics from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“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.

Vaccine registration help line: Both counties are offering vaccination clinic registration via phone – these numbers are for Covid vaccination registration only.

In Orleans, call (585) 589-3170. In Genesee, call (585) 815-7168. For both numbers ask for the vaccine registration help line. The vaccine registration help line is not associated with either Public Health Department. The individuals who answer the phone can only assist with registering for a Covid-19 clinic.

National Infant Immunization Week highlights breakthroughs in preventing many diseases

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

National Infant Immunization Week is April 24-May 1, 2021. This is an annual observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. It is also a week to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting health communities.

Vaccinations play a key role in protecting our children and our community from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. They are the most successful and cost-effective public health tool available for preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases as well as preventing death.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, some infants and children have missed or delayed routinely recommended vaccinations.

“Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases before the age of 2,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Diseases like whooping cough (pertussis) and the measles can be serious for infants and children. That is why it is important to stay on track with well-child visits and the recommended vaccination schedule.”

“Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your children are up to date on the recommended vaccination schedule, even during the pandemic.” Pettit stated. “Doctor’s offices are taking the necessary precautions to keep you safe and help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”

To learn more about vaccinations and to view the latest immunization schedule visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines or speak with your healthcare provider.

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 37 more cases of Covid-19 today for a total of 7,810 cases for the two counties during the pandemic. That includes 4,998 in Genesee and 2,812 in Orleans, according to today’s update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In the past seven days Genesee reported 95 new cases of Covid while Orleans has 92 new cases.

In Orleans County there are 16 new positive cases and they are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

Orleans is 11 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed

from the isolation list.

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

Orleans currently has 4 residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Albion Central School said today a middle school student tested positive for Covid-19. The student was last in school on April 22. The Department of Health has contacted and those deemed to have been in close contact with the student have been notified. On Thursday, Albion reported two high school students tested positive for Covid.

Medina Central School reported today that a high school staff member and high school student tested positive for Covid. The Department of Health has investigated in cooperation with the district and determined no further quarantines need to take place, Mark Kruzynski, Medina superintendent, said on the district website.

In Genesee County there are 21 new positive cases and they 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 19 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

Genesee currently has 7 residents hospitalized due to Covid.

The county also announced a resident under age 65 from the community has died due to Covid. “We are saddened to report the loss of one community resident,” the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments stated. “We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families. Our deepest condolences to the families and friends during this very difficult time.”

Active Cases: The number of active cases in the two counties is currently 185, which is up from 160 a week ago. Orleans is up from 74 to 101 cases, while Genesee has seen a decline from 86 to 84.

Vaccine registration help line: Both counties are offering vaccination clinic registration via phone – these numbers are for Covid vaccination registration only.

In Orleans, call (585) 589-3170. In Genesee, call (585) 815-7168. For both numbers ask for the vaccine registration help line. The vaccine registration help line is not associated with either Public Health Department. The individuals who answer the phone can only assist with registering for a Covid-19 clinic, they cannot answer Covid-related questions.

Genesee and Orleans today are reporting 27 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the two counties, bringing the total to 7,773 during the pandemic. That includes 2,796 in Orleans and 4,977 in Genesee in the past 13 months.

In Orleans County there are 11 more positive Covid cases and they are in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, the Genesee and Orleans County health Departments said in a daily news briefing.

Orleans has 5 more recoveries who have been removed from the isolation list. Of the new cases, 2 were previously on quarantine prior to testing positive.

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

One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility, where 50 of the women inmates have now tested positive during the pandemic.

In Genesee County there are 16 new positive Covid cases and they 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 and 50s.

Genesee is reporting 2 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 7 of the Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Active cases: The number of active cases in the two counties is at 180 today, which is up from 162 seven days ago. The cases in Genesee County have dropped from 86 to 84 in the past week, while they are up in Orleans from 76 to 96.

Vaccinations: To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties, click here. For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do not have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA).

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

For Genesee OFA, please call 585-813-2457 for Covid-19 vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns and crashing due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.

Covid Testing: For free rapid testing, click here. The links will be live when there is a clinic scheduled and there are open appointments. Clinics will be limited and determined week-by-week.

Active cases in Orleans up from 61 to 90 in past seven days

There are 24 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today for Orleans and Genesee counties, bringing the total in the two counties to 7,746 in the past 13 months of the pandemic. That includes 2,785 in Orleans and 4,961 in Genesee, according to a daily update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In Orleans County there are 20 new positive cases and those 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, and 50s.

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

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

There are 4 Orleans County residents currently hospitalized due to Covid.

Medina Central School reported two students in the elementary school tested positive for Covid. The Department of Health has investigated and, in cooperation with the school district, has contacted anyone who needs to be placed in quarantine, Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, said in a letter on the district website.

In Genesee County there are 4 new positive cases and they are in the Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield). The individuals are in the 20s, 30s and 40s.

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

There are currently 7 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

A Genesee County resident over age 65 also has passed away from Covid. The person was in the community, and not in a facility. Genesee has now had 122 residents die from Covid. Orleans has had 83 Covid-related deaths.

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

Active cases: The number of active cases in the two counties is up from 143 on April 14 to 160 today. In Orleans, the active cases is up from 60 to 91, while Genesee has seen the cases drop from 83 to 69.

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.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have first dose Pfizer vaccination clinics with appointments available targeting those who are 16 and older.

The clinics will be Thursday at the Ridgeway fire hall and Saturday at Genesee Community College in Batavia. The vaccine doses are open for any New York State individuals who reside, work or study in the state.

Currently in New York, being fully vaccinated will begin to offer opportunities that have been limited for the past year. Anyone who is fully vaccinated (2 weeks after the J&J vaccine or the second dose of Pfizer and Moderna) will be able to participate in various activities without having to be tested for entry for events such as professional sports, weddings with over 100 guests, proms, graduations and more.

Also, when fully vaccinated, the individual will not have to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. Most importantly, you are protecting your health along with others you come in contact with.

“We want to see all of these clinics filled up with those who can also commit to returning for the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine 21 days later,” said Paul Pettit, public health director in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Visit the Genesee and Orleans vaccination web page by clicking here. Choose either the GCC Pfizer Clinic or the Orleans Pfizer Clinic button and follow the directions.

Keep the link handy, as there are Moderna clinics scheduled on April 27th at Ridgeway Fire Hall and on the 28th at GCC. The buttons are live when we have that particular vaccine available. If the clinic is full or we do not have vaccine, it will show “No Appointments Available.” Please share this information with family, friends, co-workers and social groups.

For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines – Genesee: 585-815-7168 and Orleans: 585-589-3170.

These lines are only to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer Covid-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.

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

182 cases reported in past 7 days in 2 counties

There are 30 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported today combined for Orleans and Genesee counties, bringing the total for the two counties to 7,722 in the past 13 months of the pandemic. That includes 4,957 in Genesee and 2,765 in Orleans.

There have been 182 new cases in the two counties in the past 7 days, including 96 in Genesee and 86 in Orleans.

In Orleans County there are 9 new positive cases reported today and those cases are in West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon). The individuals are in their 30s, 40s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

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

Of the new cases reported today, 1 was previously on quarantine prior to testing positive, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

There are currently 4 Orleans residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Albion Central School reported today a student from the Elementary School has tested positive for Covid-19. As the student was last in school on April 20, those deemed to have been in close proximity with the student have been contacted by the Department of Health, the school district stated on its website.

Lyndonville Central School said on Monday that the district was notified over the past weekend that one student tested positive for Covid-19. The Health Department  determined that some students will need to be quarantined, and those families have already been contacted.

Medina Central School on Monday reported six students tested positive for Covid, including 3 in the high school, 2 in the middle school and 1 in the elementary school.

The Department of Health, in cooperation with the school district, has notified people who need to be quarantined.

The high school will be operating virtually with students fully remote through Monday, April 26. All school-sponsored sporting events, including practices and games, are suspended through April 26. Medina expects to reopen the high school on April 27.

In Genesee County there are 21 more new positive cases, with those 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, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Genesee is reporting 27 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list.

There are currently 7 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

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.

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.