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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2020 at 1:03 pm
Not sure when students can return, and state funding also an unknown
MEDINA – The school district is adjusting to an unknown calendar in the coming weeks and months. Right now, there are no classes, sports or other extracurricular activities.
Even graduation, about three months away, is uncertain.
Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent, hopes for a return to normalcy. But, as the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus continues to grow in the state, that might not be anytime soon.
The superintendent urged everyone to practice social distancing in public by staying at least 6 feet away from other people. If you are sick, stay home.
Adhering to guidelines will speed up how quickly the state and country can get back on schedule, he said during Thursday’s Board of Education meeting.
“How long do you think it will last?” Kruzynski said during the meeting. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Thursday’s meeting was limited to 10 people at the boardroom to reduce the chance for spreading the virus.
While the district has been largely emptied of people the past week, the school buildings have been undergoing a “deep cleaning,” Kruzynski said.
Students also have been given on-line materials and other schoolwork during the current shutdown. The district also has been serving about 1,000 meals daily since Tuesday. Those meals are available to students between 11 a.m. and noon at the following locations: Pine Street Park, MAAC Thrift Depot, Orleans County YMCA parking lot, former Towne School Parking Lot, Shelby Fire Department parking lot, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company parking lot in Knowlesville and the Oak Orchard Elementary bus loop.
Kruzynski praised the cafeteria workers for preparing the meals, bus drivers for delivering them, and teachers for their efforts preparing schoolwork.
“The Medina Mustang family really showed how amazing they are this past week,” Kruzynski said.
The school district was closed on Saturday. The governor has closed all school districts in the state for two weeks. Kruzynski expects another directive from the governor, extending the closings.
Kruzynski said school administrators also are trying to get the final details together on the school budget. The biggest source of revenue, state aid, now faces uncertainty due to the economic pain for small businesses due to the coronavirus.
“State aid is a concern,” Kruzynski said. “What started off as a really smooth has been turned upside down.”
The superintendent also said state aid testing scheduled for next week has been postponed. The state hasn’t set if the tests could happen later in the school year.
The meeting on Thursday was on YouTube (click here). Kruzynski took a moment to address students who are out of school until further notice.
“Students if you are watching, you are still our focus and you will remain our focus as we get through this,” Kruzynski said.
Board member Dave Sevenski said the school shutdown is hard on the community, especially for the seniors. Many colleges have cancelled their commencement programs in May. Medina’s graduation is scheduled for June 26.
“Let’s say we don’t open,” Sevenski said about the remainder of the school year. “What happens to the seniors?”
“That is a good question,” responded Marc Graff, Medina’s assistant superintendent. “If I were a senior or a parent of a senior, I would be asking the same thing. It’s a fluid situation. It’s coming day by day.”
If Medina and other schools are unable to have commencement, Kruzynski said Medina would hold a celebration for students at some point.
The district leadership was praised by board members for their quick response and efforts to provide services to students.
“Thank you for rolling with it and for being flexible and efficient,” said board member Ann Bunch.
The board on Thursday approved resolutions authorizing the superintendent to shorten the workday to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., only a few people are currently working in the district office – Kruzynski; Graff; Julie Kuhn, the district clerk; and Dan Doctor, director of community outreach who is helping coordinate the district’s food delivery during the shutdown.
The board also approved a resolution for the district to continuing paying staff their normal pay, and also a resolution to allow people to work out of job descriptions. Kruzynski said that would allow indoor cleaners to work outside, for example.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2020 at 12:14 pm
Executive order takes effect Sunday
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued an executive order for 100 percent of employees to either work from home or stay at their residence and not work.
This does not include essential services such as shipping, law enforcement, cleaners and janitors, media, warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers, utilities, banks and related financial institutions and other industries critical to the supply chain. (Click here to see the list of essential services.)
The governor made the announcement at 11 a.m. today. He also shared the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is at 7,102 in the state, up from 4,152 on Thursday. So far, 32,427 people have been tested in New York.
Cuomo is pressing hospitals to increase the number of hospital beds and he is working to get more ventilators in the state as he expects the number of coronavirus cases to rise, with more people afflicted with respiratory infection.
“We’re all in quarantine right now,” he said during a news conference today in Albany.
Follows temporary closure of all indoor portions of shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced new density reduction restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 – part of their uniform, multi-state approach to combating the virus.
All barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail salons, hair removal services, and related personal care services will be closed to members of the public effective Saturday, March 21 at 8 p.m., as these services cannot be provided while maintaining social distance.
Yesterday, the four governors announced indoor portions of retail shopping malls, as well as amusement parks and bowling alleys in the four states would close by 8 PM Thursday. Earlier in the week, the governors announced limits on crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people. The governors also announced restaurants and bars would close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. The governors also temporarily closed movie theaters, gyms and casinos.
“We know how the novel coronavirus spreads, and we are making data-driven decisions as the situation evolves to continue to reduce density and slow the spread of the virus,” Governor Cuomo said. “We remain in constant communication with our neighboring states to ensure we are establishing a set of uniform rules and regulations for the entire region. These temporary closures are not going to be easy, but they are necessary to protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers and all Americans.”
Governor Murphy said, “The fact remains that social distancing is paramount to our broader strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. While we understand the challenge these restrictions pose to our region’s small businesses, we are actively working with the federal government to ensure that financial relief is made available to our business owners and workforce as quickly as possible.”
Governor Lamont said, “Continuing to work collaboratively and quickly throughout this evolving public health emergency, we have made a very difficult decision to direct the closure of establishments that could impact public health—such as barbers, nail and hair salons. Continuing to confront these critical decisions as a region and across our borders will protect all of our state’s residents.”
Governor Wolf said, “Pennsylvania continues to work with our neighboring states to implement mitigation strategies that will fight the spread of COVID-19 in our region. All Pennsylvanians are greatly appreciative of the aggressive approach our neighbors our taking, which will help all of our residents as we address this public health crisis.”
Press Release, Orleans County Office for the Aging
ALBION — As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orleans County Office for the Aging will be suspending the following services until further notice:
• The County Administration building is now closed to the public and appointments will be made when necessary. Please call our main line 585-589-3191 for assistance.
• Congregate Dining: Effective Monday, March 16, nutrition staff contacted regular participants to inquire if they are interested in receiving home-delivered meals. This includes Kendall and Albion locations.
• Wellness Programs: Effective Monday, March 16, staff began contacting regular participants to notify them. This includes all exercises classes, Aging Mastery Program, Stepping On program, etc.
• Office Visits: Effective Wednesday, March 18, we will not be scheduling appointments and are discouraging walk- ins. Almost all matters can be handled over the telephone at this time.
• Home Visits: Effective Wednesday, March 18, staff will contact those who have appointments scheduled to inform them that appointments will now be via telephone or scheduled at a later date.
• The following programs have reduced or amended protocols to decrease the potential spread of COVID-19 and protect employees, volunteers, and participants.
• Home Delivered Meals: Contact between delivery personnel and participants will be kept to the recommended six-foot distance. Delivery personnel and participants will still have a visual contact to ensure the participant is safe. Delivery personnel will have hand sanitizer and be wearing gloves.
• Homecare Aides Program-EISEP Program- Effective Friday, March 20, aide service is temporally suspended through April 3, at which time we will reassess services.
• Senior Transportation: Effective Monday, March 16, we have temporarily suspended our volunteer transportation program. RTS Orleans and Community Action of Genesee/Orleans are still providing transportation services as of today.
“I want to personally thank my dedicated staff, Orleans County Legislature, Arc of Genesee Orleans – our nutrition provider, Community Action of Genesee Orleans, RTS Orleans, and the numerous community partners that service older adults for their cooperation in these changes,” said Melissa Blanar, director of Orleans County Office for the Aging. “It is great to see the community working together during this crisis. We could not do this without them.”
Shoppers will be limited with some items, seniors will have shopping hour every Tuesday
(Editor’s Note: The Albion Walmart temporarily is reducing store hours to 7 a.m. from 8:30 p.m. daily, effective today. The store posted this message today: “Thank you for understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”)
Press Release, Walmart
Our associates have been nothing short of heroic in their commitment to serve customers, stock shelves as quickly as possible and keep their stores clean. When their communities needed them the most, our people have been at their best. Their efforts continue to be a tremendous source of pride for everyone at Walmart.
Over the weekend we adjusted our operating hours to help make it easier for associates to stock and perform enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. We’re pleased with the results we are seeing and will take additional steps beginning March 19.
Store Operating Hours
Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. This will further help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store. While the store hours change for customers, our associates will continue to have access to their regular scheduled shifts and full hours.
Special Shopping Hours
We know our older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus and to better support them, Walmart is offering special shopping hours. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.
Item Limitations
We know communities are counting on us more than ever and we are determined to serve the broadest number of customers and ensure they have access to the key items they are looking for. Our stores will have limits for customers in certain categories including paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food.
Essential Services
Our people are working hard to have every part of the store ready to serve customers. To help support our people and focus on the most critical areas of the store right now, we will temporarily shut down our Auto Care Centers to allow those associates to focus on stocking and cleaning in the rest of the store.
Also, our Vision Centers will operate on their normal schedule, providing essential services only such as glasses repair and helping customers pick up existing orders. We will have at least one associate to serve the needs of our Vision Care customers, while the other associates will help in the rest of the store.
I think every one of us has had to adjust our daily routines in some way, and it’s likely that could continue. We are paying very close attention to our stores and communities and will continue making the necessary changes to help make sure our associates are taken care of and that our customers can get what they need. Let’s all take care of each other out there.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 6:06 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jack Welch has been the county’s personnel director since 2004.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature next week plans to officially name Jack Welch as the county’s new chief administrative officer.
Welch has worked as the county’s director of personnel and self insurance since 2004. He succeeds Chuck Nesbitt, who left the job in December to take a position in the private sector. Nesbitt held the county’s top administrator post for 14 ½ years.
“It is an honor and privilege to be selected for this position and I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity,” said Welch, a Holley resident and former member of Holley’s Board of Education.
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said Welch is well regarded in the county.
“Jack’s reputation precedes him,” she said. “He has certainly risen to the occasion during this unprecedented time with great leadership ability.”
Welch is also well respected among his colleagues around the state. He is the president New York State Association of Personnel & Civil Service Officers.
As chief administrative officer, Welch will lead a county government with a $71 million budget, and 415 employees in 24 departments.
The job description posted by the county for the CAO lists key responsibilities for the job as preparation of the county budget, developing long-range capital improvement budgets, purchasing oversight, labor relations management, property control and risk management, intergovernmental relations and legislative advocacy, public information officer duties, and general oversight of departments and the coordination and administration of county government functions and activities.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 5:20 pm
If feeling sick or develop symptoms, stay home, Health Department director says
Paul Pettit
ALBION – Now that there is confirmation of the coronavirus in Orleans County, Public Health Director Paul Pettit said residents can protect themselves with social distancing (staying at least six feet apart) and by washing their hands often with soap and water.
People should make sure they wash their hands thoroughly especially after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
The Health Department also advised of the following:
• 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, call the NYSDOH Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
Pettit reported this afternoon the county has its first confirmed case: a person over age 60 from the western end of the county. That person is currently out of state and tested positive for the virus after developing symptoms for a respiratory infection.
“The individual is in mandatory isolation where they are recovering,” Pettit said. “This incident is a good example as to the spread of this virus from location to location.”
The Orleans County Department of Health has begun an intensive investigation to identify potential close contacts of the individual before they left on vacation and it is believed to be a community spread transmission.
Some close contacts have been notified of their potential exposure to COVID- 19, placed under mandatory quarantine to monitor for symptoms and swabbed as indicated. Public Health Officials are implementing contact tracing to identify other potential individuals who have had close contact.
Pettit didn’t detail the exact age of the infected person, the town where he/she lives or the person’s gender. The Health Department wants to respect people’s privacy.
He said the Department will release which section of the county a positive case comes from. Genesee County had its first confirmed case on Wednesday. That person lives on the east side of Genesee, Pettit said.
The Health Department leader said the health officials locally and in the region want more tests to see if people have the virus.
“We continue to be frustrated by lack of swabbing kits available,” he said. “We want more kits because we know community spread is happening.”
The Health Department is working to establish drive-through swabbing clinics in Orleans and Genesee counties, and also is working with the local hospitals – Medina Memorial Hospital in Medina and United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia – to increase the number of hospital beds.
Medina Memorial has 19 right now, and could add more using other space in its facility, Pettit said.
“We are trying to ramp up and be prepared,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 4:38 pm
County departments available by appointment only
ALBION – Orleans County officials announced today at 4 p.m. that the county has its first confirmed case of coronavirus.
The person who tested positive for the virus is older than 60 and lives on the western end of the county, said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Orleans and Genesee counties.
The person actually is currently out of state. That person likely contracted the virus in Orleans and then went out of state for a trip, where the person then developed symptoms for a respiratory infection.
The Health Department is working to identify people who may have been in close contact with the person. Pettit said those people should be contacted to see if they have developed symptoms. They may be put in a precautionary quarantine if they have no symptoms.
If they have symptoms, they will be in mandatory quarantine with the Health Department visiting them once daily and also calling them each day. People in quarantine are staying out of the public and checking their temperature and monitoring for symptoms.
With conformation of the coronavirus in Orleans County, all county office buildings are closed to the public, with service by appointment only.
“Over the past two weeks, COVID-19 has evolved rapidly,” said Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson. “Orleans County has one confirmed case. With this in mind and after discussion with Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, we are closing all County Office Buildings to the public effective immediately.
“Therefore all of our Departments are open for business by telephone and by appointment. Departments will still service the public’s needs by appointment during normal business hours. We understand this may be challenging for some people, however out of an abundance of caution, we need to take this action. We have set up drop boxes at several of our office buildings to accommodate the need to drop off documents.
“Of course, these documents could be sent directly to the department using the postal service. We continuously are looking at our operations to meet the needs of the public as we are determined to provide the best course of action for everyone’s health and safety.”
State agencies have changed standards this week to move away from face-to-face appointments to allow for interviews by phone in many cases. The current need for social distancing for the public’s safety is a high priority and the County is working to deliver services to our residents as safely as possible, Johnson said.
Here are the contact numbers for each office building:
1,769 additional coronavirus cases NY, bringing statewide total to 4,152
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Photo by Darren McGee – Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo: Governor Andrew Cuomo holds a briefing on coronavirus in Albany.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order mandating businesses that rely on in-office personnel to decrease their in-office workforce by 75 percent.
This follows the Governor’s directive yesterday that all businesses implement work-from-home policies. Exemptions will be made for essential service industries, including shipping, media, warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers, utilities, banks and related financial institutions, and other industries critical to the supply chain.
The Governor also announced the Department of Financial Services has issued a new directive to New York State mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief to mortgage borrowers impacted by the novel coronavirus.
The directive includes:
• Waiving mortgage payments based on financial hardship;
• No negative reporting to credit bureaus;
• Grace period for loan modification;
• No late payment fees or online payment fees; and
• Postponing or suspending foreclosures.
Additionally, the Governor has asked DFS to instruct state chartered banks to waive ATM fees, late fees, overdraft fees and fees for credits cards to help lessen the financial hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic on New Yorkers.
“We know what we have to do to contain the spread of this virus – reduce density and person to person contact – and based on new facts we are getting every day, we’re taking further steps to keep more New Yorkers at home while keeping essential services running,” Cuomo said. “At the same time, we know there is going to be an economic impact across the state and we are taking new actions to support the thousands of New Yorkers and small businesses who are suffering. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be disruptive, but we will get through this together.”
The Governor also announced an executive order allowing the State Department of Health to identify space within existing hospitals to increase bed capacity. This builds on the Governor’s efforts to increase the state’s hospital surge capacity and help ensure our healthcare system can handle an influx of patients due to COVID-19.
The Governor also announced new measures to free up staff and speed up the admission and discharge process at hospitals for 90 days. The Department of Financial Services will issue a directive to health insurers allowing scheduled surgeries and admissions without insurer preapproval and allowing inpatient hospital services without insurer approval.
Under the measure, insurers will pay inpatient hospital services and emergency services without waiting to review for medical necessity. It will also allow the discharge of patients to a rehabilitation center or nursing after an inpatient hospital stay without insurer preapproval, and encourage self-funded plans to adopt these same provisions.
Finally, the Governor confirmed 1,769 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 4,152 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 4,152 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 1:00 pm
ALBION – The court system is largely on hiatus until further notice due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
In Orleans County, the 10 town court systems are closed. The county court system has adjourned cases to May 1 with no trials scheduled and the grand jury suspended.
A 1-gallon jug of hand sanitizer made by state inmates is placed on the metal detectors leading to the hallway in the courthouse. Many of the local government offices have hand sanitizer made by state inmates.
Judge Sanford Church is handling arraignments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The local town justices may be called for arraignments outside of the 9 to 5 time frame.
Judges will also issue orders of protection and address any license issues, for example if someone has a license suspended due to a driving while intoxicated charge.
Lawrence Marks, chief administrative judge of NYS Unified Court System, has advised the courts of the procedures “to reduce courthouse traffic to combat spread of coronavirus and protect the health and safety of our workforce,” according to a letter on March 13.
Attorneys are urged to use Skype and other videoconferencing, or teleconferencing to discuss cases with clients.
Court dates have been moved back in the court calendar. Defendants will be notified of new court dates by the town and county court facilities.
“All other business not deemed urgent has been put off until courts are back in session,” said District Attorney Joe Cardone.
County Court was held briefly this morning for Judge Church to do one arraignment and consider two extraditions.
Cardone said the county’s traffic diversion program will continue while the town and county courts are largely on hold.
Most traffic tickets can be handled online and doesn’t involve court involvement.
Although the Public Safety Building is closed to the public, Cardone said the offices at the building are staffed and can be reached by telephone.
The county website, www.orleansny.com, is currently undergoing maintenance so the link isn’t available for the traffic diversion program. For more information, contact the District Attorney’s office at (585) 590-4130.
This sign leading to the entrance for the Orleans County court system urges people to consider if they have any symptoms of coronavirus before opening the door.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 11:28 am
ALBION – A former inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion pleaded guilty to attempted assault in the second degree.
Michael Hawkins entered an Alford plea in Orleans County Court, where he maintained his innocence but didn’t want to risk going to trial and being found guilty of second-degree assault, which has a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
“I don’t want to take the chance of going to trial and being found guilty,” said Hawkins, who is now an inmate at Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone, Franklin County.
Hawkins, in court last week, acknowledged there was an incident between him and a corrections officer on Jan. 2, 2018. But he told Judge Sanford Church there wasn’t contact with the CO. The judge asked Hawkins if he intended to injure the corrections officer and Hawkins said, “No.”
District Attorney Joe Cardone said there is testimony and videotape of Hawkins where the footage shows him resisting corrections officers during an extraction procedure in Hawkins’ cell, which was done when the inmate allegedly wasn’t following the prison rules.
A corrections officer suffered a laceration to the face and was exposed to blood and bodily fluids from Hawkins, Cardone said.
The corrections officer suffered substantial pain and missed work for several months, Cardone said.
As part of the plea agreement, Hawkins will face a maximum of an additional 1 ½ to 3 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28.
• In court this morning, Judge Church arraigned Derrick Hildreth, 42, of Albion for two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. Hildreth on Dec. 5 allegedly had cocaine with the intent to sell it. He was released on his own recognizance this morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 10:49 am
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning on Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee and Chautauqua counties.
There will be southwest winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph possible.
“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Scattered power outages are possible. Strong wind gusts may damage tents and temporary outdoor structures. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Today is forecast for a high of 60 degrees. On Friday, the high will be 67 but the temperature will then plummet to a low of 24 on Friday night.
Saturday the high will be 32 followed by a high near 36 on Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2020 at 9:27 am
Albion site will continue some services during shutdown due to coronavirus
ALBION – Hoag Library’s Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday evening to close the library building to the public after 5 p.m. Friday, due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
Hoag is one of few remaining libraries currently open in the region. Library leaders wanted to keep the building open so people could continue to have access to computers, books and other resources in the library.
But concerns over the virus convinced the board to close the library.
“Since our board meeting a week ago things have changed substantially,” said Terry Wilbert, one of the library trustees.
Hoag Library has many bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the building.
Even with the closure, the library will continue to offer services to the community. Community members can call or email requests for books, and library staff will put those books and other materials in plastic bags in the front lobby. Staff will also handle requests to make copies and send faxes for community members. Staff will be onsite Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We’ll be able to provide the public almost everything we do now,” said Betty Sue Miller, library director.
Hoag had already cancelled special events at the library because it didn’t want larger crowds in the building. Miller believed the library was effective in maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet between people. Staff were also frequently wiping down common areas, computer keyboards and returned books.
But on Wednesday night, during a two-hour board meeting, trustees were unanimous in voting to close the building to the public.
Kevin Doherty, president of the board, said he expects that directive would have come soon from the state anyway.
Hoag will have staff on site during the closure, but only half of the employees at a time. The governor issued a directive for workplaces to reduce on-site staff to 50 percent to help slow the spread of the virus.
Hoag has 13 employees, and six are full-time. The library intends to keep paying them during the shutdown.
Miller, the library director, pushed to have the library open today and Friday to give the public two days to get materials, make copies, pick up tax forms and tend to other business before the building closes.
The library will post its services on its website and also in the front lobby. Many books, videos and materials will be available online. Hoag staff may create YouTube videos to help patrons navigate the online options through Hoag and the Nioga Library System.
Miller said library staff and patrons have needed to be flexible during this health crisis.
“What we’re doing now might not be what we’re doing in a half hour or tomorrow,” Miller told the board during Wednesday’s meeting.
ALBION – The Gordmans store in Albion, and all other retail sites owned by Stage Stores, will be reducing their hours.
The safety and health of our guests, associates and store communities are our top priority, Stage Stores said in a news release.
To better support our associates, serve our customers and slow the spread of COVID-19, Stage Stores and our family of brands (Gordmans, Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, Peebles, and Stage) have adjusted our store operating hours.
Until further notice, our reduced store hours are as follows:
• Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday: noon to 6 p.m.
Additionally, in compliance with local government orders to shut down all non-essential businesses, as well as other location-based factors, select stores are temporarily closed and will not re-open until circumstances improve.
In addition to our new store hours, we are taking the following actions to help keep our guests and associates healthy:
• Increasing the frequency of store cleanings, paying special attention to frequently touched objects and surfaces such as register counters, shopping carts, door handles, restrooms, etc.;
• Reminding our associates of their training on illness prevention;
• Advising all employees to stay home if they are not feeling well, or if circumstances might advise them to do so, to seek medical attention if they have symptoms.
We also encourage our guests everywhere to take the extra precautions necessary to safeguard their health and the health of others. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and work with public health authorities as required. We will keep you informed if our approach changes and will continue to post updates on stage.com and gordmans.com. We look forward to serving guests in our stores.
