One of several beautifully preserved courtyards and gardens on the grounds of the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, California.

Let’s go on an adventure together… to The Mission at San Juan Capistrano!

In 2017, I took a West Coast cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. The cruise began in San Francisco and sailed along the west coast, stopping at several ports along the California coast and Ensenada, Mexico, and returning to San Francisco. I also spent a few days in the San Francisco area after the cruise.

Some of you may also remember my article from April of last year about the Amtrak Coast Starlight Train I took from San Francisco to Seattle to close out that trip. It was a wonderful trip, over all, but one of my most favorite parts was visiting the Mission at San Juan Capistrano at the Long Beach, CA port stop on the cruise.

The Long Beach / Los Angeles port stop was actually the one I was looking forward to the least. I was in Los Angeles several years ago for a work seminar and did all the touristy things related to LA and Hollywood during my free time on that trip. So, been there, done that, got the t-shirt…even though I really did enjoy it very much at the time, I wasn’t all that interested in doing it, again. But, when looking over the shore excursions for that port, I found one that focused on visiting The Mission at San Juan Capistrano that looked very interesting. It was something I had heard of and I vaguely knew of the legend of the cliff swallows that migrate there every year, so I signed up for it. I was so glad I did! It ended up being so amazing and is still in the top few favorite memories of that trip.

The grounds of the mission consists of several buildings, lovely gardens and courtyards, a cemetery, and a stunning chapel. Early settlers of California built missions, like this, all along the coast with the intent to educate Native Americans to the Christian faith. They were situated with no more than a day’s ride by horse between them. Bells were installed along the route to show the way and mark the distance.

The altar inside the stunning chapel at the Mission at San Juan Capistrano.

The Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on November 1, 1776 and is known as the Jewel of the Missions. The legend of the mission is that one of the founding missionaries was in town one day and noticed a shopkeeper swatting away the cliff swallows that flocked around his shop. The missionary asked him what he was doing and he told him that he wanted to be rid of the pesky birds that dirty the entrance to his shop and cause him to lose customers. The missionary told the cliff swallows that they would be more than welcome at the mission and to come there whenever they want. The next day, the missionary found hundreds of cliff swallows making nests around the mission. From that day forward, cliff swallows migrate from their winter nesting grounds 2000 miles away to come to the mission. This happens every year on or about March 19th – St. Joseph’s Day. The birds are still celebrated at the mission to this day.

Sadly, I was there a couple weeks late and missed the cliff swallows. But the rest of the mission took my breath away. I could have spent days there just sitting and wandering around and taking in all the beautiful buildings and stunning gardens. I spent quite a while just sitting in the chapel – so beautiful I could barely breath and got all emotional. Yes, definitely a top highlight of the cruise. The entire day was a rare treat for someone with a camera slung over her shoulder.

Beautiful view of Laguna Beach, California.

The day included an amazing lunch at a country club in Laguna Beach overlooking the ocean. On the way back to the ship, we drove along the Pacific Coast Highway through all the little beach towns. It was an awesome day. If you’re ever in the Long Beach / Los Angeles area, be sure to take time to visit the Mission at San Juan Capistrano – and, if you can be there to witness the cliff swallows, I will be so jealous!

Check out all the beautiful photos I took during my day at the Mission at San Juan Capistrano on my blog post titled Long Beach Adventure: https://thoughtsbykim.com/2017/04/12/long-beach-adventure/

Happy Adventuring!

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Photos by Ginny Kropf: Fire trucks from Medina, Shelby and East Shelby pull into Medina Memorial Hospital in a parade to help North Wing resident Ruth Harold celebrate her 103rd birthday Feb. 13.

Ruth Harold, a resident of the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital, is all decked out for her 103rd birthday party.

MEDINA – Ruth Harold got to celebrate her 103rd birthday with a very special treat.

A resident of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing, Harold was honored on Friday with a parade of fire trucks from Shelby and East Shelby and a Medina ambulance, who drove through the circle under her window and blew their sirens.

Harold was born Feb. 13, 1918 in Wolcottsville, where she grew up. She married the late Robert Clark, and they had three children, Betty, Kent and Karen. They raised their family in Middleport, where she worked many jobs, but the most rewarding, she said, was babysitting.

Harold told the nurses in the North Wing that when she was younger, “everything was exciting to me.” The first car she ever saw was a Ford Model T. She remembers her grandfather living with them, and she he was a big shot in the Army. He was very important to her, she said, and they had a big memorial for him after he died.

Harold has been a resident of the North Wing since January 2011. She likes to nap and get her nails done. She loves jewelry and the latest fashions. She never thought she’d live to be this age, she said.

“Can you believe I’m over 100,” she asked on Friday as they waited for her parade of fire trucks. “The firemen are coming for me.”

Harold was happy to see to procession of fire trucks and the hoopla for birthday.

“She was absolutely thrilled,” said Niccole Nicholson, a social worker in the North Wing.

Ruth Harold’s window of her room in the North Wing of Medina Memorial Hospital overlooks the drive, where fire trucks from Shelby, East Shelby and Medina and a Medina ambulance paraded in front and blew their sirens on Friday afternoon, in celebration of Harold’s 103rd birthday Feb. 13.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Stephanie Aquilina, X-ray technician at Medina Memorial Hospital, adjusts the new state-of-the-art 3-D mammography machine as Dr. Dale Sponaugle, director of radiology, looks on.

MEDINA – A new mammography machine at Medina Memorial Hospital will provide the most accurate diagnoses available, according to radiology staff.

Dr. Dale Sponaugle, director of radiology; Stephanie Aquilina, X-ray technician; and Erica Chutko, manager of radiology, explained the machine’s three dimensional capabilities on Friday.

“This machine allows us to see the breast three-dimensionally,” Sponaugle said. “In the past, we might have to bring a patient back in or send her somewhere else, especially women with dense breasts.”

“This machine is top notch, technically one of the most state-of-the-art in the world,” said X-ray technician Stephanie Aquilina. Since we got the machine Dec. 23, we have already caught several suspicious cases and were able to clear up a questionable area.”

Chutko explained the old two-dimensional machine provided one view from the top and one from the side, whereas, the three-dimensional machine adds an arc.

“When women have dense breasts, it is very hard to visualize what is in that tissue,” Chutko said.

“Those women are at a higher risk of something being missed,” Aquilina said.

Chutko added the new 3-D machine means there is less chance a patient will have to return for additional views, meaning she will also be subjected to less radiation.

Now there is less chance patients will have to be sent elsewhere for further testing, Aquilina said.

Since the hospital reopened its doors for elective procedures – after having to put those off due to Covid-19 restrictions, Aquilina said more than 200 patients have been X-rayed in two months.

“We used to have to send a lot of patients out for further testing, but since using our new machine, we’ve only had to send two elsewhere, she said. “That’s a huge improvement.”

Jessica Capurso, director of Wellness, Education and Marketing for Community Partners, said the new 3-D mammography X-ray machine was purchased with financial help from Orleans Community Health Foundation.

“So when you get a request for a donation, now you know where the money goes,” she said.

Provided photos

KENDALL – Leaders of the Kendall Lions Cub today presented a check to Stacy Lynaugh, third from left, to help with some of the financial challenges while she fights ovarian cancer. Lynaugh is a teacher’s aide at Kendall Central School.

Bob Ryan, left, is the Kendall Lions Club president and Phil D’Agostino is the chairman of an annual chicken barbecue that was last Saturday. The Lions Club served about 1,272 dinners at the annual club tradition the Saturday before the Super Bowl. Zina Cappotelli, right, is a close friend of Lynaugh’s and she also sold the most tickets for the dinners.

“When I heard the word ‘cancer’ for the first time I felt so alone, but when you live in a small town filled with the most amazing people, you do not feel alone – you feel loved,” Lynaugh said in a statement. “I would like to thank the Kendall Lions Club members, students and community members for all the hard work that went into this barbecue fundraiser. I am humbled by the generosity of this gift.

“Saying thank you never seems powerful enough words to me. How can I express how much not only this fundraiser, but every act of kindness has meant to me? I thank this small town for the all the love it has shown me.”

The Lions Club cooks the dinners last Saturday. They were served as take-outs in a drive-through line at the Kendall United Methodist Church.

Some members of the Kendall Leos Club assisted with the dinner. Phil D’Agostino was happy to have their help. The Leos from the high school volunteered 44 hours with 216 hours served by the Lions Club and community members.

This group includes Phil D’Agostino, Zina Cappotelli, Stacy Lynaugh, Bob Ryan, Mike Cusimano and Julie Bunn. The Lions Cub presented the money at the school library.

“My mom said to me that she is comforted knowing that I live in a community that continually is there for me,” Lynaugh said. “Every day a card, homemade meal, an encouraging word, and most of all prayers to lift me up and give me strength to fight this horrific disease.

“I am fortunate to work at a job that I love with people who I am honored to call family. Working at Kendall Central School and Partyka Farms has allowed me to meet so many caring people. I am proud to call Kendall home. I feel blessed to have family, friends, co-workers and community members that never cease to amaze me with how they are always there for me.”

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 26 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today, bringing their combined total to 6,364 since last March, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

In Orleans there are 14 new positive cases for a total of 2,333 during the pandemic. The positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 40s, 50s and 80s.

The county is reporting 9 more people have recovered from Covid and have been removed from isolation.

The county also currently has two people hospitalized due to Covid-19.

Correction: The Health Department removed a duplicate individual from the West Region from Thursday’s count.

Albion Central School is reporting a middle school student has tested positive for Covid-19. The student is a hybrid learner and was last in school on Feb. 8. Those determined to have been in close contact with the student have been identified and should be contacted by the Department of Health, the district stated on its website.

Medina Central School on Thursday reported an elementary school staff member and middle school student both tested positive for Covid-19. The Department of Health has investigated the case with the staff member and determined no further school-related quarantines are required, District Superintendent Mark Kruzynski said.

With the middle school student, the Department of Health is working with the school district to identify any potential close contacts and is notifying families who may have to quarantine.

In Genesee County there are 12 new positive cases of Covid for a total of 4,031 positive cases since March.

The new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). One of the new cases is a resident of Genesee Senior Living.

The 12 new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

One of the new cases is an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia.

Genesee is reporting 12 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There are currently 14 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Data Update: The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be closed on Monday for the Presidents’ Day holiday. There won’t be a Covid-19 update. The data will next be updated on Tuesday.

They claim governor and his team hid data on nursing home deaths

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined Reps. Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Andrew Garbarino (R, NY-2), Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11), Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21), Claudia Tenney (R, NY-22), Tom Reed (R, NY-23), John Katko (R, NY-24) in calling on Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson to open a Department of Justice investigation into New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration following reports that a top aide to Governor Cuomo just admitted that their office, in an effort to block a DOJ investigation, hid from federal authorities information on nursing home deaths caused by the Governor’s nursing home mandate.

“The Governor and his staff made a calculated and potentially criminal decision to withhold information of his reckless order forcing Covid-positive patients back into nursing homes. Grieving New York families and elected officials have tried for months to get answers, only to be brushed aside by the Governor while he shamelessly accepted book deals and awards for his handling of the pandemic. This is now not only an investigation into the true toll of his disastrous directive, but a criminal investigation into obstruction of justice. This new reporting details willful corruption of the highest degree and represents one of the greatest betrayals of public trust we have seen during this pandemic – the Department of Justice must launch a federal investigation immediately, and Governor Cuomo and his staff must face justice,” Congressman Chris Jacobs (R, NY-27) said.

“The Department of Justice needs to immediately open an Obstruction of Justice investigation into Governor Cuomo and his administration. It’s now being reported there has been a direct admission of their nursing home coverup with the intent of blocking a DOJ investigation. The families of thousands of dead New York seniors deserve accountability and justice for the true consequences of Governor Cuomo’s fatally flawed nursing home policy and the continued attempts to cover it up. It’s clear what’s happening here is criminal,” Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) said.

“It is clearer now more than ever that the Department of Justice needs to conduct a full investigation into the Cuomo Administration’s handling of nursing homes and Covid-19. Gov. Cuomo not only recklessly put New York seniors in harms’ way, he and his Administration admittedly hid the facts from the Department of Justice. This, along with the refusal to respect the several Freedom of Information Law requests, turned a misjudgment in policy into what very well may be one of the largest criminal cover-ups in New York’s history. On behalf of every New Yorker who lost a family member or loved one in one of these nursing home facilities, I am demanding answers and justice,” Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R, NY-2) said.

“This admission of a coverup proves what we’ve known all along; Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) made a calculated political decision to avoid answering questions and being the subject of legal investigations. The Governor should immediately resign, and the Department of Justice should hold Governor Cuomo and his administration accountable so justice can be served for the thousands of families who lost loved ones,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11) said.

“After yesterday’s bombshell report, there is absolutely no question that an immediate independent investigation from the U.S. Department of Justice is warranted. If there is no Department of Justice investigation into the Secretary to Governor Cuomo’s public admission of federal crimes, a stain will remain on the entirety of the Biden Administration. I also call for a full transcript to be released of President Biden’s meeting  with Governor Cuomo at the White House, so the American people can be assured that President Biden is not complicit in this apparent criminal coverup and admitted obstruction of justice,” Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) said.

“The latest revelation that Governor Cuomo’s administration deliberately concealed data related to nursing home deaths is unconscionable. I have been raising the alarm around this issue for more than a year and am proud to now stand with my New York colleagues in Congress to call for an immediate federal investigation into this matter. New York families need the truth and they deserve justice,” Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R, NY-22) said.

“The mountain of evidence, lies, and criminal conduct cannot be ignored any longer. The Biden Department of Justice must conduct an independent and thorough investigation into Governor Cuomo, Secretary DeRosa, and New York State. Regardless of our party affiliation, we should all be able to agree such an investigation is an essential step if we are going to achieve justice for the thousands of grieving New York families,” Congressman Tom Reed (R, NY-23) said.

“The revelations being reported regarding New York State’s handling of nursing home deaths represent a massive breach in public trust. Hundreds of families across New York State lost loved ones as a direct result of the State’s disastrous nursing home policy. Reporting now shows the Cuomo Administration deliberately withheld this critical information from federal authorities. The individuals responsible for perpetuating this coverup must be held accountable,” Congressman John Katko (R, NY-24) said.

This report came after it was revealed over 9,000 coronavirus patients were sent into New York nursing homes. In addition, New York Attorney General James released a report two weeks revealing the state had underreported nursing home deaths.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, also issued this statement: “I am incredibly saddened by how families who have already lost their loved ones have been disrespected by this administration after already going through the painful process of grief. We now know for certain that the governor put his reputation before the lives of over 15,000 nursing home residents, and we must keep all options on the table to hold him accountable, along with everyone else responsible for this tragedy and the ensuing cover-up. At this point, any excuses made to not rescind the governor’s emergency powers and immediately investigate this matter as thoroughly and independently as possible are entirely disingenuous, and we must now all put politics aside to do what’s right for the thousands of families who had their loved ones taken from them.”

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Do you know of a Lyndonville educator or staff member who is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and has inspired you or your child?

If so, please consider nominating them for Lyndonville Central School’s 2021 Educators or Staff Member of the Year.

This year Lyndonville will be selecting two educators for this award, one from elementary (Pre-K through 6) and another from secondary (grades 7-12). The district will also select one staff member of the year. The nominated educators and staff members must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the 2020-21 Nomination Information Packets. (Click here for links to those packets.)

Three finalists will be selected from the pool of nominations. Upon verification that the nominated individuals meet the required criteria, the nominators (with help from school administration if requested) must submit two additional letters of support to complete the nomination process. An impartial committee will select the educators and staff member of the year from those nominated.

Winners will be announced in June at the Board of Education meeting. The winning educators will each receive a $1,000 district grant and the winning staff member a $500 district grant. The grant may be used for any educational initiative or project within the recipient’s school, classroom, program or department. All will receive a plaque commemorating their achievement.

Deadline for nomination submission is March 12. Nomination forms can be completed and mailed to the district or emailed to Llamay@lcsdk12.org.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has completed the proposed final plan on Police Reform and Reinvention plan. It is posted on the Orleans County website (click here) and is open for public comment.

Orleans County residents along with stakeholders are urged to submit any comments to the proposed final plan.

Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order No. 203, the Reform and Reinvention Community members’ collaborative committee on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office has hosted two public forum meetings on the following topics: current police force deployments; strategies, policies, procedures and practices to develop a plan to improve such deployments; strategies, policies, procedures, and practices to address the particular needs of the communities served by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office is promoting community engagement to foster trust, fairness, legitimacy, and to address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color.

The report and plan will be reviewed by the Reform and Reinvention Community members’ collaborative committee and open for public input by hosting a third public forum on February 18 at 7 p.m.  This public forum will be held at the Orleans County Office Building, Legislature Chambers on the second floor, 14016 Route 31 west, Albion, NY 14411 and also will be available via Zoom.

These meetings will follow Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order with the occupancy limited to no more than 50 people. We encourage the public to follow the Zoom link (click here). The meeting ID is 894 0497 9618 with the Passcode: 510643.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that given the continued decline in hospitalization and infection rates throughout New York, closing times for restaurants and bars will be extended from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide beginning Sunday, February 14.

“Our decisions are based on science and data and we adjust as the virus adjusts. The infection rate and hospitalizations have continued to significantly decline,” Cuomo said. “Accordingly, we have adjusted with arena and catering hall openings with rigorous testing and limited capacity indoor dining openings in New York City. We will also move the restaurant and bar closing hour from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide on Sunday. We will continue to follow the science and react accordingly. If we keep the infections down and vaccinations up, we will continue to stay ahead in the footrace against this invisible enemy.”

Today’s data is summarized:

• Test Results Reported – 237,134
• Total Positive – 8,404
• Percent Positive – 3.54%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 4.04%
• Patient Hospitalization – 7,068 (-274), which is lowest since Christmas Day
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week – (down 869)
• Deaths – 135 (Total Deaths – 36,882)

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are warning residents about scammers who are trying to get people to pay to set up vaccine appointments.

Several senior citizens in the Rochester area have been called in this scam, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

Some people have paid $100 to the scammer, believing they had an appointment set up at a state-run vaccination site in Rochester. When they arrived, there was no appointment and there were put the $100.

“Please note NO ONE is to ask for money to set up Covid-19 Vaccine Registration!” the Health Departments said. “If you get a call from someone saying they can get you an appointment for a “small” amount of money, hang up, it is a scam!”

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has joined the House Rural Broadband Caucus for the 117th Congress.

“Expanding broadband access is critical to rebuilding and advancing rural Western New York communities. This need has existed for years, but the pandemic has amplified these needs as schools have moved online, telehealth services are being used more frequently and vaccine appointments are being made online, and Western New Yorkers are working from home,” Jacobs said.

The House Rural Broadband is co-chaired by Reps. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), and Bob Latta (R-OH-05). The Rural Broadband Caucus works in a bipartisan way to promote broadband deployment. Since its inception, the caucus has successfully secured billions of dollars for expanding internet access to rural areas.

“Students shouldn’t have to sit outside a restaurant to do homework, farmers should not lose revenue because they cannot compete with high-tech competitors, and small businesses should have every available resource to grow and thrive in Western New York,” Jacobs said.

“This has been one of my priorities since taking office, and I worked with my colleagues to successfully secure $635 million in funding for the USDA ReConnect Rural Broadband Program in the most recent appropriations bill,” he said. “Connecting our region is vital to our future, and I am committed to supporting efforts to improve access for Western New Yorkers. Joining this caucus puts me in an even better position to advocate for the needs of my constituents.”

Genesee County passes 4,000 cases during pandemic

Orleans and Genesee counties combined are reporting 36 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 today, bringing their combined total to 6,339 since last March.

In Orleans there are 16 new positive cases for a total of 2,320 during the pandemic. The positive cases reside in the West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby), Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre) and East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon).

The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

The new cases include 6 residents of The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab in Albion and 4 inmates at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a men’s prison in Albion.

In Orleans, 12 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed

from the isolation list, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

There are currently 2 residents from the county hospitalized due to Covid.

In Genesee County there 20 new positive cases of Covid for a total of 4,019 positive cases since March. Genesee has now had 7.0 percent of its 57,280 residents have confirmed cases of Covid.

The cases have surged since October. At the end of October, Genesee had 375 cases through the first eight months of the pandemic. Genesee had 579 in November, 1,495 in December and 1,419 in January. (The county has had 152 cases so far this month.)

The 20 new positive cases reside in the West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke), Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) and East Region (Bergen, Byron, LeRoy, Pavilion, Stafford). One of the new cases is a resident of Genesee Senior Living.

The 20 new cases are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Genesee is reporting 24 more of the previous positive individuals have recovered and been removed from the isolation list. There are currently 15 Genesee residents hospitalized due to Covid.

Genesee also has had two more residents die from a Covid-related illness, bringing the total number of Genesee residents to pass away from Covid to 117 since last March. The two deaths reported today are both over age 65. One was a resident of New York State Veterans’ Home in Batavia and the other was a resident at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

“Our deepest condolences to the families and friends during this very difficult time,” the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments stated.

This data from the governor’s office shows the 7-day positivity rate for the 10 regions in the state.

The percentage of positive Covid-19 tests is decreasing in Orleans County, the Finger Lakes Region and the state.

Orleans County’s had the highest seven-day positivity rate in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region on Feb. 6 with a rate of 7.2 percent. That rate over the past seven days now is down to 4.7 percent. Orleans no longer leads the region. Wyoming County has the highest percentage at 5.8 while Genesee is lowest at 2.2 percent.

The Finger Lakes had a 7-day positivity rate for Covid-19 at 10.29 percent on Jan. 5, among the highest in the state.

The seven-day positivity rate has dropped to 2.66 percent on Wednesday, with the state-wide rate at 4.16 percent. That state-wide rate over seven days is the lowest since Dec. 1.

The state-wide rate for one day was at 3.54 percent on Wednesday, the lowest since Nov. 25.

The rate has now declined over 34 consecutive days, is down by 48 percent from the early January post-holiday peak, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

The number of people hospitalized in the state due to Covid was 7,351 on Wednesday, which was down by 251 from Tuesday and down nearly 2,000 from the 9,273 on Jan. 19.

The Finger Lakes hit a pandemic high with 964 hospitalized due to Covid on Dec. 28. The Covid hospitalizations was down to 345 on Wednesday in the Finger Lakes Region.

“Across the state, from hospitalizations to infection rate, our numbers are continuing to decline – a sign of hope to all and proof of the dedication New Yorkers have shown to defeating this beast,” Cuomo said. “We are headed in the right direction, but we are not at the end of the tunnel yet. Until the day the war is won and everyone who wants one has the vaccine, we must continue to practice the guidelines we know work – washing your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding gatherings.”

‘This updated guidance is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down.’

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who are fully vaccinated from Covid-19 don’t need to quarantine if they have been exposed to someone with Covid– for within 90 days after getting the second shot.

“Fully vaccinated persons who meet criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following an exposure to someone with Covid-19,” the CDC said in the updated guidance Wednesday.

People are considered fully vaccinated if they have both shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines – and at least two weeks have gone by since the second dose was administered.

However, people who have had both shots should quarantine if they have had Covid exposure more than three months after being vaccinated because it is unclear how long the vaccine will be effective.

The CDC said vaccinated people should follow all other health guidance, including wearing a mask and social distancing when possible.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the state Department of Health, issued this statement this afternoon:

“Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance regarding quarantine following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. According to the guidance, ‘asymptomatic fully vaccinated individuals’, meaning those who have received both shots and at least two weeks have passed since the second shot, are no longer required to quarantine within 90 days after the second shot.

“From the outset of the pandemic, New York State has followed the science and listened to the experts, and quarantine requirements only for New Yorkers who have received both shots will be similarly updated to reflect the CDC’s new guidance. However, the science regarding Covid transmissibility post-vaccination remains unsettled, and this updated guidance is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down.

“All New Yorkers, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should continue to wear masks, social distance, and be smart until herd immunity is reached and this pandemic is fully relegated to the history books.”