For 35 years, Nick Ficarella has been serving delicious pizza, wings, subs, pasta and more to the community, initially at a shop situated across from Southside Deli on Liberty Street and, for many years, at his current location at 21 Liberty St.

Unfortunately, the spread of the COVID-19 has forced the Batavia native to temporarily close his store, giving – in his words – “our staff a well-deserved mental and physical break and doing our part to stop this spread of this terrible pandemic.”

Ficarella, speaking to The Batavian this afternoon, said he is shutting things down for a few weeks, not because business has fallen off, but primarily to protect the health of employees, their families and friends and customers.

“Business-wise, the support has been huge,” he said. “We have been seeing long, long lines at the pick-up window. The issue is more about staffing.”

In post on his Facebook page, Ficarella wrote that he will provide daily updates through social media – “to keep your belly’s (sic) hungry and your spirits high” – and also will be updating the website with new features to enhance the ordering experience.

“We’ll be back bigger and stronger,” he said. “We’re going to add some new features, including online ordering. In the meantime, I would like to thank the community and look to continue to serve the great people of Genesee County and beyond like we have since 1985, when there is an end to all this madness.”

Interview with Teresa VanSon, director of the Genesee County Job Bureau.

UPDATE: Oops, I messed up and didn't save the code for the video player right prior to the interview. Sorry. Here's the recorded interview.

UPDATE: Here are resources mentioned during the interview:

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

• Website www.labor.ny.gov/signin
• To file by phone 888-209-8124
• Questions number 800-833-3000
• They have also issued information on the federal CARES Act that provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for New Yorkers, as well as Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals and how to file an Unemployment Insurance Claim.
• https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm
• https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/self-employed-ui-guide.pdf

Genesee County Job Development Bureau

• https://www.facebook.com/GConestopcareercenter/posts/
• Email – jdb@co.genesee.ny.us
• Phone - 585-344-2042
• https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/jobdevelopment/index.php

This morning we're talking with District Attorney Lawrence Friedman about how social distancing and quarantines are affecting the justice system.

UPDATE: This is a reposted recording of the live stream interview to fix a dropped signal at the beginning of the interview.

April is National Poetry Month and so, as we shelter in place, The Batavian will strive to bring a little light into your life with poetry.

This morning, we present Emilio Viera reading Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare. Viera is a member of Harvester 56 Theater/Batavia Players.

We welcome your contribution to our daily video posting. Submit a video of yourself reading a favorite poem to howard@thebatavian.com.

Tonight at 8 o'clock, The Batavian is hosting a live poetry reading featuring three Western New York poets, Scott W. Williams, Maria Sebastian, and Christopher M. Waide. Here's a link to the YouTube live stream so you can set a reminder for yourself to watch.

Below is a video from YouTube about Sonnet 29.

Press release:

Today's competitive workforce is in a constant state of evolution even before the COVID-19 Pandemic. The introduction of new systems, products and services, and the drive for improved efficiencies in an ever-challenging marketplace require employers to evaluate, update and realign teams to best meet the changing demands of their industry.

To help employees build their skill sets and keep up, Genesee Community College is excited to open enrollment for its first micro-credential programs available this fall semester, which begins Aug. 31.

Micro-credentials are academic programs, similar to degree programs that have been dramatically trimmed to just nine to 15 credit hours that include only core courses relevant to specific skills, training and knowledge in that discipline.

Designed to be earned in as quickly as one semester, a micro-credential is the ideal way to build a resume to take advantage of career advancement opportunities, get started in a new industry, or even to explore a career path without the commitment of an expensive or time-consuming four-year degree.

GCC's micro-credential programs offer students a high-quality education in a reduced time frame and limited cost -- only course tuition plus course-related books and fees.

The first micro-credential programs GCC has made available for enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester are:

• The Human Resource Management Micro-Credential focuses on human resources including legal compliance, diversity and inclusion, succession planning, recruitment, retention and much more!
• The NYS Coaching Certification Micro-Credential provides a solid first step toward becoming a coach, athletic instructor or trainer. It also satisfies the requirement for anyone seeking a coaching career in any public school in New York State.

"Since its inception, Genesee Community College has prioritized the needs of the communities we serve by helping to ensure our graduates and their employers benefit from the most current and relevant technologies available," said Kathleen (Kate) M. Schiefen, Ed.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

"Micro-credentials allow us to deliver on both of those priorities in a very big way. For many people, from incumbent workers to those facing layoff, a micro-credential in one or two semesters with incredibly reasonable tuition and 100-percent online access can change a career trajectory and help secure a whole family."

The online learning component of the new micro-credentials is another way the programs enable student success, particularly for those who may be juggling the responsibility of family, healthcare needs, transportation issues or jobs.

Upon completion of a micro-credential program, students receive an official college transcript that documents their earned academic credit as well as a specific digital badge that highlights those core skills and competencies that employers search for on resumes, LinkedIn pages and other social media channels.

The digital badge, representing the earned micro-credential, sets a GCC candidate apart from the rest.

Additionally, earned micro-credentials generate SUNY academic college credits which are transferable and can be applied toward additional academic degrees in the future including:

• GCC associate degrees and certificates;
• SUNY to SUNY Pathways and Seamless Transfer programs;
• GCC's many (150+) transfer agreements with baccalaureate institutions;
• Most colleges and universities nationwide.

Individuals who are interested in earning a micro-credential in Human Resource Management should contact, Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., GCC assistant professor and director of Business and Commerce, LMLattina@genesee.edu, 585-343-0055, ext. 6319.

To discuss the NYS Coaching Certification Micro-Credential, contact Becky Dziekan, GCC professor and director of Health and Physical Education, 585-343-0055, ext. 6424 and rldziekan@genesee.edu.

"GCC is excited about developing additional micro-credential programs in the near future," Schiefen added. "While these are ideal for working adults looking to advance in their careers by attaining the skills necessary to keep up with their changing job duties, micro-credentials are also perfect for young adults to help them qualify for entry level positions or to explore brand new career paths."

From Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer:

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has severely damaged many small businesses and left thousands of hardworking Western New Yorkers unemployed. As your State Senator, I am working to provide critical support to employees who are out of work and struggling small businesses. 

Recent changes have been made to the New York State Unemployment Assistance Program as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, more residents -- including some small business owners -- are eligible for benefits.

Below is information that may be helpful in answering any questions you may have.

• Unemployment Flowchart
• Unemployment Need-to-Know
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Checklist

​In addition, the state is waiving the seven day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to COVID-19 closures or quarantines.  

Those who need to apply for unemployment can do so here.

Please continue to check my website, ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov, or connect with me on facebook for the latest updates regarding the resources available to employees and employers.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the city at Clinton Street and East Avenue. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 9:27 a.m.: The westbound lane is completely blocking traffic. Two vehicles are involved. Law enforcement in on scene and asking for assistance in traffic control.

UPDATE 9:42 a.m.: Occupants in both vehicles required no medical attention; bother were sign-offs. How the accident happened is being determined. 

Update - 12:45 p.m.

“We know that businesses across the Empire State are bearing the brunt of this developing economic crisis, and that means hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers’ livelihoods are at risk. But we have a resilient workforce in New York State — and that will not be diminished,” said New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “The keys to the success of our economy and job market are our forward-thinking employers and the hardworking men and women who make up our workforce.  Through innovative thinking, strategic partnerships, and high-quality training, we have made New York’s workforce the best in the nation, and we will continue that work. As New Yorkers weather this public health crisis, our Governor and the NYS DOL will be right here, working alongside all of you, to reenergize our economy and our workforce, and ensure New York State remains prosperous on the other side of this unprecedented challenge.”

----------------

Press release:

The New York State Department of Labor continues to deal with what a spokesperson says is “unprecedented inundation” of its phone and online filing system.

According to the agency, between March 23 and March 28, its phone system recorded more than 8.2 million calls, compared to 50,000 in a typical week – an increase of 16,000 percent. The online filing system received 3.4 million visits, compared to 350,000 in a typical week.

The department reports it is taking the following steps to reduce volume and increase capacity:

-- Asking New Yorkers to help reduce the surge by only filing unemployment insurance claims on certain days, based on the first letter of their last name.

-- Streamlining the process to make it quicker, and automating additional pieces of the process so there are fewer reasons a filer has to call.

-- Reminding New Yorkers that even if filing is delayed, you WILL still receive the entire benefit you are entitled to.

-- Dedicating 700 staff to DOL’s Telephone Claims Center.

-- Enlisting hundreds of additional staff – reassigned from within DOL, borrowed from other agencies and new outside hires, who are currently being onboarded and trained.

-- Extending the call center hours, including expanding service to Saturdays and processing applications on Sundays.

-- Adding more than 20 additional servers to support the website's capacity.

“We will continue to double down on all of these efforts to serve every New Yorker who is filing for unemployment insurance. We thank you for your patience,” the spokesperson said.

The New York State Department of Labor is dedicated to ensuring that every New Yorker who is entitled to UI benefits will receive all benefits due.  New Yorkers seeking to file an unemployment insurance claim can visit labor.ny.gov or call the Telephone Claim Center at (888) 209-8124.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc at all levels of government, producing a degree of uncertainty that has municipal leaders frozen in their tracks.

If that’s not enough, tack on a proposal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to shift funding of hospitals and nursing homes to the counties – a potential move that, according to Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell, would devastate the county budget.

“If the state gets to go down this road, we could be in a world of hurt that we haven’t seen from the days when we owned the (Genesee County) nursing home and were financing deficits,” Gsell said during this afternoon’s County Legislature Ways & Means Committee meeting, which was live-streamed by Zoom on YouTube.

Calling it a “switcheroo that the governor has pulled,” Gsell reported to the committee that mandating county funding of “distressed hospitals and nursing homes” could be a way New York State generates more revenue – by taking more of counties’ sales tax – without having to increase the burden on counties already obligated to fund Medicaid.

“I’m not really sure where this came from,” said Gsell, adding that Genesee County is on board with the New York State Association of Counties’ plea to state lawmakers to reject proposals that would undo local Medicaid caps and result in higher property taxes for struggling homeowners or cuts to vital local services.

Gsell said it is essential that state legislators accept the $6.7 billion in new federal healthcare funding included in the first stimulus package – action intended to help states and local governments through this public health crisis.

He said the governor's proposal is a “backdoor way” of putting New York counties in a $250 million hole while attempting to plug a state budget gap that could reach $15 billion due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“To involve us in two fiscal entities and, obviously, vital services that we have no control over, no veto or anything else – and we haven’t seen any of the details – is both scary as well as quite off the beaten path,” Gsell said.

The county manager acknowledged that things will be much clearer after the 2020-21 state budget is passed (it could happen at midnight tonight), but he and the county legislature still are taking an ultra-conservative approach when it comes to spending.

He said the county’s current budget calls for approximately $864,000 in outside agency funding, (not including Genesee Community College) for tourism promotion, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee County Economic Development Center, public libraries, Holland Land Office Museum, GO ART! and Finger Lakes Regional Planning.

County Treasurer Scott German reported that the sales tax reserve stands at $1.1 million, and that money from the infrastructure reserve that was earmarked for the new county jail now has been put on hold.

Gsell confirmed that the county will revisit the jail project in the spring of 2021, noting that – due to the effect that the state’s bail reform law has had on jail population -- the plan to build a four-pod jail could be reduced to three pods. He also said they will be looking at the possibility of a shared-services arrangement with Orleans County.

The Ways & Means Committee also put the brakes on, at least temporarily, a $125,000 project to construct a building to house fuel trucks, mowing and facilities equipment and a grader at the Genesee County Airport.

Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said that the new building – which would replace a 70-year-old pole barn that is in “rough shape” – is necessary because wind and cold weather were causing the trucks’ fuel lines to freeze.

The project had been previously approved by the Public Service Committee and went out to bid, Hens said, adding that Thompson Builds came in as the low bidder at $109,000. That price was to build the frame and shell; county employees will be used to put down the concrete floor and do the electrical work.

Hens said he hoped the project would continue, but in light of the county’s fiscal situation, offered a second option: storing the fuel vehicles in a bay or two of new hangars that are set to be built this summer with money from a state grant.

In an effort to rein in expenses, Hens said he already has cut $600,000 from the 2020 budget by pulling back on capital projects and has deferred another $800,000 in projects scheduled for 2021.

Legislator Gary Maha said he thinks the building is needed, “but I don’t think it’s the right time to spend that kind of money.”

“We don’t know where we’re going to be when this whole thing is said and done,” he said. “We put a stop on the jail. The jail is needed, but we put a stop on that. And I think we need to put a stop on all capital projects until we know where we are budget-wise.”

Legislators Andrew Young and Rochelle Stein agreed, prompting Ways & Means Chair Marianne Clattenburg to request more information about construction costs and referring the project back to the Public Service Committee.

April is National Poetry Month and so, as we shelter in place, The Batavian will strive to bring a little light into your life with poetry.

We intend to post a video of a poetry reading every day throughout April. Mostly, the poems will be read by community members. We turned to Harvest 56 Theater and the Batavia Players for poetry readings, and have several videos in the queue already but we invite you to make a video of you reading one of your favorite poems, as well. Email your video to:  howard@thebatavian.com

We will also supplement these posts with some of my favorite videos related to poetry on YouTube.

Tomorrow night at 8 p.m., The Batavian is hosting a live poetry reading featuring three Western New York poets, Scott W. Williams, Maria Sebastian, and Christopher M. Waide. Here's a link to the YouTube live stream so you can set a reminder for yourself to watch.

Our first poem of the series is "Hope is the thing with feathers" by Emily Dickinson, read by Malloryann Flanagan, a member of Batavia Players.

Below is a video essay about one of Emily Dickinson's poems that I highly recommend.

Press release:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m. today:
  • Genesee County received three new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 16 positive cases;
  • One under the age of 65 residing in the central part of Genesee County;
  • One under the age of 65 residing in the western part of Genesee County;
  • One under the age of 65 residing in the western part of Genesee County;
  • For Orleans: Has no new cases and is at a total of six positive cases;
  • In Genesee County, two individuals that were under mandatory quarantine tested positive and are now under mandatory isolation.
• Contact tracing has been initiated for all the new cases. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms become present). If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the County Health Department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed if indicated. Limited information is provided to the public in compliance with HIPAA regulations and out of the respect of those impacted by this virus. When, and if, there is a situation where potential contact is made in a public location where contact tracing doesn’t have actual names we will send out a media announcement to help seek contacts. Some in the community continue to voice requests about knowing the locations of individuals who have tested positive, those who are being monitored and where they have been in the county so that they may know where to avoid. The current situation is that every place is potentially a location that you could catch the virus. If would be a disservice to our communities to share specific locations that could indicate that there is any area in either county that is unaffected by the threat of COVID-19. Please stay at home as much as possible, please stay home if you are sick, please encourage others to do the same and please show kindness to others.

Cumulative Data

• Healthcare providers are advising patients undergoing swabbing that are symptomatic (based on availability and screening for high-risk) for COVID-19 to self-isolate until test results are received and COVID-19 is ruled out. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
• Currently, NYS clearance protocol for discontinuation of mandatory isolation for persons with confirmed COVID-19 is the following: it has been at least seven days since the initial positive test for COVID-19, at least three days without fever and no use of fever-reducing medication, and improvement in the signs and symptoms of the illness. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine/isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time. We will be announcing further information on this as local capacity increases.

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• Please remain home if ill, even if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to continue to limit physical contact. Flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. If you work with a vulnerable population, self-monitor prior to going to work, if you become sick while at work, contact your supervisor immediately and leave the premises to decrease the risk of contact with others. When not working, follow social distancing and limit time in public.
• Medical Concerns: If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. Swabbing will be based on those who are in higher-risk categories – elderly and immune-compromised and those with underlying health issues.
  • Swab sample results are coming back slower than expected. With more testing, we expect this will continue. Whenever anyone is swabbed for potential COVID-19, self-isolation is advised until the test result is received.
• Take media breaks: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, fear about this outbreak call the Care + Crisis Helpline at 585-283-5200, text 741741 or call the NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 884-863-9314, they have trained listeners available 24/7 to help you through this.
• Nature Breaks and Parks: We are getting reports of groups not practicing social distancing. This is not a time for playgroups. Parents remind your children they are to keep their distance from non-household members to limit the spread of disease. State Parks are free with limited services available. Local parks may close or limit access to adhere to state guidelines.
  • Fore guidance on Responsible Recreations During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, click here.
  • For Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation COVID-19 Updates, click here.

FRAUD ALERT – Watch out for Scams!

• At this time there are no FDA-approved drugs or treatments for COVID-19.
• There are also no over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. If you get an email, phone call, offer by mail or other solicitation for these scams, hang up and ignore them.
• This is a very important warning to reinforce for every County resident.
• The best medical advice for you comes from your healthcare provider.

NEW YORK STATE CASES / RESTRICTIONS / GUIDANCE

• Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today at his press conference there are now a total of 83,712 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in NYS.
• 12,226 (15 percent) COVID-19 patients are hospitalized.
• The Governor has extended NY PAUSE program (nonessential workers down to 0 percent) until April 15; this will be evaluated every two weeks.
• New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health within 60 days of losing coverage. https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
• The President and CDC have ordered a travel advisory (NY, NJ & CT) – this is not a lockdown, these federal actions support state actions to date. It is OK to be outside in your yard, ride bikes, visit a state park for walks, to take rides in your vehicle, however congregating and taking the family shopping does not comply with social distancing (keeping 6 feet from others, limiting time out in public).

In response to the significant increase in need for food, The Salvation Army in conjunction with Northgate Free Methodist Church and FoodLink held major food distributions on the grounds of the church in Batavia.

These took place on Friday March 27th and again today, April 1st. Well over 600 families were assisted in this effort.

Volunteers from four area churches and several community groups assisted in handing out urgently needed food supplies.

The food items included milk, fresh produce, cheese and dry goods. Items were provided by area church food drives, Star Growers and FoodLink.

“None of this would have been possible without the help of the amazing volunteers," said Todd Rapp director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army here in Batavia. "They went above and beyond.”

The Salvation Army has been active in Batavia since 1865 and they intend to be here as long as possible through this crisis.

“As long as we have access to food, we will be getting it out there,” Rapp said.

Mark Logan of Northgate said the church will do all it can to support this effort.

In order to keep abreast of future distributions go to The Salvation Army Batavia NY on Facebook and “like” the page. Announcements will also be made through The Batavian.

Press release:

• Governor Cuomo: "The fear that we have, the anxiety that we have, that's not just going to go away. When do we get back to normal? I don't think we get back to normal. I think we get back, or we get to a new normal. Right? Like we're seeing in so many facets of society right now. So we will be at a different place.
• "Our challenge is to make sure that transformation and that change is positive and not negative. Let's make sure we're taking the positive lesson and not the negative lesson.
• "The question is, how do you get up? ... We are in control of that. And we have to start to think about that. We also have to be smarter from what we went through. How do you make the economy more resilient? What happens when something like this happens again? And something like this will happen again."

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is below:

"As a society, beyond just this immediate situation, we should start looking forward to understanding how this experience is going to change us, or how it should change us, because this is going to be transformative. It is going to be transformative on a personal basis, on a social basis, on a systems basis. We're never going to be the same again. We're not going to forget what happened here.

"The fear that we have, the anxiety that we have, that's not just going to go away. When do we get back to normal? I don't think we get back to normal. I think we get back, or we get to a new normal. Right? Like we're seeing in so many facets of society right now. So we will be at a different place.

"Our challenge is to make sure that transformation and that change is positive and not negative. Let's make sure we're taking the positive lesson and not the negative lesson.

"You could get wary of intimacy, and contact, and density. "Social distancing, don't go near anyone." What a terrible thing to live with as a human being. What a cruel torture. "Isolate yourself from other people. Be afraid of hugging someone." Just think how emotionally and personally repugnant that concept is, right? We crave human connection, and now we're being told that could be dangerous. You can't kiss. You can't hug. You can't hold hands. So how we come out of this, and making sure that it's positive and not negative. How do we learn from this? And how do we grow from this, right?

"Society, life -- you will get knocked on your rear end. You will deal with pain. You will deal with death. You will deal with setback. You will deal with suffering. The question is, how do you get up? First, do you get up? And second, if you get up, how do you get up? Do you get up smarter? Do you get up wiser? Or do you get up bitter, and do you get up angry? And do you get up fearful? We are in control of that.

"And we have to start to think about that. We also have to be smarter from what we went through. How do you make the economy more resilient? What happens when something like this happens again? And something like this will happen again. 'Oh, no, this is a once in a lifetime, never again.' Something like this will happen again. We're seeing it in the environment. We're seeing it with floods, we're seeing it with hurricanes. Something like this will happen again. You can't just turn off the economy like a light switch.

"How do governments work together? You can't figure it out on the fly -- what the federal government does, what the state government does, what the local governments do. Figure it out before. Learn the lessons from this. Telemedicine, and tele-education. We have closed the schools. Well, why weren't we ready with a tele-education system? Why weren't we better with telemedicine? Why didn't we have the capacity to have that's lines on people coming in to give the same basic diagnosis and the same basic advice? Why don't we have medical supplies made in this country? Why are we shopping in china for basic medical supplies? Why don't we gear our medical research to these types of threats and challenges, which we know are on the horizon? We know these viruses are changing. We know they mutate. Why don't we get ahead of it?

"You still have to run society. Let's talk about first responder capacity. We now have first responders who are getting sick, and the workforce is dropping. That was inevitable, right? That was going to happen. What's the backup to that situation? And let's talk about societal stability, and engagement at times of crisis. You can't just tell everyone, "go home and lock your doors and sit on your couch and order takeout," for the foreseeable future. That's not who we are. It's not even a mental health issue. It's just, it's a personal health issue. It's how we relate to one another. We're not built to be isolated for long periods of time and not have human contact. So how do we deal with that?

"And these are the types of questions that we have to start to think through. But not today. That is the next challenge, I believe. And that is what we're going to have to think about soon. But for now, one crisis at a time, as they say. And we are planning to handle the current crisis, preparing for the battle on the mount, which is what we are doing every day. And that's what we are doing. And not only are we doing it, but we have to succeed at it. You know? Government process is very good at saying, 'well, we're trying. We're working on this. We're doing our best. We're doing our best.'

"Winston Churchill, 'it is no use saying we're doing our best. You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.' Tad harsh goes with that expression, which I think you could say, a tad harsh. Handsome, but a tad harsh, but it's true. And that's what I say to my team every day. This is beyond best efforts. This is beyond, 'I'm working very hard.' We have to get this done. We have succeeded. We have to find a way. We have to make it happen because too much is at stake."

Press release:

VA Western New York Healthcare System is committed to providing high-quality care while keeping veterans safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures and out of concern for our veterans, we are honoring current social isolation and distancing guidelines,” said Michael J. Swartz, executive director, VA Western New York Healthcare System.

“Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time.”

To help us address our Veterans’ most-urgent needs first, VA Western New York Healthcare System asks that Veterans use our online tools for routine or non-urgent questions.

Here are some examples:

Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans can receive care at home — either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets.

To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans may also call, but VA is requesting that veterans only call with urgent needs at this time.

To learn more about VA Video Connect, click here.

Prescription Refills – Veterans can request prescription refills and order and ship medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.

Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19.

This application helps Veterans monitor for symptoms and can assist if they need to contact their VA facility for care. Enroll at mobile.va.gov/annie.

Secure Messaging – With My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, Veterans can send online secure messages to your VA health care team to ask them nonurgent health questions. Register at www.myhealth.va.gov.

For more information about VA’s Connected Care technologies, visit connectedcare.va.gov or buffalo.va.gov.

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is creating 500,000 test kits for the State at no charge amid a nationwide shortage of test kits and swabs.

The first batch of test kits was delivered to the State on Monday and the State will receive an ongoing delivery of 25,000 kits per day.

Additionally, Corning has donated 100,000 tubes and provided an additional 500,000 tubes to the State at reduced cost and expedited delivery, and Puritan has sold medical swabs to the State. To date, the State has tested 220,880 individuals, with 15,694 new people tested just yesterday.

Governor Cuomo also announced that New York City playgrounds will close to address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols. Open spaces in New York City will remain open.

Additionally, the Governor announced the launch of a new PSA (Public Service Announcement) that provides information on how to apply for unemployment benefits and reassures New Yorkers if their unemployment filing is delayed, they will still receive full unemployment benefits. The PSA is also available with Spanish subtitles here.

The Governor also reminded New Yorkers to complete the 2020 Census online, by telephone or by mail.

"New York has been very aggressive on testing from day one -- so far we have tested more than 220,000 New Yorkers with more than 15,000 new tests every day -- and it has helped us slow the spread of this virus," Governor Cuomo said. "Rapid testing is the fastest way to return to normalcy and get the economy back up and running, and will also help end the anxiety that has become the most oppressive part of this situation.

"We now have new testing capacity in New York thanks to donations from Regeneron and Corning so we can continue our work to plan forward and prepare for when the apex of the curve hits our healthcare system. In the meantime, New Yorkers must continue to comply with all social distancing protocols and stay home as much as possible to prevent spreading this virus to others."

Press release:

Nate McMurray, Democratic congressional candidate in the June 23rd Special Election, in line with recommendations from the New York State Election Commissioners Association, is calling on New York State to take immediate action to protect the electoral process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McMurray is also calling for debates with all three Republican candidates in the Primary Election that is also scheduled for June 23rd.

“Delaying the 27th Special Election and prioritizing public health over politics was the right thing to do to protect the people of Western New York," McMurray said. "We must also do everything we can to maintain voter confidence during this crisis, as well as their access to information about the candidates campaigning to be their next representative.

"We need to expand the ability of our residents to vote from the safety of their own homes. We must protect the health of our community and accommodate the local Boards of Elections with additional resources and flexibilities."

McMurray supports the following:

1. For New York State to amend 8-400 of NYS Election Law to allow for Absentee Balloting during all times of declared state of emergency due to infectious disease or pandemic.

2. Provide local County Board of Elections immediate additional state funding  and the flexibility needed to support an expanded absentee ballot effort.

3. Holding at least (3) three debates in the weeks leading up to June 23rd with all candidates appearing on the ballots in the 27th Congressional District Special and Primary elections.

“The 27th Congressional District has been unrepresented for too long, and when Western New Yorkers finally have the opportunity to cast their ballots in June, they should be able to do so with as much information as possible about where candidates stand on the critical issues impacting us all," McMurray said.

Press release:

Check IRS.gov for the latest information: No action needed by most people at this time.

IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service on Monday announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000 / $150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

Press release:

The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

·       For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE

·       If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE

·       If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE

·       The application for borrowers can be found HERE

Preserving Jobs for American Industry

The CARES Act assists eligible businesses looking for payroll support to keep Americans working. For more information, CLICK HERE.

From the Genesee Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors:

Like many of you, the Genesee Symphony Orchestra is closely monitoring the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the effect it is having on our community and around the world.

We’re dedicated to creating a safe environment for our patrons, musicians, and volunteers to enjoy beautiful music.

As a result of recent events, we have decided to make the following changes to our upcoming event calendar:

• The String Workshop scheduled for March 28 is cancelled;
• The Young Artist Competition scheduled for May 2 is postponed until further notice. Applications are on our GSO website. Katharine Wilson is the contact person:  katharinewilson04@gmail.com

We will continue to work with students andteachers from around the area to find opportunities for interested musicians to participate in future GSO events.

• Our recital featuring Music Director and Conductor S. Shade Zajac and Brian Preston scheduled for April 19 will be postponed until further notice.
• Our concert scheduled for May 3 at the Elba Central School Auditorium will be cancelled.

We are working diligently with musicians and special guests to find a time to perform this program for you in the near future, and as we make progress through this trying time we will keep everyone informed.

Our GSO would ask that you consider any of the Season Tickets which you purchased earlier be considered your donation to the orchestra’s yearly operating fund. If you request a ticket refund, please e-mail:   roxie.gso@gmail.com

• The GSO's drawing for its annual raffle, “Canandaigua Culinary Experience,” scheduled for Sunday, May 3 has been postponed. We will reschedule the drawing to coincide with Maestro Zajac’s recital in late May, and we will inform our patrons when a final date is selected. If you have purchased raffle tickets, they are in a safe place until the drawing takes place. Musicians and Board Members still have tickets to sell until the recital.

Lastly, Summer Serenade is still scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23rd, at The LeRoyan. More information/details will be coming as August nears.

The GSO will continue to work with relevant community leaders to operate in a manner consistent with recommendations from health offcials, government, and our event-hosting venues. Every decision we make is with you in mind.

We look forward to continuing to provide our community with wonderful music for years to come.

Thank you,

GSO Board of Directors

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From GSO Music Director and Conductor S. Shade Zajac:

"...These are indeed uncertain and troubling times, but we will work hard to make next season’s concerts all the more special. I would like to thank you for your continued support of this incredible and special orchestra.

"It is in times like these when music is most needed and so I hope you will keep us in your thoughts and music in your hearts. I wish you all health and I know we will see each other soon!