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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2020 at 6:22 pm
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.
(Editor’s Note: There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Orleans or Genesee counties, and both counties each have two people under precautionary quarantine, according to the Orleans County Department of Health’s website.)
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Orleans & Genesee
“There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Genesee and Orleans counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee & Orleans Counties Departments of Health. “While the risk of community transmission is currently low, things are rapidly evolving with this outbreak. In response, our departments are proactively taking actions to safeguard our communities.”
The Health Departments are aware of a second positive case of COVID- 19 in Monroe County. “We continue to encourage social distancing where people avoid gathering in public places, limit contact with others; stay home if you are sick; if you are older and/or are immunocompromised with underlying health conditions stay home,” stated Pettit.
COVID-19 may cause symptoms including:
• Cough
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Pneumonia
“It is important to remain calm and focus on trusted, accurate information listed below,” stated Pettit. “We understand everyone wants to be updated but want to make sure the information is factual.”
For more information about prevention the state health department has an information call center for questions and answers about travel and symptoms regarding COVID-19. The number is 1-888-364-3065. Or you can visit the following websites:
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Orleans and Genesee Counties
The Public Health Departments in Orleans and Genesee counties are geared up to respond to a positive case of coronavirus in the two counties. So far there hasn’t been a confirmed case in either Genesee or Orleans, said Paul Pettit, public health director for the two counties.
“In response to Monroe County releasing a travel-related positive case of COVID-19 we want to assure Genesee and Orleans County residents that our health departments are continuing efforts to be prepared and ready for action when COVID-19 is diagnosed in one of our residents,” Pettit said. “It has been determined there is no indication of community transmission in the Monroe County case. We currently have one person under precautionary quarantine and is not displaying signs of illness. Our responsibility in this outbreak is four fold: 1. To prepare and be ready. 2. Detect, protect and treat. 3. Reduce transmission and 4. Innovate and learn.”
“Our departments have been preparing for events such as this. We are diligently in conversation with the New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for updated guidance. As we move forward with this outbreak we will be working with those returning from travel from Level 3 and Level 2 Travel Health Notice Countries as well as those who may have contact with someone who traveled and are displaying symptoms,” stated Pettit. “We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments,” stated Pettit. “You can also call the NYS Coronavirus Call Center: 1-888-364-3065 for questions and answers about travel and symptoms .”
It is important for everyone to be aware of how they can reduce transmission, not just for COVID- 19, but other respiratory related illness, such as the flu. For the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19 they will have mild symptoms. However, for those at risk, such as older people or those with underlying health issues such as heart, lung, diabetes, etc. they are at a higher risk of potentially life threatening symptoms. Limiting exposure to large group events and staying home when unwell are important steps. Organizations should start planning how they will meet the needs of their constituents if there is community transmission in our counties.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza) which is currently widespread:
• If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 March 2020 at 10:35 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Health care professionals at Orleans Community Health’s Walk-In Clinic in Albion demonstrate the new machine which can detect strep throat and flu in minutes. From left is Stephanie Wilson, clinic supervisor, and Connie Woroszylo, nurse practitioner. The Clinic is seeing an increased number of people with flu in recent weeks.
ALBION – Flu and strep are on the rise in Orleans County, according to health care professionals at Orleans Community Health’s Walk-In Clinic in Albion.
Nicole Helsdon, practice manager, said they are seeing as many as five people a day with the flu, but with acquisition of a new Cobas Liat machine, they are able to detect the virus in minutes.
Connie Woroszylo, nurse practitioner, and clinic supervisor Stephanie Wilson explained the process.
If strep is suspected, the nurse swabs the patient’s throat and then thrusts the swab into a vial, which is inserted into the Cobas Liat machine. A similar procedure is done to diagnose flu, except the patient is asked to blow his nose and then the nasal cavity is swabbed. With either illness, lab confirmed results are ready in 20 minutes.
“If we had to send the sample out for a culture, it would take days,” Woroszylo said. “This machine will detect both type A and B flu.”
Patients being seen at the clinic have mostly flu, with a few strep cases, Helsdon said.
We are at the peak of the flu season, Wilson said, and she stressed everyone should have a flu shot.
“It’s still not too late to get one,” she said. “The flu season runs through the end of May.”
She said the older population – over 60 – need a higher dose than would be available at a doctor’s office, and they can get it at their pharmacy.
The flu vaccine is recommended for ages beginning at six months, Wilson said. The vaccine usually lasts the entire year and the new vaccine typically comes out in August.
When people come in with flu symptoms, Helsdon said they are asked to put on a mask. As a precaution, she said her office is being very diligent in wiping down the surfaces often where people touch. She said when someone is diagnosed with the flu, they may be prescribed Tamiflu, which is a prescription which lessens symptoms, but doesn’t cure the flu.
“Otherwise they may be told to practice the traditional cures of rest, drink lots of fluids and stay home,” Helsdon said.
In light of the coronavirus impacting individuals in Western New York, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging residents to remain calm but take basic precautions to avoid becoming infected or ill.
To date, there have been 142 total confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York, with 8 people hospitalized. The highest at-risk populations are seniors, those with underlying illnesses and those with compromised immune systems.
“The state is taking an expedited and thorough approach to ensuring the well-being of our residents and executing the appropriate steps to stop the spread of coronavirus,” Hawley said. “My office has been in close contact with state leaders and the most important thing residents can do is to remain calm, practice thorough hygiene and avoid travel and contact with those thought to be infected.”
Gov. Cuomo announced today that hand sanitizer will be provided to New Yorkers free of charge and paid sick leave will be given to individuals under quarantine. In addition, there are new guidelines for those visiting correctional facilities and for nursing homes.
“The 18 students who have returned from Italy are asymptomatic but are being quarantined in an empty dorm at SUNY Brockport out of precaution. School officials are doing everything necessary to keep the student population safe and the Brockport community will be given additional info in the days to come,” Hawley continued. “Please remain vigilant and precautionary, and seek medical attention if you think you’ve become infected.”
NYS Price Gouging Hotline: 1-800-697-1220
NYS Department of Health Phone Number (888-364-3065) and website (click here).
(Editor’s Note: Governor Andrew Cuomo today confirmed 16 additional cases of novel coronavirus in New York State since his last update, bringing the statewide total to 105 confirmed cases. Of the 16 new cases identified since the Governor’s last update, 12 are in Westchester County, one in New York City in the Bronx, one in Nassau, one in Suffolk, and one in Ulster. Additionally, the Governor today called on the federal government to expedite their approval of private labs and automated and manual testing to expand New York State’s testing capacity. He also encouraged New Yorkers to work from home, telecommute and avoid densely populated spaces whenever possible to help contain the spread of the virus.)
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Orleans & Genesee counties
“With Governor Andrew Cuomo’s declaration of a state of emergency in New York in response to COVID-19, the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments are focusing on preparedness to respond to potential positive cases of COVID-19 in both counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Director, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.
New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has authorized health care providers to order testing for COVID-19. There is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the likelihood of more cases being identified in the coming days is possible. We will continue to update with local media as appropriate.
In Genesee and Orleans counties, we’ve had 12 people undergo precautionary quarantine based on travel history – 11 have been cleared, with none becoming ill, while one person remains in quarantine with no current illness and will remain under observation through the 14-day period.
“We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments,” stated Pettit. “Our social media platforms will continue to post pertinent information/trusted links and can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with GOHealthNY as our user name. You can also call the NYS Coronavirus Call Center: 1-888-364-3065 for questions and answers about travel and symptoms or visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.”
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza) which is currently widespread:
• If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Cuomo warns businesses against price gouging for cleaning products
Photo by Darren McGee, Office of the Governor: Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor, speak during a briefing today. They confirmed additional cases of novel coronavirus including two cases upstate in Saratoga County, bringing the statewide total to 76 confirmed cases (which was later increased to 89).
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency due to the rising number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. Today, the governor announced there are 32 more confirmed cases, bringing the total statewide to 76.
UPDATED at 7:25 p.m.: Cuomo confirmed 13 additional cases of novel coronavirus in New York State, bringing the statewide total to 89 confirmed cases. The 13 new cases identified since the Governor’s last update are located in Westchester County.
“I have officially [declared a state of] emergency which gives us certain powers,” Cuomo said. “We’re going to be doing purchasing and hiring more staff, especially to help local health departments that are very stressed. We’ve said to the local health departments you have to do the monitoring on the quarantine, the mandatory quarantine. So this is labor intensive. We need the staffing, we need the purchasing. Under the declaration of emergency, we have a more expedited purchasing protocol.”
Additionally, the Governor directed the New York State Department of State’s Consumer Protection Division to launch an investigation into reports of unfair price increases of consumer products such as household cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, and launched a toll-free hotline – 1-800-697-1220 – for New Yorkers to report suspected price gouging.
“I want businesses to be aware that you could lose your license for price gouging,” Cuomo said. “This is serious. It is not just price gouging. It is price gouging in an emergency situation where you are being exploitive of the public. And there are specific legal provisions for price gouging in an emergency situation. If you are a store, you can lose your license and we are very serious about this. For the few dollars that you are going to make during this situation it is not worth your while.”
This state of emergency declaration allows, among other things:
• Expedited procurement of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and other essential resources
• Allowing qualified professionals other than doctors and nurses to conduct testing
• Expedited procurement of testing supplies and equipment
• Expedited personnel onboarding
• Expedited leasing of lab space
• Allowing EMS personnel to transport patients to quarantine locations other than just hospitals
• Providing clear basis for price gouging and enforcement investigation
The 32 new cases identified today are located in New York City and Westchester and Saratoga counties. Of the 89 total individuals in New York State who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Genesee and Orleans counties
As of this morning, there are currently two people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State. One individual is a New York City resident and had returned from travel in Iran, and the other is a Westchester County resident who did not travel to a COVID-19 region, but had traveled to Florida so is considered a community spread transmission (person-to-person contact not knowing how or where they came in contact with the virus).
In Genesee and Orleans Counties, 9 people have returned home from travel to China, although none were at Wuhan, China. All 9 were placed in voluntary quarantine and 7 of the 9 have been released after their 14-day confinement, none of whom became ill.
Quarantine is for those who have returned healthy from COVID-19 regions where COVID-19 is spreading person-to-person or have had close contact with someone who was there and is ill. They are asked to remain in quarantine for up to 14 days from the day they left the country under restriction.
There is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the likelihood of more cases being identified in the coming days is evident. We will update with local media on a weekly basis.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza) which is currently widespread:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing/anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is joined today by Andrea Stewart-Cousins, majority leader of the State Senate, and Carl Heastie, speaker of State Assembly, in signing a $40 million emergency authorization to respond to the coronavirus. The trio is shown in the Red Room at the State Capitol.
During a novel coronavirus briefing, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed into law a $40 million emergency management authorization for New York State’s novel coronavirus response. This appropriation will allow the State to hire additional staff and procure equipment and any other resources necessary to respond to the evolving situation.
The Governor also announced he will amend his Paid Sick Leave budget proposal to specifically protect from termination people who are required to stay home from work because they are being isolated or quarantined as a result of the novel coronavirus.
The Governor also announced SUNY institutions will have students who are in study abroad programs in countries with high prevalence of novel coronavirus come home and will review all study abroad programs ahead of potential expanded travel restrictions by the federal government. SUNY is expected to release guidance later today.
“As the situation with the novel coronavirus continues to evolve, I want the people of New York State to know that their government is doing everything possible to confront and contain it,” Governor Cuomo said. “Last week I proposed a $40 million emergency management authorization to ensure New York State has the resources necessary to most effectively respond. Last night, the Legislature voted to pass this measure, and I applaud them for their swift action that demonstrates their appreciation of the complexity of this situation and their commitment to responsive measures. While New York’s overall risk level remains low, these actions will provide our doctors, hospitals and first responders with the tools they need to ensure the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and to prepare for any possible scenario.”
This morning, Governor Cuomo also said there is a second confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in New York – a 50-year old man in Westchester who is hospitalized and in serious condition.
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the world-renowned Wadsworth Center — the research-intensive public health laboratory housed within the State Department of Health — is partnering with hospitals to expand surge testing capacity to 1,000 tests per day statewide for the novel coronavirus. The Wadsworth Center will provide these hospitals with instructions on how to replicate the State’s test, as well as help them purchase some of the equipment necessary to develop and validate the test.
The Governor also announced the state will institute a new cleaning protocol at schools and in the public transportation system to help stop any potential spread of the virus.
While there is currently no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.
New Yorkers can call the State hotline at 1-888-364-3065, where experts can answer questions regarding the novel coronavirus. In addition, the Department has a dedicated website (click here) which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers.
Press Release, Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments
Provided photo: Ron Mannella serves as Weights & Measures director for both Orleans and Genesee counties.
As you try to make the most of your dollar, Weights & Measures is there to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. W&M acts as financial protection for both the buyer and the seller, ensuring fair transactions for all parties involved. We celebrate these relationships during the first week of March, National Weights & Measures Week.
The Genesee and the Orleans County Weights & Measures Departments test devices used in your day-to-day activities, including devices at gas stations, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, produce stands, and laundromats to name a few.
Last year there were 1,111 devices tested (Genesee: 705, Orleans: 406). Of those, 85.42% initially tested correct. When a device is found incorrect and in the store’s favor, the W&M director orders the device repaired. The business cannot use that device until the correction has been retested and inspected by a W&M inspector.
The W&M departments are also responsible for testing the quality of the fuel sold in the counties. This effort is 100% reimbursed by New York State. Last year there were 0 octane/cetane failures between the two counties.
New for 2020
Genesee and Orleans County Departments of Health are on the forefront when it comes to shared services, a joint effort to better serve their communities. Starting in January, the counties agreed to fully combine the two Weights & Measures Departments. This collaboration has created a safer and healthier environment for all residents as well as visitors to the area.
Between the two counties, the agreement has estimated savings of $54,290 in its initial year. “Rarely does a costs saving result in better and more efficient services for the community, but this arrangement does exactly that. We have figured it out,” stated Ronald P. Mannella, Director of Weights & Measures for Genesee-Orleans County Departments of Health (GO Health). “This department will continue to explore ways of stretching our tax payer dollars.”
Paul A. Pettit, Public Health Director stated, “This latest integrated approach to working across county lines and sharing services is another great example of how we can enhance benefits for our residents while reducing county costs.”
Protection at the pump
With support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Genesee-Orleans and the surrounding counties are cracking down on credit card skimmers and those responsible. W&M inspectors perform random sweeps of fuel stations looking for these fraudulent devices. Arrests have been made and we want it known that New York will not tolerate these criminal acts.
If you have suspicious credit card activity, call your bank immediately.
Tested and approved
When shopping, look for the seal. These seals indicate the device has been tested and passed inspection by a Weights & Measures inspector. If you believe the device is incorrect, simply point your smartphone at the QR Code on the seal and you will be prompted to our department website. Once there you are quickly able to report a complaint. Our office will continue to accept phone calls and emails.
‘There is no reason for undue anxiety – the general risk remains low in New York.’ – Gov. Andrew Cuomo
A Manhattan woman who returned from a trip to Iran is the first person in New York State to be diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement on Sunday night:
“This evening we learned of the first positive case of novel coronavirus — or COVID-19 — in New York State. The patient, a woman in her late thirties, contracted the virus while traveling abroad in Iran, and is currently isolated in her home. The patient has respiratory symptoms, but is not in serious condition and has been in a controlled situation since arriving to New York.
“The positive test was confirmed by New York’s Wadsworth Lab in Albany, underscoring the importance of the ability for our state to ensure efficient and rapid turnaround, and is exactly why I advocated for the approval from Vice President Pence that New York was granted just yesterday.
“There is no cause for surprise – this was expected. As I said from the beginning, it was a matter of when, not if there would be a positive case of novel coronavirus in New York.
“Last week I called for the Legislature to pass a $40 million emergency management authorization to confront this evolving situation – I look forward to its swift passage.
“There is no reason for undue anxiety – the general risk remains low in New York. We are diligently managing this situation and will continue to provide information as it becomes available.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State is now offering a free text message program to help kids quit e-cigarettes as the state moves to reverse the alarming rise in youth vaping.
Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker unveiled this initiative yesterday at a #NoVapeNY rally along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, New York State PTA and Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes at the Wheatley School, a public high school in Old Westbury, Long Island. It is the latest action in the Governor’s statewide campaign to end vaping among high school students.
“The alarming increase in the number of young people using e-cigarettes is proof we need to curb this deadly epidemic before another generation develops lifelong nicotine addictions,” Governor Cuomo said. “That’s why we’re taking bold and aggressive actions to ban all flavored nicotine vaping products, end these unscrupulous vaping advertisements aimed at our kids, and offer teens a simple way to get help quitting vaping.”
The State Department of Health partnered with Truth Initiative, a nonprofit national public health organization committed to making tobacco use a thing of the past, to create a NYS-specific version of their text-based intervention, “This is Quitting.” To access this program, users simply need to text “DropTheVape” to 88709.
This innovative and free text message program was created with input from teenagers, college students and young adults who have attempted to, or successfully, quit vaping. It is tailored to specific age groups (13-17 and 18-24) to give appropriate quitting recommendations.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “The disturbingly high level of e-cigarette usage by young people is nothing short of a public health crisis, and we must do everything in our power to turn the tide. This new program is a valuable resource and we urge everyone to Drop the Vape, starting with a simple text that could ultimately save their lives.”
Upon enrolling in the text message program, users receive interactive daily text messages tailored to their sign-up date or their target quit date, should the user choose to set one. Messages include encouragement, motivation, skill and self-efficacy building exercises and coping strategies.
Messages are available for at least one month if a user does not have a quit date set. If a user sets a quit date, they receive messages for at least one-week prior to the quit date and at least two months following the quit date, which they may change at any time. The program also directs users to the New York State Quitline, which recently added free quit-coaching and nicotine replacement therapy for eligible users of e-cigarettes to address the growing need to help them break their dependence on vaping.
Last week, Governor Cuomo launched a new campaign in support of his FY 2020-21 Executive Budget proposal to ban all flavored nicotine vaping products, including menthol flavors, and to restrict vaping advertisements aimed at youth. The Governor’s proposed legislation would also authorize the Department of Health to regulate the sale of vaping product carrier oils deemed to be a public health risk.
The legislation would also prohibit the online, phone and mail order sale of e-cigarettes; only registered retailers would be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes using those methods. The campaign includes a new hashtag – #NoVapeNY – as well as a petition where New Yorkers can show their support for the legislation and a new website – ny.gov/endvaping – with more information about the proposals.
According to Department of Health data, nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of all high school students in New York State are now using e-cigarettes, and this increase is largely driven by flavored e-liquids. High school use in 2018 (27.4%) is 160 percent higher than it was in 2014 (10.5%). While New York’s high school student cigarette smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to a record low of 4.3% in 2016, aggressive marketing strategies promoting flavored e-cigarettes is primed to reverse that trend.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is calling on the federal government to provide $3.1 billion in emergency supplemental funding for the public health response to the novel coronavirus. Of the $3.1 billion, at least $500 million should be directed to local and state health departments.
“Our county health officials are on the front lines of preparing communities to respond to disaster, including global outbreaks of infectious disease,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Local county health departments are already stretched thin addressing existing public health issues, without additional funding they won’t be able to adequately prepare for the potential spread of this virus. We need to properly arm these local health leaders for their ongoing and tireless efforts to prevent a serious outbreak.”
Emergency supplemental funding is needed to support current response activities, as well as future work as additional cases are identified. This includes:
• Isolation/quarantine-related activities, including transportation, lodging, and wrap-around services like behavioral health support, counseling, or even necessities like food and toiletries;
• Finding and monitoring patients that are currently under investigation (PUIs);
• Outreach to the general public, including translation of public health materials and work with healthcare facilities to facilitate additional coordination and education; and
• Purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, face shields, and fit testing by third party vendors.
Additionally, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that he was seeking a $40 million emergency appropriation for the New York State Department of Health to hire additional staff, procure equipment and other resources necessary to respond to the potential novel coronavirus.
NYSAC strongly supports this action and will work with the Governor to ensure that local health departments have the resources they need to work hand-in-glove with their state partners in managing this outbreak.
