Press Release, Orleans Community Health
MIDDLEPORT – As of Monday, March 30, the Orleans Community Health Middleport Lab at 21 North Main St. will be closed until further notice.
The Albion Healthcare Center Lab (14789 Route 31 and Butts Road) will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (585-589-2273).
We apologize for any inconvenience.
If you have any questions, please contact Joanna Miller/Risk Manager at 585-798-8210.
The Public Health Department in Orleans and Genesee counties reported more local cases of COVID-19, with one more in Orleans and 2 new confirmed cases in Genesee County.
• Orleans: The new positive case is under the age of 65 and is a resident of the central part of the county. This individual is being isolated in an adjacent county, said the Health Department.
• Genesee: One positive case is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County. The second positive case is over the age of 65 and also resides in the central part of the county. Based on the ongoing investigation, these cases are not connected. These two individuals are under mandatory isolation and are in the hospital.
Cumulative Data
• To Date: Genesee and Orleans have each received 61 negative test results for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: 6 people are under precautionary quarantine, 8 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 4 people are under mandatory isolation 1 of whom is hospitalized and 3 are recovering at home (one out of county).
• Genesee County: 18 people are under precautionary quarantine, 26 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 2 people are under mandatory isolation at home and 2 people are under mandatory isolation and are hospitalized.
“As a reminder, we are asking our community members to practice social distancing and stay home whenever possible to control the spread of this virus,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for the two counties.
Western New York counties – COVID-19 cases
Allegany – 2 confirmed (0 new cases)
Chautauqua – 1 confirmed (0 new cases)
Erie – 134 confirmed (12 new cases)
Genesee – 4 confirmed (2 new cases)
Livingston – 3 confirmed (0 new cases)
Monroe – 139 confirmed (21 new cases)
Niagara – 14 confirmed (2 new cases)
Orleans – 4 confirmed (1 new case)
Wyoming – 7 confirmed (3 new cases)
State-wide – 37,258 confirmed (6,448 new cases)
Press release, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic with modifications in place to protect the health of patients and staff.
“We are open and providing treatment services in Albion and Batavia,” Executive Director John Bennett said. “Group sessions have been cancelled, but we are still accepting appointments for individual counseling sessions or phone sessions.”
Bennett advised patients to call their GCASA counselor for further information, noting that tele-practice sessions are being set up to eliminate any exposure.
“It is also important to note that GCASA’s methadone clinic is the first of its kind to provide medication outside, something that’s being modeled at other agencies in the state,” Bennett said.
Residential services continue, again with preventive measures in place, and although Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road is temporarily closed to the public, it is being made available for GCASA’s Atwater House residents.
GCASA Prevention Department group programs, such as the DWI Victim Impact Panel and Children of Addiction Support Groups, have been cancelled for the time being.
Prevention Director Shannon Ford and her staff are working on creative ways to advance prevention messaging via social media and through the school districts.
Bennett said all staff are adhering to the coronavirus protocol during the crisis, with many being able to work remotely to decrease the number of people on site.
He encourages everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones by doing the following:
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Maintaining social distancing, keeping at least six feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing;
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
• Practicing respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately;
• Seeking medical care early if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Press Release, Orleans and Genesee Public Health Departments
Genesee County has one new confirmed case of coronavirus, while Orleans remains at three cases, according to the Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments.
The positive case in Genesee County is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County. The individual is under mandatory isolation and is recovering at home, said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for the two counties.
Contact tracing has been initiated for the new case. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms present). If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Genesee County Health Department.
Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 49 negative test results while Orleans has 52 negative test results for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: 6 people are under precautionary quarantine, 7 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 3 people are under mandatory isolation – 1 of whom is hospitalized and 2 are recovering at home.
• Genesee County: 18 people are under precautionary quarantine, 16 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 2 people are under mandatory isolation at home where they are recovering.
• As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments for any positive results. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is initiated based on the day the identified positive case became symptomatic. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated.
• Currently, NYS clearance criteria require 2 negative COVID-19 swabbing results prior to being released. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine / isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time.
• Please remain home if ill, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to limit physical contact. The flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
Returning Snowbirds
• Due to the number of positive cases in New York State, there are stricter guidelines in place and may be different from your winter address. All large gatherings have been canceled or postponed.
We strongly encourage anyone over 65 or those with underlying health issues to consider self-quarantine which means to limit contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home as much as possible as this age group is one of the higher-risk groups. This includes visiting the grocery store to limit exposure to any respiratory virus.
Check with your grocery store / pharmacy to see if they have special considerations for seniors and those with underlying health issues such as special hours, curbside pick-up or delivery. Monitor your symptoms and if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider immediately.
If you are in need of household essentials such as groceries or prescriptions, ask a family member, neighbor, or someone in your social support network for assistance. They may be able to shop for your needs and leave the items outside your door so they do not have any physical contact with you.
(Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected. The original post said one new confirmed case in Orleans County, but it’s two new cases.)
The Orleans County Health Department reported this afternoon there are two new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The two people in the new confirmed cases both reside in the center part of the county and cases are not connected. One of the individuals is over 65 and the other is younger than 65, Pettit said.
“The contact tracing has been initiated for the new cases,” according to the Health Department. “Known contacts to these two cases have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated. If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department.”
In Orleans County, 45 people have been tested for coronavirus and 43 of those test results came back negative. Another positive case from Orleans was a person who actually was on vacation out of state when tested positive with coronavirus.
Four people are under precautionary quarantine, 13 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 3 people are under mandatory isolation – 1 of whom is hospitalized and 2 are recovering at home, the Health Department reported.
MEDINA – The latest restrictions ordered by Governor Cuomo in efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus in New York State have not only resulted in local organizations having to make drastic changes in planned events for the year, but could have a negative financial effect, especially on Orleans Community Health.
At Medina Memorial Hospital, Orleans Community Health has announced the postponement of two events – a Meet and Greet with new doctors on March 25 sponsored by Community Partners, and a basket raffle in honor of the late Nancy Albanese April 2 to April 4, sponsored by a group of community members. Proceeds of the event, when it can take place, will go towards renovations and improvements in the Recovery Room, where Albanese worked for most of her 40 years at the hospital.
Heather Smith, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation, said they are extremely busy implementing protocols to ensure they are doing their utmost to protect every resident, patient and staff member.
“In addition to these protocols, we have been asked to postpone our events and meetings for an unspecified amount of time,” Smith said.
Orleans Community Health’s “For Women Only” event on April 29 also has been postponed. That event typically includes more than 200 people and is a fundraiser for people battling cancer.
As of right now, Smith said the OCHF Annual Golf Tournament is currently scheduled for June 19, however, they are holding off on taking registrations and sponsors until they feel confident it will not be canceled. The good news is, she said, they already have a rain date of July 24.
Unfortunately, some of these protocols have cost the hospital.
“We have yet to determine the actual financial impact this will have on our bottom line,” Smith said. “It is of great concern that while we are trying to protect our community we will also suffer a huge financial burden, due to the added expense of implementing necessary precautions and regulations which are out of our control.”
The hospital is asking anyone who has the means to consider making a donation at this time to help alleviate these unforeseen expenses that could have a dramatic effect over the long run.
Anyone who can make a donation is asked to mail a check payable to Orleans Community Health Foundation, 200 Ohio St., Medina, or donate online at www.supportoch.org.
ALBION – There are no new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Orleans or Genesee counties, the public health departments said today.
Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 36 negative test results and Orleans has had 34 negative test results for COVID-19
The Health Department reported the following this afternoon.
• Local contact tracing continues within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Regarding the special circumstances of the Orleans positive. (That person was diagnosed while on vacation out-of-state but is believed to have contracted the virus in Orleans.)
Identified contacts have been notified and quarantined and swabbed as indicated. This patient became symptomatic out of state and is now in mandatory isolation at their residence in Orleans County. The patient was released from isolation from the state they were in, in line with that state’s clearance criteria. NYS clearance criteria is currently more restrictive and requires negative COVID-19 results prior to being released. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine /isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time.
• Orleans County: 4 people are under precautionary quarantine, 10 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 1 person is under mandatory isolation (this is not a new positive case). As shared last week, the department continues to explore contacts related to the case and places any further contacts on mandatory quarantine as needed
• Genesee County: 7 people are under precautionary quarantine, 20 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 1 person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation.
• Reminder as discussed last week. We are placing people on quarantine and isolation from the health department but individuals will also be asked by their provider to self-isolate if they have been swabbed until the results come back. This is very important. Number one the person is symptomatic, that’s why they’re being swabbed and secondly, we don’t want the person exposing others to illness (COVID-19 or otherwise). Please remain home if ill.
• Young people may think this won’t affect them…they can get COVID-19, they can spread it to vulnerable populations and although not as likely, they can be hospitalized and possibly die from this disease, just as they can get the flu and have complications.
Young people may also have underlying health issues they may not be aware of or if they smoke / vape, etc. they are putting themselves at higher risk of severe illness. This is why all people participate in social distancing even if they are not immune-compromised some people are going to react to this illness differently…it is not just the older folks, they do have the greater risk of dying or going to the hospital but people of any age can have severe illness. It is still important for all to help flatten the curve.
Swabbing/Partner Information
• Remember that if you are sick to call your primary care provider. If you must go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care – call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival.
• COVID-19 swabbing/testing at the Health Departments and community is limited. If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. Do n Do not go directly there, call ahead to get guidance. We will be screening and focusing on our at-risk populations – elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues. Primary care providers and some health systems are offering testing in both Monroe and Erie counties. We’re still waiting on more public/private labs to sign-on soon along with swabbing kits.
• Lab testing has been bogged down and sample results are coming back slower. Again this is a source of frustration for the public and us. We continue to push these unacceptable issues back up to the state.
• Due to the current limited swabbing kits, guidelines are in place for primary care providers to order COVID-19 swabbing. We will notify how and who can be tested at testing sites once we have the capability to set them up.
• Flu for the week ending March 14: Orleans had 8 flu cases that week and 257 for the season; Genesee – 22 cases of flu that week and 588 for the season. Compared to COVID-19 the risk of the flu and what many people may be experiencing is higher.
We are receiving back negative COVID-19 test results from the lab, but we are still having flu – more flu and other respiratory illness as we look at the data. Keep this in mind. Everyone should be social distancing and staying home.
MEDINA – Orleans County’s only hospital will expand its capacity from 15 beds to 23, said Mark Cye, CEO of Medina Memorial Hospital.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today signed an executive order requiring hospitals in the state to increase bed capacity by at least 50 percent. The governor urged hospitals to have a goal of increasing capacity by 100 percent so they can handle an anticipated wave of cases with people suffering respiratory infections from the coronavirus.
Cye said the Medina hospital has also modified its CMR unit, which is no longer in use, but could provide additional beds if necessary.
“If we had a large influx we could accommodate 49 beds total,” Cye said.
Medina Memorial has staffing for 25 beds and will hire more staff if necessary, he said.
“We are being proactive and are in the process of reaching out for more staff in the event we need more,” Cye said. “We have also discontinued all out-patient services and are cross training our current staff to work in other direct care areas as needed.”
Medina Memorial also is working the state and local public health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance to protect the health and safety of patients and staff, Cye said.
“And we are continually taking measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus In our community and to ensure we are prepared to care for those who are sick or injured,” he said.
Governor Cuomo announced today that an additional 5,707 coronavirus cases in New York State, bringing the statewide total to 20,875.
Press Release, Dr. Tom Madejski
MEDINA/ALBION – General Physicians PC’s Medina and Albion offices remain open during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
In order to protect our patients and reduce chances of exposure to the corona virus we are changing some of our processes for patient visits and management.
Both Medina and Albion offices will remain open with regular office hours.
We have accelerated our adoption of telemedicine and will convert many visits to virtual visits using telephone, Skype, ZOOM or other interactive technology. Patients who require a procedure or physical examination will still come to and be cared for at the office in the usual fashion.
Dr. Madejski, Marcel Rozario ANP, Pamela Eaton ANP, Emma Leatham PA, and Pamela Eaton ANP will continue to see patients either through a telemedicine interface or in person in the office.
Dr. Madejski anticipates that 60-70% of visits can be done without coming to the office, reducing the chance of exposure of patients to healthcare workers and importantly to other patients who could potentially be carrying the virus and be a source of transmission while still asymptomatic. This is especially important for our elder patients with multiple medical issues.
Patients, as always, have options to reschedule visits but we recommend keeping regular follow-up and wellness visits as scheduled. This should keep your healthcare up to date and reduce the likelihood of problems arising due to deferral of care and testing. This is especially important for our patients with multiple chronic diseases. It will also assist in reducing the pressure to catch up with diagnostic testing and care when we return to normal in the next few weeks to months.
Due to the declaration of a National Emergency telemedicine visits are covered by insurance without any copayment. General Physicians is also able to see new patients via telemedicine without a pre-existing relationship during the crisis. Patients who have symptoms are welcome to call for guidance and help avoid additional burdens to our stressed inpatient healthcare system.
Dr. Madejski and the staff at General Physicians remain committed to helping the citizens of Orleans and Eastern Niagara Counties weather this storm and come out of it stronger.
Please call us with any questions at 585-798-3345 or 585-589-1322.
Press Release, Orleans Community Health
MEDINA – Are you currently unemployed due to COVID-19 closures?
Why not become an OCH Health Care Hero? Orleans Community Health is accepting applications for temporary paid positions:
• Nurses with an active license
• CNAs with certifications
• Physicians
• PAs and NPs
• Nurses who are not currently in school
• Other people who have medical knowledge in their current jobs and want to help out.
• Ancillary support staff including: maintenance, security, dietary, housekeeping, some patient care, information technology and office work.
• We are also looking for volunteers, church groups, etc. who could help with sewing surgical masks and scrubs. We will provide the patterns.
If you are interested, please contact Mary Williams 585.798.8148 mwilliams@medinamemorial.org or Cindy Perry 585.798.9540 cperry@medinamemorial.org.
In addition to the concerns over the coronavirus, the Public Health Department in Orleans and Genesee counties warn this has been one of the worst flu seasons on record.
Orleans County has 249 confirmed cases up to March 7, including 24 the week ending March 7. In Genesee County, there are 562 cases of the flu this season, including 32 cases the week ending March 7, Paul Pettit, the Public Health director, said during a daily news briefing today.
Pettit has been updating reporters and the community with 4 p.m. press briefings since Tuesday.
Orleans County had its first confirmed case of coronavirus on Thursday. That person over age 60 is currently on vacation out of state. The person likely caught the virus in Orleans and then developed symptoms out of state. The person is in isolation, away from other people.
Genesee County reported its first confirmed case of coronavirus on Wednesday.
Pettit made a point today to tell younger people they aren’t safe from the virus. In fact, the CDC reports that 38 percent of the people hospitalized in the United States are between the ages of 20 to 54.
“Younger folks can get this,” Pettit said during today’s conference. “Anybody can get Covid-19. We need to remind folks that just because you feel invincible, you feel strong, you can still get Covid-19.”
Younger people could be infected with the virus, but may not be as adversely affected by it as people who are elderly or immune-compromised. However, younger people can still spread the virus around the community, putting others at risk, Pwttit said.
He urged people to practice social distancing, staying at least six feet away from other people.
“Stay home if you’re sick,” he said. “We don’t want folks out and about if you’re sick.”
He urged people to wash their hands frequently, clean common areas such as door knobs, and call ahead to the doctor’s office if they are feeling symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Pettit said the Health Department and Emergency Management Office in both counties are pushing for more swabbing kits so more people can be tested for the coronavirus in Orleans and Genesee counties.
“We are still very frustrated by lack of swabbing kits,” Pettit said. “We’re doing our best and we’re working hard to get those.”
Press Release, Orleans Community Health
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is implementing more changes in reposnse to the coronavirus of COVID-19.
With the presence of coronavirus, Orleans Community Health is continuing to take steps to protect the health and safety of its patients, visitors and staff.
Effective on Monday, March 23:
• All elective surgeries are being cancelled unless deemed medically urgent by the patient’s medical provider. If you have questions, please call Kim Gray, Director of Surgical Department at 585-798-8301.
• All radiology services including: x-rays, mammography, nuclear medicine, MRIs, etc. will be cancelled. If you have questions, please call Erica Chutko, Director of Imaging Services at 585-798-8039.
• Albion PT, OT and Speech services will be cancelled.
• Albion Healthcare Center will remain open by appointment only and for telemedicine. Please call 585-589-2273.
• The Lab at the hospital will be closed.
• Middleport and Albion outpatient labs will remain open.
• Dialysis in Medina and Batavia will continue to provide services.
• All visitation continues to be suspended except “special circumstances” (e.g. patients receiving end-of-life care, etc.). Such circumstances will be handled on a case by case basis.
• All associates and visitors will continue to be screened and have their temperature taken upon entering the hospital.
Orleans Community Health is taking these aggressive and prudent measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus in our community and to ensure our health system remains prepared to care for those who are sick and injured.
We continue to work closely with the CDC and local and state health officials to monitor and respond to this evolving situation.
Press Release, Mark O’Brien, director of Orleans County Department of Mental Health
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of Mental Health is announcing that effective Thursday, March 19, it will have the ability to do telephone counseling sessions for currently enrolled clients.
Anyone who feels the need to reschedule or cancel their appointment will now have the option of doing the session with their therapist from the comfort of their home. Of course, the clinic is still open for on-site sessions and has made all necessary adjustments to ensure the required “social distancing” necessary in this time.
For anyone new to the clinic, open access walk-in hours are still available and are on-site only. The clinic is spacious, comfortable and will have sufficient room to insure the health of any seeking services in these trying times.
The Department has posted to its site and to the Public Health site, tips for everyone to help cope with this crisis. The tips include suggestions for families with children and for caregivers who have elderly relatives. As always, the Care & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 at (585) 283-5200 or Text Line 741741.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Orleans and Genesee counties, speaks during a news conference on Monday at the old Genesee County Courthouse in Batavia. Genesee County Sheriff Bill Sheron is at left. On Monday there weren’t any confirmed cases of coronavirus in either Genesee or Orleans. Pettit was notified at 3 p.m. today that Genesee has its first confirmed case. That person, a 65-year-old man, will be in isolation for at least the next eight days.
BATAVIA – Genesee County has its first confirmed case of the coronavirus after a positive test from the Erie County Health Lab for a 65-year-old man.
That person has been in a quarantine since symptoms started to appear and will remain in isolation for at least another eight days, until he is no longer sick from the virus, said Paul Pettit, the Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans counties.
Orleans doesn’t have a confirmed case, but Pettit said the county’s neighbors have confirmed cases. He suspects it’s only a matter of time before Orleans has its first positive test.
There are five people in mandatory quarantine in Orleans County. Genesee also has 11 people in precautionary quarantine and two others in mandatory quarantine.
Wyoming County, another nearby rural county, also has its first confirmed case of coronavirus.
Pettit urged people to maintain a six-foot social distance if they are out in public, and to wash their hands frequently and wipe down common areas, such as doorknobs, with disinfectants.
“We do have community spread,” he said. “Hopefully this will be short-lived. In order to do that we need to be compliant and adore to the guidance that is being put out there.”
(Click here to see a video from the Batavia Daily News of the news conference this afternoon in Batavia.)
The Genesee & Orleans Health Departments is trying to get more swabbing kits so more people can be tested. Pettit said there is a big demand for those kits.
If people are feeling a respiratory illness, he said it may also be the flu which remains prevalent in the community.
He urged the public to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the virus. He is especially concerned for senior citizens and immune-compromised people who are more vulnerable to be harmed by the virus.
The 65-year-old man from Genesee County hadn’t traveled. That shows evidence of community spread, that the virus is within the community, Pettit said.
The Genesee County Department of Health has begun an investigation to identify potential close contacts of the individual who tested positive for the virus. Once identified, any close contacts will be notified of their potential exposure to COVID-19 and placed under mandatory quarantine to monitor for symptoms.
In order to hamper the spread of the virus, residents can practice social distancing and proper germ prevention practices:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Disinfect high-traffic surfaces often.
If you have questions about recent travel and symptoms regarding COVID-19, please call the NYSDOH Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
Oak Orchard Health, which runs health centers locally in Albion, Lyndonville and Brockport, has issued these guidelines for patients and other considering coming to Oak Orchard for care:
Because of increased spread of the coronavirus, if you or your child have a cough and fever without difficulty breathing please do NOT come into the office. Stay home and care for yourself or your child as you would a cold or mild respiratory illness.
If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, there is a hotline that you can call, 1-888-364-3065. You may also call our office for guidance. If you or someone in your care has severe illness, or breathing difficulty, consult the emergency room.
