OC Leg leader: ‘Orleans County’s resilience has been nothing short of incredible’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 August 2020 at 2:46 pm

Lynne Johnson says pandemic has highlighted other challenges in community, including access to childcare and nutritious food

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lynne Johnson said there are many needs facing the community during the pandemic.

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson praised county residents for their efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19, especially with only a few cases in most recent weeks.

“Orleans County’s resilience has been nothing short of incredible in the face of Covid-19,” she said on Tuesday during the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. “In these past six months we’ve risen to the moment by staying home, staying apart, and staying vigilant.”

The county has had 287 people test positive for Covid-19, and suffered 55 deaths, with 54 of those at nursing homes in Albion and Medina.

The rate of new cases has significantly slowed, even as the county and region have reopened the economy.

“I know these months have both been unpredictable and unsettling, but because of your vigilance we’re on the right path in managing this disease,” Johnson said.

She praised the local village, town and county officials who have been working more hours to help protect the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. She urged the local officials and residents to continue to take precautions and guard against the spread of the virus, especially with predictions from public health officials that there could be a surge or second wave this fall or winter.

Johnson said she worries about other negative impacts on the community, due to the impact of Covid-19.

“Our community’s needs for access to mental health, nutritious food and other social supports are rising and present challenges that we must respond to with sustained vigilance parallel to our Covid response,” she said.

There are greater needs for childcare as people try to return to work in person. Johnson also said there are increased calls about domestic violence and stress on other health conditions during this pandemic.

“We must all ask ourselves what role we play in caring for those around us, whether they be a friend, family member, neighbor or stranger,” Johnson told the local officials during their meeting on Tuesday evening. “We are asking everyone to join us in investing our energy into caring for one another and leveraging our resources to help meet the needs of the community.”

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