Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – National Police Week is set aside to honor America’s law enforcement community for their hard work and dedication in protecting and serving their local communities.

The men and women of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to the mission of providing prompt, exemplary service while protecting the community. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protect the lives, property and rights of all people, maintain order and enforce the law.

Emphasis is placed on improving and maintaining quality of life to ensure our county is a safe place to live, work and visit. The members of this office are dedicated to this mission, to the County they serve, and achieving excellence within their profession.

During National Police Officer Week in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day as a special recognition day for law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Please join us in recognizing Orleans County’s Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers for their hard work, dedication and service to our community.

Provided photo: Jonathan Doherty, center, of the Self Advocate All Stars on Friday stopped by the Sheriff’s Office to deliver cookies to the deputies and staff. Pictured from left include: Deputy Jason Barnum, Deputy Kevin Colonna, Jonathan Doherty, Deputy Steven Fox and Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The flag is lowered at the Albion Department of Public Works on King Street. The governor has directed flags to be lowered out of respect for the victims of Covid-19. The total confirmed deaths in the state is now at 21,478 due to Covid-19.

The number of deaths and hospitalizations in New York due to Covid-19 continued to fall last week.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state has made great progress in reducing the Covid-19 infections.

“We can control the beast,” he said.

The state will look to reopen some regions of the state as the New York begins to “unpause” on May 15. Cuomo said the economy will be reopened in four phases, and will move slowly, making sure there isn’t a spike in Covid-19 hospitalizations.

The governor has set seven criteria a region needs to meet before it can proceed to phase 1 of reopening. Orleans County is in the Finger Lakes region, which already had met five of the seven standards on May 4. The region needed more testing and contact tracers as of May 4.

The first phase includes opening construction and manufacturing functions with low risk.

The state is trending in the right direction towards a reopening.

Last week there 1,568 deaths in the state from Covid-19, an average of 224 a day. That compares with 2,176 the previous week, or a daily average of 311 from April 26 to May 2.

The worst week was April 5-11, when New York suffered 5,226 deaths to the virus, an average of 747 each day that week.

Week of May 3-9: (1,568 deaths)

• May 3, 226; May 4, 230; May 5, 232; May 6, 231: May 7, 216; May 8, 226; May 9, 207.

Week of April 26-May 2: (2,176 deaths)

• April 26, 337; April 27, 335; April 28, 330; April 29, 306; April 30, 289; May 1, 299; May 2, 280.

Week of April 19-25: (3,097 deaths)

• April 19, 478; April 20, 481; April 21, 474; April 22, 438; April 23, 422; April 24, 437; April 25, 367.

Week of April 12-18: (4,484 deaths)

• April 12 (Easter), 671; April 13, 778; April 14, 752; April 15, 606; April 16, 630; April 17, 540; April 18, 507.

Week of April 5-11: (5,226 deaths)

• April 5, 599; April 6, 731; April 7, 779; April 8, 799; April 9, 777; April 10, 783; April 11, 758.

In addition to reduced deaths in the state due to Covid-19, the number of intubations and hospitalizations is down.

The number of new hospitalization on Saturday was 521, the same on March 20 when the state did its closedown order, Cuomo said today during a news conference.

“It has been a painful period of time between March 20th and May 9^th,” Cuomo said. “The optimist would say yes but it’s only March 20th to May 9th. The pessimist would say but a lot of pain, a high cost, loss of life. The realist would be somewhere in the middle. But all of this work, all of this progress of turning that tide, of reducing the rate of infection, that’s all thanks to New Yorkers and what New Yorkers did.”

The governor praised New Yorkers for taking the virus seriously, for staying home as much as possible, for adhering to social distancing and for wearing masks or face coverings.

“This week is May 15. May 15 the pause order, the closedown order expires,” Cuomo said. “We’re looking region to region across the state as to where would be appropriate to reopen. This state we have a clear uniform set of criteria. It’s the same all across the state, it’s all science-based, it’s all data-based and we’ll look at those numbers. We’ll look at those data points to see where it’s safe to open.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A branch with cherry blossoms is pictured recently on East Park Street in Albion with the dome of the Orleans County Courthouse in the background.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued another freeze warning on Monday night for Orleans County and all of western and central New York.

The freeze watch is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday through 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The Weather Service forecasts sub-freezing temperatures in the mid to upper 20s inland, and lower 30s near the lakeshores.

“The frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the Weather Service said. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”

ALBION – The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion has suffered another death of a resident due to Covid-19, and two more people have tested positive for the virus, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

The Villages has now had 18 of its residents die from Covid-19, and 72 residents at the nursing home have now tested positive.

“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very sad time,” the Health Departments stated in a news release.

Orleans County also had one other person test positive for Covid-19 outside of The Villages. That brings the county’s total confirmed cases of Covid-19 to 132.

Genesee County also has an additional confirmed case today, bringing the total to 164 people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Genesee.

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individuals will be notified by Health Department staff.

There is currently no further information to release on ages and location. Mapping to include the positive cases from the weekend will be updated on Monday afternoon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today announced new rules for nursing homes during the Coivd-19 pandemic. All nursing home staff must be tested at least twice weekly for the virus.

Hospitals also cannot discharge a patient to a nursing home until that patient has tested negative for Covid-19.

The governor has been criticized for a policy that required nursing homes to accept Covid-19 patients. But the governor said the media has done a “disservice” in its reporting on the issue.

Cuomo said nursing homes were only required to accept Covid-19 residents if the nursing homes could properly care for them. The staff needed to have enough personal protective equipment, they needed to be able to isolate patients, and staff caring for Covid-19 positive residents shouldn’t then care for residents who were negative for the virus.

About 5,000 nursing home residents have died in the state from Covid-19, including 17 in Orleans County at a nursing home in Albion. Cuomo said the state has the highest number of nursing home residents in the nation at 101,518.

If a nursing home can not provide adequate care for Covid-positive residents then they must transfer the resident. “Period,” the governor said today.

That was always the directive and that remains the requirement from the state, Cuomo said during his daily news conference.

If a nursing home fails to follow the directive from the state, it will lose its license, Cuomo said.

The governor said hospitals now have plenty of capacity to treat Covid patients and shouldn’t feel pressure to discharge patients so more beds can be available. Keeping those patients in hospitals until they test negative will ease the burden on nursing homes, Cuomo said.

Nursing homes, if they can’t meet the state standards for care, should call the Department of Health which will find a facility for any the Covid-19 positive person.

“It’s not like a situation where there are no options,” Cuomo said. “We have options and we want to use them. So if there’s any reason why you can’t provide appropriate care let us know and we will put them in a facility that has it.”

UPDATED at 3:55 p.m.: The Governor’s Office released more detailed information about the new directives:

• The Executive Order mandates that all nursing homes and adult care facilities test all personnel for Covid-19 two times per week and report any positive test results to the State Department of Health by the next day. The Executive Order also mandates that hospitals cannot discharge a patient to a nursing home unless that patient tests negative for Covid-19.

• All nursing home and adult care facility administrators will be required to submit a plan on how they will accomplish this testing and a certificate of compliance with this Executive Order to the State Department of Health by Friday,  May 15.

• Any nursing home or adult care facility found to be in violation of the Executive Order may have its operating certificate suspended or revoked or may be subject to a penalty for non-compliance of $2,000 per violation per day. Additionally, any personnel who refuse to be tested for Covid-19 will be considered to have outdated or incomplete health assessments and therefore will be prohibited from working in the nursing home or adult care facility until testing is performed.

Several state legislators are urging the State Canal Corp. to get the Erie Canal ready for the start of anew navigational season.

The Canal Corp. announced on April 23 the canal wouldn’t be opening on May 15 as planned. The Canal Corp. hasn’t provided an update since on when the canal could open this year.

The canal has operated every year since it was originally constructed in 1825, spanning 363 miles across upstate from Buffalo to Albany.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, are among 18 state legislators representing canal communities who sent a joint letter to the New York Power Authority, demanding the canal be opened.

“We are confident that with the proper protections in place, this highly skilled and experienced workforce can quickly and effectively open the Canal System for full navigational use,” the letter said.

State Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, also sent his own letter to Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, which oversees the Erie Canal.

“I have grave concerns about recent reports regarding the 2020 Navigation System throughout the New York State Canal,” Norris wrote. “Where a delay is understandable, there is an uneasy sense that the opening may not happen at all. This concern reverberates throughout every community in Western New York along the canal system especially given the partial restoration of the Flight of Five in Lockport, the recent celebration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial and the economic driver the canal system is in Niagara and Orleans counties.”

Norris urged the Power Authority to have the canal workers due the needed construction and other maintenance work needed to have the system proceed with its navigational season. Much of the needed preparation work has been idled since mid-March.

“Recently the Governor unveiled and supported the great work New Yorkers accomplished regarding the effort to Reimagine the Canal,” Norton said in his letter. “As you may be aware, I have expressed my full support and offered a number of initiatives that would benefit canal communities and encourage economic development in our region. Our community needs the canal to be open now more than ever for both social and economic sustainability.”

The Swan and Mom … Fierce Protectors

I took this photo of a Swan in springtime at Lake Alice at the end of April. Research has taught me that swans lay eggs for 2-3 weeks followed by an incubation period of approximately 6-7 weeks while the mom sits on her eggs and waits for the eggs to hatch.

When the little chicks hatch, mom is known to pack them up on her back within her wings and parade them around the waterway to show off her little darlings. Very similar to how human moms will parade their little darlings around in strollers proudly introducing their “little chicks” to the world.

Now I am not a mom, but I have one! So my perspective is from that of a “chick.” This swan symbolizes all moms..even the human variety. From the very beginning of life mom creates a warm safe space for her chicks to grow until they are ready to enter the world. At which time mom begins her journey of showing her chicks how to survive this world, allowing them to sink sometimes..but never drown.

When she needs to she will pick them out of the water, help them dry off and show them a better way. Sometimes us chicks are not so appreciative of mom’s guidance, but as we age we learn that wisdom is a powerful thing and when it is offered, it is best to take it in and see what we can learn from it…especially when it is given within the framework of mom’s love.

This swan will teach her chicks how to provide for themselves, keep an eye out for predators and most importantly be self sufficient. Mom knows she will not always be there to watch over her chicks so she keeps putting tools in her chicks’ toolbox so they have what they need to build a good life.

At some point the chicks will leave the nest and join a larger flock to find a mate. I read in most cases chicks will remain with their parents until the following spring. If they do not leave on their own, their parents can get quite aggressive about letting them know it is time. Some chicks need that firm push!

We all have our own mom experiences and I have been very lucky. My mom taught me to listen, show compassion, be a support for others. She also showed me how to be strong and not let others take advantage of that compassion. It can be a fine line, but from her I learned it can be done. These lessons passed down, I know she learned from her mom.

No matter what your mom taught you, please remember your mom today on this Mother’s Day. If you are lucky enough to still have her – call her, visit her and show her the wonderful legacy she nurtured. At some point the mom and chick will separate, whether by life or God. But no matter the circumstances the bond is always there. The mom will always be the first defender of the chick, giving them life and love.

Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful mom, Marilyn Burgoon, and my awesome mother-in-law, Monica London, and all moms ?

To see my favorite swan photo and share your Mom’s lessons, visit my blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com and catch up on weekly photo perks and past posts. Like and share your comments. Happy Perks to everyone!

Deborah London

Photo by Tom Rivers: It was snowing this morning in Albion at about 10 a.m. These daffodils are in front of the Albion Free Methodist Church with the Orleans County Courthouse in the background.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued another freeze warning tonight for Orleans County and much of Western New York.

The freeze warning is in effect from 11 p.m. through 10 a.m. on Sunday, with freezing temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s expected.

“Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the Weather Service said. “Take steps to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”

Brett Kast, co-owner of Kast Farms and the orchard manager, checks the apple buds for damage at an orchard on Lattin Road in Gaines.

ALBION – The freezing temperatures is causing high anxiety for local fruit growers who fear the cold will hurt their apples, blueberries and cherries.

Those fruit crops are in the bud and blossom stage, a vulnerable time to be exposed to prolonged cold.

Farmers already are seeing bud damage from the night-time freeze about a week ago. Brett Kast, co-owner of Kast Farms in Albion, showed some of that damage today. He cut into buds and could see black spots from the cold.

He also sees lots of buds that haven’t been hurt from the cold. If there is damage from the freeze last night and today it can take a few days for it to show. Kast also said farmers are worried about the cold weather forecast Monday night.

“We’ve had three events already so far,” Kast said about the frequent freezes in late April and May. “It stresses the trees.”

Most of the apple tree buds are still in the tight-cluster stage and haven’t started to blossom. That means they are more hearty and Kast expects they will withstand the cold and there will still be a good crop among the farm’s 450 acres of apples.

Orleans County is the third-leading apple-growing county in New York, behind Wayne and Ulster counties. New York state grows about 30 million bushels of apples annually, second in the country behind only Washington State.

Brett Kast sees some damage in these buds, especially the center king blossom. The black spot shows damage likely caused by the overnight freeze about a week ago. It usually takes a few days for damage to show from cold temperatures.

There will be some damage locally to the fruit crop but it could be made up for as part of the normal thinning of apples later in the season.

Mike Zingler of Zingler Farms in Kendall is still opmtistic. The temepratures have stayed above 28-29 degrees, where apples in the budding stage can see more widespread damage.

“I think there is potential for a full crop,” he said today.

The trees tend to produce “way too many buds” so some damage isn’t disastrous.

Zingler has nearly 400 acres of apples in Kendall, Hilton and Holley. He is fairly close to the lake, which tends to be a buffer from a deep freeze in the spring.

Photos courtesy of Eric Brown: Orchard Dale Fruit Company sprayed its berries. The farm used a freeze-and-thaw cycle to force the berries to give off energy, which helped them stay warm on a cold day.

Normally the trees would be very close to bloom stage, but the chilly April and May have slowed that down. The trees seemed ahead of normal schedule because it was warmer in March.

That isn’t good for fruit growers to have a warm March because the trees can start the budding and blossoming process early, making them very vulnerable if there is a frost later in the spring.

“It was set to be dangerously early,” Zingler said. “But then with the temperatures in the 40s, they just sat there. They’re languishing right now.”

Once the weather warms up, Zingler expects the trees will soon be in blossom stage for the important pollination. Farmers will be able to make a better assessment if their crop in June after pollination.

“In normal weather we would be five days from blooming,” Zingler said. “But April and March have flipflopped the last couple years. We just need some heat to move them along.”

Zingler said the trees still have many good buds, despite the cold weather. But he said the cold has killed some buds, and the surviving buds may result in misshapen apples and others with blemishes that don’t meet the standards for the fresh market. They might instead go for applesauce, juice or may not be picked at all.

“There is definitely damage,” Zingler said. “There is potential for more damage. We have to get through bloom to see what kind of crop we have.”

While the apples are hearty and can withstand a lot of the cold, other fruits are more susceptible to freeze, such as cherries and peaches.

Eric Brown, co-owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Company, said the multiple days of cold is unusual and will result in damage.

Orchard Dale worked all night last night to protect its blueberries, which are sensitive to frost. It make seem counterintuitive, but Orchard Dale sprayed the blueberries with water so they would get a coating of ice. That ice then thawed, and the farm sprayed on more water. Brown said the freeze and thaw makes the blueberries use energy, which produces heat. That actually helps the blueberries fight off the cold.

“The last six weeks it has been cold,” Brown said. “In March we felt like spring was right around the corner, but this has just put the brakes on it.”

The farm used a sprayer to water the blueberry plants. The plants were coated with ice which actually provides some protection for the crops. As the ice freezes, it gives off heat to keep the buds from dropping below 32 and freezing.

Brown said a degree or two could make a huge difference in protecting the buds and blossoms.

That’s why he expects to utilize some old technology Monday night during the frost. He has pulled out the farm’s smudge pots, which function as an orchard heater. He thinks the apples and blueberries will be OK, but there will be some damage to the crop.

“We still have a couple cold nights yet to get through,” Brown said. “We’re going to have to keep on them.”

There are five more confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Orleans County, including two more at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion

There are also three other cases in the community, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

The five new cases brings the total number to 129 who have tested positive for the virus in Orleans County. The Villages has now had 70 of the residents test positive for the virus.

The other three cases bring the number of positive cases outside the nursing home to 59.

Genesee County also has one more confirmed case, bringing the total to 163 in Genesee, the Health Departments reporting.

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individuals will be notified by Health Department staff.

There is currently no further information to release on ages and location. Mapping to include the positive cases from the weekend will be updated on Monday afternoon, the Health Departments said.

The health officials urged people to practice social distancing on Mother’s Day, and to be vigilant about handwashing, clean frequently used surfaces, properly wear cloth face coverings over the mouth and nose, and keep hands away from the face.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of the Governor – Andrew M. Cuomo speaks today in New York City.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that at the request of the CDC, the state is helping to develop the national criteria for identifying and responding to Covid-related illness.

The State Department of Health is also partnering with the NY Genome Center and Rockefeller University to conduct a genome and RNA sequencing study to better understand Covid-related illnesses in children and the possible genetic basis of this syndrome.

There have been 73 reported cases in New York where children – predominantly school-aged – are experiencing symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome possibly due to Covid-19. The illness has taken the lives of three young New Yorkers including a 5-year old in New York City, a 7-year old in Westchester County and a teenager in Suffolk County.

“We now have a new issue that has come up in the fight against Covid-19 that is truly disturbing and it impacts our youngest New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is a frightening new development, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to learn more and keep parents informed.”

At the direction of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Health has issued an advisory about this serious inflammatory disease, called “Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with Covid-19,” to inform healthcare providers of the condition, as well as to provide guidance for testing and reporting.

New Yorkers should seek immediate care if a child has:

• Prolonged fever (more than five days)
• Difficulty feeding (infants) or is too sick to drink fluids
• Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
• Change in skin color – becoming pale, patchy and/or blue
• Trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly
• Racing heart or chest pain
• Decreased amount of frequency in urine
• Lethargy, irritability or confusion

Health care providers, including hospitals, are required to report to the Department of Health all cases of pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 in those under 21 years of age.

Though most children who get Covid-19 experience only mild symptoms, in the United Kingdom, a possible link has also been reported between pediatric Covid-19 and serious inflammatory disease. The inflammatory syndrome has features which overlap with Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome and may occur days to weeks after acute Covid-19 illness. It can include persistent fever, abdominal symptoms, rash, and even cardiovascular symptoms requiring intensive care.

Early recognition by pediatricians and referral to a specialist including to critical care is essential. Molecular and serological testing for Covid-19 in children exhibiting the above symptoms is recommended. The majority of patients have tested positive for Covid-19, some on molecular testing for SARS-COV-2, others on serological testing.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Snow falls in Albion this morning at about 10 a.m. These flowers are on East Park Street.

It was a strange sight with the snow and so many flowers in bloom. These other flowers are in the Courthouse Square.

This bicyclist braves the snow and cold on East State Street.

‘It’s just mind boggling and horrifically saddening what is going on over there.’ – Assemblyman Hawley

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center is located on Route 31 in Albion. The center has had 68 residents test positive for Covid-19 and has suffered 17 deaths from the virus.

ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said more agencies are investigating an outbreak of Covid-19 cases at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion, where 17 residents have died from Covid-19.

“There is something gravely wrong at The Villages,” Hawley said this more on a conference call with about 50 local officials in Orleans County.

At The Villages, 68 of the residents have tested positive for Covid-19, out of 124 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the whole county.

Hawley said the nursing home and rehabilitation center wasn’t prepared for Covid-19, and the virus has spread through the center, resulting in the deaths of 17 people.

“It’s just mind boggling and horrifically saddening what is going on over there,” he said this morning.

Hawley on May 1 called the State Department of Health to investigate the crisis and how the facility has handled its response. But Hawley today said the DOH has tipped off The Villages about inspections.

Today, Hawley said other government agencies have become involved in the investigation, including the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, the Orleans County Sherriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

“My goal here is to get all the parties involved who can assist in making this investigation more thorough and complete,” Hawley said. “By involving all of these departments on all of these levels of government and public safety, we are ensuring that no stone is left unturned, and that our residents and staff at The Villages’ lives and quality of care are safeguarded.”

Hawley said he asked the state Department of Health back in October and November to take a close look at The Villages, which was among the lowest rated nursing homes in Western New York.

State Sen. Robert Ortt also was on the conference call this morning. He said the State Senate is asking for an independent investigation from the federal government in how the state’s policies during the pandemic has affected nursing homes.

The Villages isn’t the only nursing home in Western New York to suffer more than 10 deaths. The Newfane Rehabilitation and Health Center also has had 17 of its residents die from Covid-19.

The Buffalo News today reporting these nursing homes also have experiencing double0digit deaths: Father Baker Manor, 33 deaths; Harris Hill Nursing Facility, 19; Garden Gate Health Care Facility, 17; Seneca Health Care Center, 12; Absolut Care nursing home in East Aurora, 11; and Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 11.

Ortt said the nursing home residents were considered the most vulnerable to the virus from the beginning. Ortt said state policies may have put them in harm’s way.

He wants invetsigators to look at policies that allowed covid-19 positive people to be admitted into nursing homes, especially when there was capacity in hospitals to provide care for those patients.

Some nursing home staff that were Covid-positive also didn’t have self isolate for at least two weeks and fully recover from Covid before returning to work.

Ortt also said nursing home allowed Covid-positive residents to be in the same room with residents who tested negative.

“We need far better answers than we’ve got from the State Department of Health,” Ortt said.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The front door of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion is pictured on Friday evening. Holy Family Parish is not celebrating Mass with the congregation in the building.

Two local Assemblymen are among a group in the State Assembly asking Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow churches and religious institutions to reopen “as soon as possible in order to help aid the spiritual health of New Yorkers.”

Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, and Mike Norris, R-Lockport, are among 16 Assembly members to sign a letter to the governor on Friday, asking that churches be allowed to reopen.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has not just caused a physical health crisis, it has also caused a mental and spiritual crisis for many as well,” the Assembly members wrote. “New Yorkers have been ordered in isolation with almost no warning and while virtual services and practicing at home have been viable options for the time being, it is not enough for many who are starting to feel the serious effects of NY on PAUSE.”

Many of the churches have closed their buildings to the public since March 15.

The Assembly members in their letter say the shuttered church buildings have also reduced revenue for the religious institutions, threatening the ability of many churches to be able to reopen.

“Many of these facilities rely heavily on donations and offerings and though some have continued to give virtually, the age-old phrase of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ has begun to take effect.”

Besides Hawley (139th district) and Norris (144th district), the letter was signed by Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay, Brian Manktelow (130th district), Jake Ashby (107th district), Kevin Byrne (94th district), Marjorie Byrnes (133rd district), Joe DeStefano (3rd district), David DiPietro (147th district), Michael Fitzpatrick (8th district), Christopher Friend (124th district), Mark Johns (135th district), Brian Kolb (131st district), Melissa “Missy” Miller (20th district), Ed Ra (19th district) and Robert Smullen (118th district).

“We feel that religious institutions are essential to New York and, thus, should be re-opened to help them during this difficult time,” the Assembly members wrote in the letter.

The Assembly members said the governor hasn’t made it clear where churches and religious institutions fall under the four phases for reopening the state.

“We seriously hope you consider having them open sooner rather than later, to help both the struggling institutions and the mental and spiritual health of New Yorkers,” the letter states. “In doing so, we also encourage these facilities to follow proper social distancing protocols such as wearing masks, refraining from physical contact, staying 6 feet away from one another and staying home if someone feels sick.”

Schumer, Gillibrand announce money for rural hospitals

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital, will receive $3,492,000 in federal funding to help in the fight against Covid-19, U.S. senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced today.

The money for Orleans Community Health is among $264 million in federal funds for rural hospitals, clinics and community health centers. The money was allocated by Health and Human Services to combat the coronavirus, Schumer and Gillibrand said.

“This funding is good news for our rural hospitals and health centers throughout Upstate New York that have been fighting to save lives and simultaneously struggling to make ends meet during the ongoing public health crisis,” Schumer said. “Our rural Upstate hospitals and providers have been New York’s heroes in the battle against Covid-19 and these critical dollars will help keep the fight against the virus going strong.”

Other nearby rural hospitals to receive funding include $5,064,000 for United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, $4,228,000 for Wyoming County Community Health System in Warsaw, and $4,192,000 in Dansville.

“Even before this pandemic rural health care providers were struggling to stay afloat and it’s critical that they have immediate access to capital, grant, and loan programs as they combat Covid-19 in New York’s most affected areas,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Rural hospitals, clinics, and community health centers provide a wide-range of services to some of our most vulnerable populations and they ensure every community has access to quality health care, especially in times of public health emergencies.”

During the CARES Act negations, Schumer pushed the administration to provide this vital $10 billion for rural hospitals and health centers nationally as part of $175 billion Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund he championed and is in addition from the $1.4 billion from the PHSSEF he announced last week.

The Senator explained that with nearly 74,000 confirmed cases in Upstate New York, rural hospitals and healthcare systems are facing financial difficulty and need immediate federal assistance to avoid layoffs and furloughs of healthcare staff who are vital to maintaining the frontline against Covid-19.

“Hospitals across New York state are experiencing unprecedented financial strains as they work to battle the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Bea Grause, president of the Healthcare Association of New York State. “This week’s targeted funding is a lifeline for our rural hospitals. We are tremendously grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their continuous work to infuse critical funding into New York and ensure that our rural and hot spot hospitals across the state are not left behind as a result of this pandemic.”