Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency
ALBION – The Orleans County Economic Development Agency is committed to assisting local business owners and new entrepreneurs impacted from restrictions imposed on our community due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The agency will release local, state and federal business assistance information as it becomes available and is vetted by our office. The OEDA is doing our utmost to work with state and federal agencies to support the implementation of new programs and will disseminate information via the press and the agency’s social media platforms – on Facebook /OrleansEDA and Twitter @OrleansEDA.
• Orleans County Updates
For local municipality updates and information on slowing the spread of COVID-19, click the red COVID-19 button at the top of the county’s website | www.orleansny.com
• OEDA Small Business Assistance ‘MAP’ Class
The Orleans Economic Development Agency’s spring MAP classes for small business assistance will now be video streamed. Tuesday evening classes begin April 14 and continue through June 23 (6-8:30 p.m.) to assist entrepreneurs with business plans, marketing and finance. To register contact Diane Blanchard (585) 589-7060 ext. 1 | dblanchard@orleansdevelopment.org
• Legal Guidance for Employers on Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak
The law firm of Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP (HSE) is hosting complimentary webinars with legal updates and resources for employers during the COVID-19 crisis.
• HSE Webinar Registration | Session Two – March 19, 2020
Recent developments, new legislation and best practices
On Tuesday Governor Cuomo announced a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay to New Yorkers quarantined as the result of the novel coronavirus. The bill includes the permanent paid sick leave legislation introduced in the 2021 budget. Governor Cuomo also announced the state will guarantee two full weeks of paid sick leave for all state workers who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine due to COVID-19. (Click here for more information.)
Employers or employees needing clarification on the implementation of this legislation and other employment programs can contact the Department of Labor | ( 800) 833-3000 https://www.labor.ny.gov/home/
• SBA Disaster Relief Loan Program
On March 12th Governor Cuomo’s office submitted a request to the U.S. Small Business Association for New York businesses to be eligible for the recently announced SBA disaster relief program loan program. NYS and the Governor’s office are in the process of receiving approval and information on the scope of the program. In the interim, the OEDA is communicating with regional SBA and Empire State Development about how the program will be administered locally. https://www.sba.gov/
Press Release, New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
The union representing corrections officer in the state is calling on the Acting Commissioner of DOCCS to immediately end all non-essential transportation of inmates to minimize the exposure to COVID-19 for staff and inmates.
In a letter dated March 9, 2020, NYSCOPBA requested a number of measures to be taken to minimize the possible exposure of the Coronavirus. One of the requests was the immediate reduction of transportation of inmates to outside facilities except for medical emergencies.
A follow up letter dated March 14 outlined a number of measures that DOCCS failed to take to safeguard correctional facilities, staff and the inmate population from the Coronavirus. The letter referenced an “indifference” on the administrations part to follow proactive measures recommended by the CDC and World Health Organization to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
All of this inaction occurred prior to and after Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency on Saturday, March 7, and President Trump declared a national state of emergency on Friday, March 13.
“The health and well-being of DOCCS employees and the incarcerated population should be of paramount importance to the administration, yet as other state and county correctional institutions across the country took proactive measures to limit exposure, DOCCS failed multiple times to heed the advice of the CDC as well as disregard NYSCOPBA requests to suspend all unnecessary inmate transportation, inmate visits and remove double bunking to improve social distancing among inmates,” said Michael B. Powers, NYSCOPBA president.
DOCCS suspends visitation to prisons until April 11
Press Release, The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is responsible for the safety, health, rehabilitation, and supervision of nearly 44,000 incarcerated individuals and over 35,000 individuals on community supervision through the tireless efforts of nearly 30,000 employees.
Visitation Suspended at All Correctional Facilities. While this suspension of visitation will be temporary, the Department recognizes the immediate impact on incarcerated individuals throughout the correctional system.
However, the current situation demands this significant action to safeguard the health and safety of all incarcerated individuals, employees, as well as their families and communities. While in-person visitation will be impossible to replace, the Department will provide the following benefits to encourage individuals to keep in contact with their family and friends during this temporary suspension:
• Five (5) free stamps per week for use in accordance with Directive #4422, “Inmate Correspondence Program”;
• Two (2) free secure messages per week via electronic tablet; and
• One (1) free phone call per week in accordance with Directive #4423 “Inmate Telephone Calls”.
This suspended visitation also applies to family reunion programs. However, legal visits will not be impacted by this visitation suspension. Legal visits will be conducted as non-contact (i.e. no physical contact allowed), as requests are submitted, and that option remains available within the facilities.
The Department takes seriously its duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those who work, visit and live in our correctional facilities, as well as those who supervise or are supervised in the greater community of New York. During this difficult time, the Department is appreciative of everyone’s patience and understanding as we continue to face this virus together.
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 18 March 2020 at 5:58 pm
Children’s Librarian Grace Azzolino reads Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson.
HOLLEY – The Community Free Library may be closed to the public during the coronavirus pandemic, but the Wednesday children’s book storytime is continuing.
Grace Azzolino, the children’s librarian, read three books today, sang children’s songs and even taught sing language during a 20-minute video posted on YouTube. Click here to see the video – “Story Hour: March 18th, 2020 (Spring!)”
The Holley library, like most in the area, isn’t allowing patrons inside the building. Azzolino, in her message on YouTube, said she is said the library is closed to the public right now. She encouraged everyone to practice social distancing so the virus doesn’t spread.
She read two books – Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson and There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems. She also sang a song about bunnies with a flannel board, and showed children how to do a welcome song with shakers, which can be made using rice, beans or other small items sealed in a jar or cup.
Azzolino ended with a jingle in sign language. She sang, “Goodbye friends, it’s time to say goodbye,” and taught the signs for each word.
She said she will record another storytime next Wednesday.
Starting this afternoon at 4, Nate McMurray, candidate for U.S. Congress in New York’s 27th District, will hold digitally accessible Town Hall style events in an effort to stay accessible to voters during COVID-19 pandemic and necessity of social distancing.
The events will be streamed live and participants will have the opportunity to ask the candidate questions and receive answers in real time.
“This is a difficult time for our nation; the already struggling families of this district will be hit hard by this pandemic and need access to their leaders and candidates now more than ever,” McMurray said. “The focus of our campaign has always been to lift up the good people of this region; while the coronavirus will inarguably impact the way we interact with them, it’s critical that we maintain open lines of communication and support for one another. My team is committed to utilizing alternative forms of engagement in order to address concerns, discuss the issues that matter most to NY-27 residents, and connect people with the resources they need throughout this crisis.”
McMurray will begin live streaming today at 4 p.m. and will start every session by reading to the children of those participating. Those interested in attending the live session may access the event by clicking here.
In these uncertain times we at Tops Friendly Markets feel the need to address the concerns of our most vulnerable population, our seniors 60 years of age and older.
We’ve heard you and therefore, effective Thursday, March 19, and until further notice, Tops will open its doors for this select audience only, allowing them to shop from 6 to 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
Rest assured we will not be asking for identification as we trust the community will not abuse this privilege. Tops also has curbside and pickup delivery as an alternate shopping solution. Please visit Topsmarkets.com to shop on-line.
Number of coronavirus cases grows by 1,000 in state
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Provided photo: The USNS Comfort, a 1,000-bed hospital ship, is headed to New York harbor.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the USNS Comfort will be deployed to New York harbor and is expected to arrive in April.
The 1,000-bed hospital ship has 12 fully-equipped operating rooms and will significantly increase New York’s hospital surge capacity. The Governor is meeting with leadership of the Army Corp of Engineers today to discuss ways to increase hospital capacity in New York.
The Governor also announced he will issue an executive order directing non-essential businesses to implement work-from-home policies effective Friday, March 20. Businesses that rely on in-office personnel must decrease their in-office workforce by 50 percent.
The executive order exempts 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.
“We are fighting a war against this pandemic and we know that two of the most effective ways to stop it is by reducing density and increasing our hospital capacity so our healthcare system is not overwhelmed,” Governor Cuomo said. “The deployment of the USNS Comfort to New York is an extraordinary but necessary step to help ensure our state has the capacity to handle an influx of patients with COVID-19 and continue our efforts to contain the virus. Partnering with the private sector to require nonessential employees to work from home will also go a long way toward bending the curve. My number one priority is protecting the public health so that a wave of new cases doesn’t crash our hospital system, and we will continue taking any action necessary to achieve that goal.”
Finally, the Governor confirmed 1,008 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 2,382 confirmed cases in New York State.
On Monday, Governor Cuomo directed nonessential state employees statewide to work from home. The Governor also directed local governments to reduce their overall workforce by 50 percent and allow nonessential employees to work from home.
Also on Monday, Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced a regional approach to combating the novel coronavirus – or COVID-19 – throughout the tri-state area. These uniform standards limited crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, and required restaurants and bars to close on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. The three governors also temporarily closed movie theaters, gyms and casinos.
ALBANY – New York State United Teachers today is calling on U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to waive state testing mandates for children in grades 3-8 for the rest of this school year and the duration of the coronavirus pandemic as New York schools are shut down to help stem the spread of the virus.
“This is not the time to create more stress for our kids,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. “It is critical that the federal government step up now and waive mandated state testing for all kids for the rest of this school year and the duration of this crisis.”
NYSUT has been working with the state Education Department and state Board of Regents to ensure that the federal government waives testing mandates and that no school is penalized.
The union believes that even if schools do re-open in several weeks, students would have dramatically less preparation time for the tests, putting them at a significant disadvantage and radically skewing the results. Even worse, considering the pervasive unease and uncertainty that this global pandemic has created, it simply isn’t fair or prudent to create more stress and anxiety for our students, NYSUT says.
NYSUT is urging its members to contact DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education to tell them to waive mandated testing for the rest of this school year and the duration of this crisis.
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
‘It’s not only in the best interest of the economy to support these businesses, but as neighbors, it’s the right thing to do for our fellow New Yorkers.’ – Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is fighting for small business relief with the “Small Business Recovery Act of 2020,” an act that aims to provide critical financial help at a time when the survival of many small businesses hangs in the balance.
With small businesses making up 99 percent of business in New York state, and employing approximately half of the state’s workforce, the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, or coronavirus, threaten not only public health, but the entire state’s economy in the long term.
The Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020 would:
• Immediately direct the state’s settlement reserve fund of $890 million toward small businesses;
• Create a 0 percent interest loan program dedicated to helping small businesses meet their payroll commitments;
• Repurpose available tax credits to help the needs of the state’s existing small businesses;
• Use all economic development discretionary funding for existing small businesses within New York state;
• Move tax deadlines for remittance, business tax, and personal income tax ahead 180 days, and;
• Suspend all regulatory fees on small businesses for 180 days.
“Our citizens are diligently following instructions as given to them by the state government in the interest of stopping the spread of this terrible virus,” Hawley said. “I don’t think this drastic shift in lifestyle should punish citizens and families who own small businesses and do what we as legislators have asked. It’s not only in the best interest of the economy to support these businesses, but as neighbors, it’s the right thing to do for our fellow New Yorkers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2020 at 12:43 pm
Restaurant will have drive-through, take-outs
Terry Farrington, district manager for seven KFCs, is joined by general manager Christina Lopez at the Albion restaurant, 168 South Main St.
ALBION – The Kentucky Fried Chicken in Albion will reopen on Thursday with a new owner.
The KFC at 168 South Main St. closed on Oct. 10 after seven-plus years in Albion. George Hsiao was the previous franchisee through KFC. He closed the restaurant after suffering a serious illness.
BBG North is the new owner. The company operates several KFCs and Taco Bell restaurants in Western New York.
The Albion site will be limited to drive-through and take-outs initially, per state directives due to the coronavirus health concerns. For take-outs, customers can walk inside the KFC to place their order, but they cannot dine inside.
The KFC opens each day at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., except on Friday and Saturday when it will close at 11 p.m.
Terry Farrington, district manager for seven KFCs, said the Albion site was successful under the previous owner.
When the KFC is fully operational, Farrington said he anticipates it will have 30 employees in Albion.
Christina Lopez is the general manager. Some of the current employees include some who worked under the previous ownership.
She is looking forward to the KFC being open to the public.
“Customer satisfaction is our priority,” she said. “The best part of this business is the thrill of customers being served in a friendly atmosphere.”
Ashlie Restivo finishes a sign for the grand re-opening of the KFC in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2020 at 10:29 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This mural was painted on the northside of the Albion fire hall, facing the Erie Canal, in 1998. It was the Girl Scout Gold Award project for Corinne Toenniessen, who received some help in the design from Terri Wood of the LonoWood Art Company in Albion.
Tim Archer Middle School Citizenship and Service Learning classes have been planning to add “Welcome to Albion” in large letters above the Erie Canal scene mural. The project will be done with Mrs. Kami Feder’s art classes.
Provided photo: Orleans Chapter NSDAR Regent Ann Jacobs presented $300 toward the project to Albion Middle School Citizenship and Service Learning teacher Tim Archer.
The project is in conjunction with the state’s push to promote the Erie Canal corridor during the bicentennial the canal’s construction, which happened from 1817 to 1825.
Previously the classes helped restore three canalside historical markers.
BASOM – The Iroquois National Wildlife is seeking public review of its draft Hunt Plan and compatibility determinations. These documents are proposing changes to better align with New York state hunt regulations including strategies from our approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan from 2011.
The wildlife refuge includes 10,828 acres in the towns of Alabama and Shelby.
Areas Open to Hunting
• Big Game Hunting – Deer and turkey hunting are permitted throughout the refuge, except in areas that are closed to protect facilities and structures, or to create buffers around refuge trail systems. Additionally, areas adjacent to bald eagle nests are closed during the spring turkey season.
“No hunting” zones include the immediate areas around refuge headquarters, refuge residences, the vicinity of Iroquois Job Corps Center, Swallow Hollow Trail, Onondaga Trail, Kanyoo Trail, and areas around private residences, farm buildings and structures, per New York State regulations. Eagle nest closure areas are determined annually, based on nest locations and buffer zones.
• Small Game/Upland Hunting – Small/upland game hunting is permitted throughout the entire refuge, except in areas closed to protect facilities and structures or to create buffers around refuge trail systems. “No hunting” zones include the immediate area around refuge headquarters, refuge residences, the vicinity of Iroquois Job Corps Center, Swallow Hollow Trail, Onondaga Trail, Kanyoo Trail, and areas around private residences, farm buildings and structures, per state regulations.
• Waterfowl Hunting – Waterfowl hunting is permitted in Oneida, Cayuga, Mohawk West Pool, and Mohawk Northeast Pool from designated hunt markers, generally accessed on foot from associated parking areas. Mohawk South Pool is designated a free roam hunt area, with a limited number of permits distributed for that pool per day.
“No hunting” zones include all refuge areas not mentioned in the previous paragraph, as well as a buffer around Kanyoo and Headquarters Trail areas and the northern dike in Mohawk South Pool.
• All Other Migratory Bird Hunting – The hunting of other migratory game birds is permitted east of Sour Springs Road. During periods when waterfowl hunting is taking place on the refuge, other migratory game bird hunting is closed in this area, but opens up in the waterfowl hunting area for permitted hunters.
“No hunting” zones include Swallow Hollow trail, Onondaga trail, the vicinity of Iroquois Job Corps Center, and areas around private residences, farm buildings and structures, per state law.
Comments will be accepted until close of business on April 17 and may be submitted via phone at 585-948-7030, email to tom_roster@fws.gov, or postal mail to Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013.
Click here to see electronic and downloadable documents about the plan.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2020 at 8:56 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kendall teachers Tonya Lustumbo (left), a fourth grade teacher, and Amy Conine, a high school math teacher, helped distribute meals on Tuesday at Kendall Junior-Senior High School. The school district served 200 meals on Tuesday.
KENDALL – Three school district provided meals for 800 students on Tuesday. That number will grow today when Holley and Albion start meal programs for students who are home due to schools across the state being shutdown for at least the next two weeks.
Medina on Tuesday provided 490 breakfasts and 490 lunches. Lyndonville served 100 breakfasts and lunches, while Kendall provided 200 “grab and go” meals.
The two Kendall teachers worked together to distribute the meals to families who pulled up in vehicles. Kendall delivered 70 meals to residences while the rest were picked up by parents.
Kendall delivered 70 of the meals, while the other 130 were picked up at the school. The meals are available for any child under the age of 18 who resides in the school district.
“We are taking it day by day in the number needed,” said Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent. “Families who did not pick up a meal today may do so at a later time. I want to thank our outstanding staff who assisted with preparing the bags, distribution of the bags and managing the planning. We had volunteers from our food service staff, bus drivers, teachers, aides, nurse, clerical, custodial and administrative staff on site assisting with smiles and true compassion for our families.”
In Kendall, families can contact Cindy Wolck at cwolck@kendallschools.org with questions about delivery.
ALBION – Students in the school district (or a parent of an ACS student presenting ID) may pick up meals beginning today. Parents need to fill out a short form available by clicking here so the district can have the right number of meals ready for each location.
Meals will be available Monday through Friday beginning Wednesday at the following locations:.
• Barre Center Presbyterian Church (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Carlton Recreation Hall (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
HOLLEY – Beginning today Holley is providing free “grab and go” meals (breakfast and lunch) to all children ages 18 and under. This food distribution plan will continue for the duration that schools are closed.
Breakfast and lunch meals will both be available at the same time for pick-up from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. our five distribution locations. (Click here to fill out a survey to help the school district prepare meals for each site.)
For questions or concerns about getting access to food, please contact the elementary or junior-senior high school, or the food service office (638-6318 Ext. 2566).
The food distribution sites include:
• Holley Elementary School (back bus loop)
• Clarendon Town Hall (parking lot)
• Thomas Estates (bus stop loop)
• County Line Trailer Park (Gulf Road & County Line Road)
• Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Hall (parking lot)
Look for the Holley school bus at each pick-up site. Staff will be there to assist.
LYNDONVILLE – The district on Tuesday started offering grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches available for all Lyndonville students at no cost. Families may pick up meals via the drop-off loop off Housel Avenue on the campus from 8 a.m. to noon this week. Beginning next week, meal service hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. If families have transportation needs or questions, call 765-3101 or email Llamay@lcsdk12.org.
MEDINA – The school district has breakfast and lunch available to 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.
Provided photo: Kendall staff are pictured in the school cafeteria with meals that were prepared for students on Tuesday.
Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
New revenue forecasts released today by the New York State Comptroller have counties concerned about compounding economic distress that will impact taxpayers, services, and staffing at the local level.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli today announced that the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will cost New York State between $4 and $7 billion in revenues for the next fiscal year that starts on April 1.
“The amended revenue forecast released by the Comptroller is very troubling for local governments and property taxpayers,” said NYSAC President John F. (Jack) Marren. “Local taxpayers will face challenges on four separate fronts at a time when we are fighting the coronavirus outbreak. The first will be an increased demand for health and human services during a recession, the second is a loss in critical local sales tax revenues we use to fund state and local services delivered in our community, the third will come in the form of looming cuts from the state budget, and the fourth will be further reductions in local quality of life services.”
The Comptroller’s estimates assume the ultimate impact is a mild recession, the higher end of the range assumes something more severe. These estimates are also before the consideration of any federal stimulus that may be forthcoming which could provide significant help to the economy and state receipts, such as an increase in federal Medicaid matching funds which would directly benefit the State Financial Plan.
“Our county leaders understand that all levels of government and all facets of society will be severely impacted by the response to COVID-19, but we also believe that the state and federal government needs to invest in our communities because we are on the front lines of fighting the spread of the coronavirus, and helping the people most impacted by an economic downturn,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
A forthcoming report from NYSAC will project that the loss in sales tax revenues will exceed $1 billion for county governments across the state. This does not account for the local workforce related revenue losses, and the costs associated with responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Counties are concerned that this fluctuation in projected revenue could result in cuts to state aid that help to fund vital services such as public health, services for older Americans, and public safety operations such as 9-1-1 dispatch services and sheriff road patrol,” said President Marren. “Any reduction in state assistance during this emergency public health response will compound the negative revenue outlook that counties are facing.”
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.
