These deaths are believed to be drug-related, police chief says

Press Release, Medina Police Chief Chad Kenward

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department in cooperation with other local law enforcement agencies are investigating the recent deaths of two young adults.

These deaths are believed to be drug related. If anyone has any information regarding these deaths, please contact the Medina Police Department at (585) 798-5602.

In addition to these incidents, we are aware of a recent spike in the area of drug-related deaths. It is believed that many of these deaths may be linked to heroin and fentanyl usage. These deaths are often due to increased levels of fentanyl. Individuals using these products many not even know that fentanyl is being mixed into these drugs, or may not be aware of their potency.

A reminder to all residents, fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug that can be deadly even when touched and absorbed into the skin. These dangers can increase dramatically when fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, and individuals may not be aware that they are taking them.

As always, we are continuing to work with local partners to fight opioid addition. Please work with us in keeping yourself and others safe. Thank you.

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Press Release, Police Chief Chad Kenward

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus has made adjustments to its operational plans. These operational plans are accordance with guidelines set by the CDC and other federal, state, and local authorities.

The Medina Police Department administrative office is closed to the public until further notice.  Only police officers and other essential personnel will be allowed inside the building.

Police Officers can be contacted by calling Orleans County Dispatch (585) 589-5627 or, in the case of an emergency, 911.

During business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), you can also call (585) 798-5602 for an officer or administrative assistance.

Calls for service that are not priority, officers may utilize phone contact rather than appearing in person.

Calls for service that require officers to appear in person may result in the officer asking persons to come outside to speak rather than inside or in close proximity.

We understand any frustration this may lend you, but please understand these measures are taken to reduce officers’ exposure to the virus and to still provide a high level of service to the public.

These operational plans will remain in effect until further notice.

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MEDINA – Medina Central School, which is closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, will continue to provide students with the meal service program.

Beginning today, breakfast and lunch will be available to our students between 11 a.m. and noon each day at the following locations:

• Pine Street Park: corner of Pine Street and Park Avenue

• MAAC Thrift Depot: corner of Starr Street and Orient Street

• Orleans County YMCA Parking Lot: 306 Pearl Street

• Former Towne School Parking Lot: 181 Bates Road

• Shelby Fire Department Parking Lot: 4695 S. Gravel Road

• Knowlesville Volunteer Fire Company Parking Lot: Knowlesville Road

• Oak Orchard Elementary Bus Loop

Students must be present, when possible, to receive their meals, Marc Graff, assistant superintendent, said in a letter to the community.

“We will monitor the distribution process and make any necessary adjustments as needed,” Graff said. “We wish to thank all of our students, families and staff for their understanding and patience as we work through these unprecedented times.”

For more information, click here to be directed to the district’s website.

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Press Release, Medina Mayor Michael Sidari

MEDINA – Due to the current State of Emergency in New York State and Orleans County, the Medina Village Office lobby will be closed for the protection of the employees and the public beginning start of business Monday, March 16, until further notice.

The drive-up window will be open for all normal business. This is for drive-up only, no walk up to the window.

Wednesday, March 18, is Election Day in the Village. Anyone wishing to vote who does not want to come into the polling place is able to pick up and return an absentee ballot at the Village Office. The ballot must be turned in by close of business Tuesday, March 17.

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Tops limiting some cleaning supplies, food items

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The shelves at ALDI in Medina are nearly empty at about 6 p.m. today. The shelves to right normally are filled with loaves of bread.

The store will close on Sunday and is expected to reopen in about two weeks. The other nearby stores in Brockport and Batavia will remain open, employees said.

The toilet paper at the Albion Tops is all gone on Friday.

Tops announced on Friday it is limiting some items to two (2) per customer to allow as much available inventory to assist as many customers as possible. Those items include:

• Disinfectant Wipes – Disinfectant Sprays – Hand Sanitizer – Bath Tissue, 18-roll pack or larger – Cleansing Flushable Wipes – 4 Total Gallons of Water per customer – This includes spring, distilled, purified or 3-pack gallon water – Multipack water are limited to two (2) total per customer. This includes all brands of water.

A statement from Tops on the company website says:

“We appreciate your patience as our supply chain and distribution teams have also been working around the clock to ensure that the food, cleaning supplies, household essentials, and pharmaceuticals that you need are reaching our stores as quickly as possible and are available to purchase in-store, with grocery pick-up, or by delivery.”

Tops also is cleaning its stores and common areas even more to protect customers and employees.

The company has taken the following actions:

• increased communications with our stores and associates and reiterated proper sanitation procedures

• added extra supplies like hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, and disinfectants to help combat the spread of germs

• increased cleaning cycles especially in commonly used areas like cashier stations and self-checkouts

• increased the frequency of sanitizing and cleaning of food contact surfaces, pharmacy counters, restrooms, break rooms and other public areas.

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MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will take some added precautions in responding to emergency medical calls due to concerns with the coronavirus and urges understanding from the community.

Fire Chief Matt Jackson posted this message on the fire department’s Facebook page:

“Dear Residents of the Village of Medina and Adjacent Communities We Serve:

“I am writing about the Village of Medina Fire Department’s precautionary measures related to COVID-19. Thankfully the virus itself has not yet had a direct impact on our communities. We have been implementing reasonable and proactive steps to protect the communities we serve, as well as our personnel.

“Because of our responsibility to our communities, we are enhancing our precautions to ensure we remain fully-staffed and healthy. Rest assured, we will still respond to your emergencies as we always have and always will.

“However, if we are dispatched to your home, you might find yourself being asked questions by our personnel from your doorway and we may also be wearing protective equipment such as a mask, eye protection and gown. You may also be asked to a wear a mask while we assess your medical condition. Again, this is being done out of an abundance of caution to maintain a healthy, prepared emergency response team.

“We will continuously reassess this situation and pass along any pertinent information as needed. We would also ask you to be proactive and take this situation seriously. Stay informed, wash your hands, stay home when sick and call 911 only for true emergencies. Please follow the guidance of actual medical professionals, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the NYS Department of Health.”

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MEDINA – Medina Central School is canceling field trips and overnight trips until further notice, Superintendent of Schools Mark Kruzynski said in a letter to the community.

The district plans to remain open, but urges parents to consider childcare options if the school district is forced to shut down for an extended period of time, he said.

Here is the superintendent’s letter, which was posted on the district’s Facebook page at about 4:30 p.m.

Dear Parent and Community Member:

We are aware of concerns of the COVID-19 virus. At this time, Monroe County has one confirmed case, and Orleans and Niagara County have no confirmed cases. The Medina Central School District is closely monitoring this fluid situation and is following guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and Orleans County Health Department, and the New York State Education Department. As of the time I am writing this, 4:00 pm, Friday, March 13, the Department of Health is NOT recommending closure of the schools.

Based on conversations with various area health officials, the Medina Central School District will be implementing the following changes, effective immediately:

• All field trips and overnight trips have been cancelled until further notice.

• No events, other than food service, will take place with more than 50 people in attendance.

Given the continual changing nature of this situation, we ask that you consider your childcare options in the event that school does close for an extended period of time. Please send an email to me at mkruzynski@medinacsd.org if your emergency contact information has changed, with the correct information. We will utilize the district website, email, phone calls, and social media to communicate updates.

In the event of an extended closure, we have preparations in place for distribution of food and instructional resources.

The Medina Central School District will continue to share information as it becomes available. We thank you for your patience, support, and understanding during this unprecedented situation.

Sincerely,

Mark Kruzynski

Superintendent of Schools

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Press Release, Orleans Community Health

We know all of you are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) being reported in the media and how it may impact us here at Orleans Community Health.

Protecting those entrusted to our care by providing a safe and healthy environment is our top priority. At this time, we don’t have any cases in our facility (Medina Memorial Hospital).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the office of Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) have recommended a variety of steps that we have been implementing to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our building. However, we need your continued help in battling COVID-19.

Based on the latest CDC, CMS and State recommendations and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our patients and residents, effective today, no visitors will be allowed at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Exception: Nursing staff and attending physicians will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, end-of-life situations, etc. on a case-by-case basis.

Anyone coming to the facility for services will follow the requirements below:

• Complete a screening prior to having services rendered

• Limit movement within the facility, do not travel from one floor to another unnecessarily

• Perform hand hygiene upon entry and exiting the facility

We understand that connecting with family members is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways you might consider connecting with them. These may include telephone, email, text, video chat or through social media. If you believe a visit to the facility is necessary for circumstances other than that described above, we request that you contact one of the individuals below prior to your arrival.

Our facility is following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps, including following strict handwashing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing gowns and gloves when interacting with patients and residents who are sick.

We also are staying up-to-date with the CDC recommendations as they are updated. In addition, Orleans Community Health is in close contact with the local and state health department and are following their guidance. We will continue to keep you informed as we receive updated information.

Thank you for your cooperation as we all work together to keep our patients and residents safe.

If there are questions, contact Joanna Miller, risk manager, at (585) 798-8210.

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