In early March, the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome M. Adams, told Americans to stop buying masks.

With very good reason: if the general public buys up the supply of masks, especially all of the N95 masks (the best at blocking airborne viruses from entering your respiratory system), there wouldn't be enough for the people who really need them, such as doctors and nurses.

But many health care experts have been questioning recently the rest of the surgeon general's message: That masks are ineffective at protecting you from coronavirus.

Now the Center for Disease Control is considering rescinding its recommendation against general public mask wearing.

Before we discuss why it might be a good idea for all people in public to wear masks, let's remember the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is:

• Stay home. Limit your contact with other people as much as possible. There is simply no method more effective at slowing the spread of the disease.
• Wash your hands. A 2008 study showed that regular hand washing reduces the chance of infection by up to 20 percent. The companion advice to washing your hands is don't touch your face with unclean hands.
• Clean surfaces regularly, especially in public spaces. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can survive 72 hours on plastics, 48 hours on stainless steel, 24 hours on cardboard, and four hours on copper. People in charge of public areas should be especially aware of the need to frequently clean surfaces.

With that knowledge, should you worry about package delivery? The experts say, "no." The risk is very low.

What about food delivery and take out? Again, the risk is very low, and COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and even if it were to enter your digestive system, it wouldn't survive to infect you.

However, it's always good to remember when dealing with other people or touching surfaces, maintain social distancing and wash or sanitize your hands immediately.

Service workers should sanitize their hands after every exchange.

Now, about masks.

It's important to know, masks by themselves won't protect you. Even the best N95 mask is imperfect protection and surgical mask, the kind that loosely covers your nose and mouth, is designed to protect others from germs you might be spreading, not to protect you. Because they don't form a tight seal around your nose and mouth, air (which can contain droplets containing the virus) flows around the edges of the mask into your respiratory system.

Here's the argument for masks:

• You can contract coronavirus and be infectious without showing any symptoms or showing only minor symptoms. That means you could potentially be a carrier of COVID-19 and not know it. If you go into public you can spread SARS-CoV-2 to other people and never know it. If you're wearing a mask, you present much less of a risk to other people, people who might be much more susceptible to the disease.
• There is much that scientists don't know about COVID-19 but there is a theory that viral load (how much virus a person breaths in before the infection takes hold) affects health outcomes. There is some speculation that wearing a mast might reduce the viral load if you are exposed to the SARS-CoV-2. We don't know, but as one medical journal noted, the lack of evidence for effectiveness isn't proof of ineffectiveness.
• If more people wear masks in public, it will reduce the social embarrassment or stigmatization associated with wearing masks. 
• And as Dr. Neil Aberneth noted in our discussion today, maintaining your mental health is important during this pandemic and if wearing a mask makes you feel more comfortable and safer in public, you should wear a mask.

Do you know where mask wearing is common? In South Korea, which, even though that country had its first official case of COVID-19 on the same day as the United States, has had far fewer positive cases and fewer deaths. 

So, should you go out and buy face masks? Well, even if you wanted to, good luck finding them. Surgical masks on Amazon.com won't be available until at least May. Besides, whatever supply of professionally made masts might be available should first go to health care professionals. That leaves, "Do It Yourself (DIY)." Below are some videos on making your own face mask.  

If you do wear a face mask here are some important guidelines from healthline.com:

• Wearing a mask alone will not prevent you from getting a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Careful handwashing and social (physical) distancing must also be followed.
• Wash your hands before you put on your mask.
• If you are wearing a mask, avoid touching it the front of it. You can transfer the virus from your hands to the mask.
• You can also transfer the virus from the mask to your hands. Wash your hands if you touch the front of the mask.
• Know how to put on and remove a mask by touching the elastic ear straps only.
• Do not wear a mask if you are healthy and in self-quarantine.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. This may help prevent spreading the virus to others.
• If you think you may have the SARS-CoV-2 infection, wear a mask. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have any symptoms.
• Wear a mask if you are caring for someone who may have a SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 disease. It may help prevent you from catching the infection.
• Don’t write your name or initials on your mask as that will inactivate it.
• Do not reuse a worn mask. It may have the virus on it.
• Throw away used masks in a closed bin.

Related Links:

• The New Yorker: How does the coronavirus behave inside a patient
• Center for Evidence-Based Medicine: SARS-CoV-2 viral load and the severity of COVID-19
• Science Media Center: Experts answer questions about viral load
• Science: Would everyone wearing face masks help us slow the pandemic?
• The New York Times: Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired
• Science: Not wearing masks to protect against coronavirus is a ‘big mistake,’ top Chinese scientist says

Here are a couple of videos from YouTube about making face masks at home. There are dozens of others if you search for them. There are a lot of options. Just remember, don't buy them (you probably can't anyway), make them.

And if you're willing and able to make them for other people, drop me a line, howard@thebatavian.com, with information on how people can get them, and we'll compile and publish a list.

Press release: 

On Sunday, Dec. 8th, 10:30 a.m. the bells at Our Lady of Mercy rang out for the first time since spring of 2017, after extensive work to replace the mechanisms that ring the bells, including the motors, the striker, and controller. The ceremonial ringing included a blessing of the new system by Fr. Matthew H. Phelan, O. de M., pastor.

Since that time, each day, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the bells have tolled in clock tower fashion at the top of the hour with a single toll at the bottom of the hour. In addition, the Angelus bell — a call to prayer for Catholics — has rung at noon and 6 p.m. [The traditional 6 a.m. ring is bypassed out of respect for local codes.] On weekends, a call to prayer rings 5 minutes before each Sunday Mass.

This past weekend, a request was made by some neighbors to alter the ringing schedule out of consideration for health care professionals who were working overnight hours due to the COVID-19 crisis. The pastor decided to temporarily silence the bells in order to consult with the pastoral council and weigh the opinions of parishioners and the citizens of Le Roy. After a weekend of consultation, lively discussion through social media, silence, and prayerful consideration, it has been determined that bells shall be programmed according to the following parameters:

While the COVID-19 (coronavirus) social distancing guidelines are in place for the State of New York:

• The church bells will continue to ring the Angelus at noon and 6pm.
• In addition to the Angelus, the bells will ring a traditional “death knell,” or funeral tollat 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to call to mind those who of have died due to this pandemic and as

• reminder to pray for all those who place their lives in danger for others.

The first day social distancing guidelines are lifted:

• The bells will ring in celebration at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

• The funeral toll will ring at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• The Angelus will ring at noon and 6 p.m.

Following this day of both celebration and prayer, the bells will return to the previous ringing pattern that followed the repairs.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake St., Le Roy, is a ministry of the Order of the B.V.M. of Mercy - Mercedarian Friars.

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is calling on his assembly colleagues to consider passing a continuing resolution, a bill that sets aside money for government agencies, in order to ensure the state government continues to operate at the fullest capacity until a clearer image of what state expenses will look like appear.

“The fact of the matter is the state has no idea what its expenses and revenue will be tomorrow, let alone for the entire year,” Hawley said. “To try to vote on a budget that can anticipate state revenue in the middle of this crisis is impossible.

"It makes sense to give the state government a little wiggle room in order to stay functioning during this time. A continuing resolution was implemented under Gov. David Paterson’s tenure; it makes sense that, under these circumstances, a similar policy could be implemented to keep everyone healthy and keep the state running.”

Press release from Holland Land Office Museum:

Please visit our website and Facebook page for activities and other fun materials about our local history that we have put together, including our Exhibit Me Program and our own version of Jeopardy.

Also, we have updated our bookstore inventory to our website. Any purchases can be made by contacting the museum or through our Facebook Shop.

As we have been monitoring the situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, we have decided to have the museum remain close to the public until further notice. We will also be cancelling our public events as well.

We are continuing to look into possibilities of rescheduling any events that we have had to cancel, which we can hopefully bring to you in the future.

Any updates to our situation will be communicated through our website, Facebook page, and email. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the museum by phone at 585-343-4727 or by email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. 

Thank you for your support and understanding of this decision. We hope for everyone to stay safe and healthy.  

Ryan Duffy

Executive Director

COVID-19 Update from the Genesee/Orleans Health Department:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m. today:
  • Genesee County received one new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 13 positive cases;
  • One under the age of 65 residing in the central part of Genesee County;
  • For Orleans: one new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of six positive cases;
  • Individual is under the age of 65 and is a resident of the central part of the county;
  • None of the new positive cases were under precautionary or mandatory quarantine when they became symptomatic and are not believed to be connected.
• 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 becomes 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.

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. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
• 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.
• Respect / Social Responsibility / Fear mongering / Consequences –Health Departments are mandated to adhere to HIPAA regulations therefore we are not releasing potential identifying information of anyone who is under our care.
  • If during contact tracing there is an issue of missing potential contacts we will provide locations. Not everyone who coughs or sneezes has a respiratory virus. People need to be respectful of the process and the guidance surrounding social distancing. COVID-19 is now community transmissible therefore people need to take social distancing seriously.
  • There are consequences for not adhering to the directives. Noncompliance may prolong the spread of COVID-19 as well as increasing the spread which can overwhelm our healthcare systems and put our vulnerable populations at increased risk.
  • Sticking to the basics: limiting exposure to the public, frequent handwashing, staying home if ill with any respiratory illness, keeping 6 feet of distance from other people and sharing creative ideas to keep in touch with family and friends are what we need.
• Take media breaks: Talking about who has or hasn’t been tested, is sick or sharing rumors about anything COVID-19 is increasing anxiety in many people. Be respectful and stay home as much as possible. It is safe to go outside or for a ride, but be mindful to keep at least 6’ distance between other people. 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.
• Community Spread: Means you can get it from respiratory droplets from infected people and on any surface as long as the virus is still viable. If you touch a door handle, counter, etc. that has the virus on it, then touch a mucous membrane (nose, mouth, eyes) you can introduce the virus into your body. Identifying a store or business where people may have been doesn’t help because the virus is everywhere and can give a false sense of security that the virus isn’t somewhere else. Limiting trips to the store and designating only one person for shopping can lower the risk of spreading the virus. With the rising numbers, it is important to know the social distancing guidance will work but it takes time before we can see the results. The coming weeks are most critical in determining how many lives can be saved in our communities by staying safer at home, social distancing, and having good hand (wash often) and cough (do not cough in your hand, but in a disposable tissue or your elbow) hygiene.
• Nature Breaks and Parks: We are getting reports of groups not practicing social distancing. Many parks have roped off areas of their parks to discourage group play (basketball, football, soccer, using shared equipment or frequently touched surfaces such as the playground equipment). 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. They are encouraging New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Contact your local park for specific information on any changes to their operations in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Guidance on Responsible Recreations During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis:http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/decparkscovid19guide.pdf
  • Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation COVID-19 Updates: https://parks.ny.gov/covid19/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
  • If parking lots are full, come back another time or go to another area of the park. Remember to be safe whenever you are hiking in parks.
  • Avoid games and activities that require close contact, frequently touched surfaces such as playground equipment
  • Maintain social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, even when outdoors
  • It is safe to be outside in your backyard or other personal outdoor space. If riding bikes, keep your distance (6 feet) from non-household people.

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 11:30 a.m. press conference there are a total 75,795 confirmed positive cases in NYS.
• 10,929 (14 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 lock down, 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).

Greg Kinal, Pembroke Teachers Association president, has put out a letter to the Pembroke school community calling for a "Thinking of You" drive-by parade along a route now being planned. Participants are to assemble in the Pembroke High School parking lot at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 3.

Here's the letter:

Dear Pembroke School Community:

As we continue with this terrible event in our lives, I thought it would be nice to take a break, have some fun, boost some spirits, and come together (separately) as a school community and tell this great school district how much they mean to us.

Therefore, the PTF would like to invite everyone to join us in a “WE’RE THINKING OF YOU” parade this Friday, April 3.

We will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the High School parking lot to get organized. The PTF will have washable markers for you to write on your back windows or you can make your own signs. At 1:00 we begin with Officer Reeves leading the way with lights blazing. The route will be established by Donna Hackett and we are planning on arriving back at school around 3:00.

The PTF has invited the SRP (School-Related Professionals) union to join us and I have been told that a number of empty buses will be in our parade. I have been informed that the fire companies will be represented. We would also consider it an honor to have our administrators with us as well as the whole school community.

Please keep in mind that:

• At all times we must keep the 6 foot distance between us.
• Everyone will be in their own cars, so invite any family member to join you. 
• Please use the bathroom prior to coming to school, as entering the building would be counterproductive to distancing.
• If you have masks, wear them.
• Patrick will speak to all of us in the parking lot prior to leaving so we know what his plan is to keep us all together.
• We will announcing this event on Facebook, Twitter and other venues so families are aware of the parade.

PTF members who plan on attending please email your building reps who will then pass the numbers along to me. SRP’s please contact Cheryl who will also pass the number to me. Administration and all others please make your intentions known by emailing me. If we could all do this by Thursday, April 2, that would be appreciated and once Patrick has the number he will have ample time to assess his traffic plan. 

On a personal note, my wife, who has been really Roswell (-bound) and housebound for months will be joining us.

With great respect to you and I hope to see everyone on Friday.

Questions? Email me.

Greg 

gkinal@pembrokecsd.org

Press release:

The Alzheimer's Association Western New York Chapter is now offering free, live, virtual programs and services to ensure dementia caregivers, those living with the disease and family and friends have access to vital information.

Across New York, it is estimated there are more than 400,000 individuals living with some type of dementia, with another 1 million+ people providing some kind of care for them.

Their needs for access to help, support and education is ongoing, and to address those needs, the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is offering a number of virtual programs accessible from any location via computer or mobile device.

Below are education programs scheduled for April, plus information on how to access the programs. Confidential care-planning meetings are also ongoing via virtual tools, as are caregiver support group meetings.

Chapter dementia care consultants are planning a number of free online classes for participants to attend from the safety and comfort of their own homes. In the month of April, these education programs will be offered virtually:

Overview of Virtual Programs and Services

• Friday, April 3 -- 2 p.m.
• Friday, April 17 - 2 p.m.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

• Tuesday, April 7 -- noon
• Tuesday, April 14 -- noon
• Tuesday, April 21 -- noon
• Tuesday, April 28 – noon
• Wednesday, April 29 -- 8 a.m.

Know the 10 Warning Signs

• Friday, April 10 -- 2 p.m.
• Friday, April 24 -- 2 p.m.

Effective Communication Strategies

• Thursday, April 2 -- 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 22 -- 8 a.m.
• Thursday, April 30 -- 6 p.m.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

• Thursday, April 9 -- 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 15 -- 8 a.m.

Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia

• Wednesday, April 8 -- 8 a.m.
• Thursday, April 16 – 6 p.m.

Dementia Conversations

• Thursday, April 23 -- 6 p.m.

Meaningful Activities for Family Caregivers

• Monday, April 20 -- 1:30 p.m.

To register for any/all of these classes and learn how to access them, visit: bit.ly/WNYeducation or call 1.800.272.3900.

Caregiver support group meeting sare also being offered in a number of ways, including telephone conference calls and webinars. To learn more about taking part in a virtual support group meeting, visit: bit.ly/WNYsupport.

The Association’s around-the-clock Helpline is also available to answer questions about programs and how to access them, address concerns, and discuss other resources. That number is 1-800-272-3900.

Confidential care consultations to discuss care planning, finances, and more will continue to be available via telephone to the Helpline: 1-800-272-3900. Video chats are also possible for these free virtual meetings.

And finally, the Association has a dedicated website to help caregivers whose loved one is at home and those whose loved one is residing in an assisted living facility. That website is: alz.org/COVID19.

"Pizza! Pizza!"

Tonight from 5 to 6 free drive-thru dinners will be distributed in Le Roy thanks to the Le Roy Rotary Community Kitchen and the largesse of Batavia's Original Pizzeria. The distribution site is at 15 Bank St., Le Roy.

Christine Gephart, president of the club's Community Kitchen, said last week 250 dinners were provided.

This week, they are partnering with Batavia's Original and will serve pizza, salad and dessert, too.

Dr. Neil Abernethy is an associate professor of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education at the University of Washington. His research is focused on public health informatics, epidemic models and epidemiology in the context of global health.

He has worked on models to predict public health impacts of vaccine resistance as well as infectious disease surveillance and spread.

We will be discussing contact tracing, how the virus is spread, what that means for social distancing and mask wearing.

We talking with Stefano Napolitano, City of Batavia fire chief.

Pat Burk shared this photo tonight of his residence in Batavia where a string of lights now shine with a positive message for the community.

The Elba Lady Lancers released their quarantine workout video today -- no wonder they've won four straight sectional titles.

This is audio from today's special hour-long Main and Center on WBTA: "COVID-19: A Local View," hosted by Dan Fischer.

Guests included:

• Dr. Tara Gellasch, Chief Medical Officer of UMMC
• Dr. Danielle Notebaert, Chief of Emergency Medicine at UMMC
• Timothy Yeager, Coordinator of Genesee County Emergency Management
• and Mari Hamilton, Public Health Educator, Genesee Orleans Health Depts.

NOTE: This was recorded before the afternoon announcement of a local death and new additional cases.

Public Notice

Le Roy Transfer Station:

• Effective Saturday, April 4, residents WILL NEED to provide a valid punch card once again in order to dispose of items at the Transfer Station on Circular Hill Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• While the Town Hall is closed, residents can mail a check for $30 payable to Town of Le Roy, 48 Main St., Le Roy; or leave the money in the drop box in front of Town Hall and the card will be mailed back to you.  
• Transfer Cards, if available, may also be purchased at Crocker’s Ace Hardware on North Street Road or Village Hardware on Main Street.  
• Transfer Station will be CLOSED on Wednesdays for brush disposal until further notice. You may dispose of brush on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• TRANSFER STATION IS FOR LE ROY RESIDENTS ONLY.

Bunnell Park, Summit Street Road:

• Playground and basketball courts are CLOSED, per directive from Genesee County Health Dept. until further notice.

James Farnholz, Town of Le Roy, Supervisor

Press release:

As part of our efforts to do everything we can to safely serve your needs, BJ's Wholesale Club has made the decision to temporarily suspend the use of paper coupons in our clubs in order to reduce touchpoints and help mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

For the safety of you and our team members, until further notice, our clubs will not be accepting any paper coupons starting today -- March 30.

Your coupon savings are not going away. All of the BJ's coupons in the BJ's Savings Book will now have a clipless coupon. This means the savings will be automatically deducted from the price when you check out. You'll also see the savings on the price signs in our clubs and in your online cart on BJs.com.

A large assortment of manufacturer-published coupons are available to you for use through the BJ's mobile app and on BJs.com. By clipping these coupons online or on your app, you'll be able to use them in clubs or on BJs.com, without the need for paper.

Given the high demand for food and household essentials, we are working hard to replenish items as quickly as we can. We appreciate your patience and understanding that we may be out of stock of some items, including items that may be shown in our BJ's Savings Book.

In Genesee County, BJ's is located in the shopping plaza at 8330 Lewiston Road.

Press release:

Girl Scouts of Western New York today moved formally to all-online sales of cookies, after two weeks ago cancelling more than 750 planned, in-person cookie booth sales stations, given the region’s current virus restrictions.

“As with so many organizations and individuals, the virus-related shutdown hit our girls at a most unfortunate time," GSWNY CEO Alison Wilcox said Monday. "This is when they would ordinarily be outside of stores and churches selling their Shortbreads, Thin Mints and the whole array of wonderful Girl Scout cookies.

"Since that’s not presently possible, we want everyone to know that they can go online to buy cookies, either for themselves or to donate to health-care workers, first responders and our older citizens.”

“Especially at this challenging time for everyone, girls still need program outlets, and with our cookie entrepreneurial program, Girl Scouts are learning how to be agile and innovative by switching to virtual business programming,” Wilcox said.

The online cookie program may be accessed here http://www.gswny.org

Interested buyers or donors may also email GSWNY at:   customercare@gswny.org. A representative will match them with a troop, or, they can contact Girl Scouts and adult troop leaders they know directly.

GSWNY serves multiple counties – Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming – and online cookie sales are available across the region.

GSWNY made it clear through multiple communications that girls and volunteers may opt out of this year’s cookie program without penalty. Continuing is a choice.

“We certainly recognize that from the perspective of a health crisis, cookies aren’t as significant as fighting this virus, staying healthy or coping with its symptoms,” Wilcox explained.

But this still hit us at the worst-possible time as an organization because the cookie program funds the majority of our programming budget, allowing girls access to STEM programs, outdoor activities, summer camp, community service projects, trips and travel, art adventures, and more.”

All cookie proceeds stay in Western New York.

Troops earn proceeds from each cookie box to fund their adventures and set goals many still want to reach. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, GSWNY was projecting goals to be exceeded for 2020.

“Despite our nation’s current challenges, we still want to help our Girl Scouts learn business skills, and help them understand the realities all other businesses face right now that require agility, innovation, switching to virtual, and maintaining business ethics,” Wilcox added.

“How to transport cookies from seller to buyer and/or charitable recipient is a challenge under societal restrictions in place.

“We don’t have perfect answers, and we of course want everyone to be safe,” Wilcox said. “Generally speaking, girls should not do anything in person, so preferably girls would leave cookies outside their homes or apartments for pick up, and the community partner who is donating, or the recipient, would pick them up.

"If this sounds like more effort, it is. And we are cognizant of not exposing anyone to infection, or making Girl Scouts’ addresses public.”

She added that an example of how modified delivery might work occurred with a troop that sold cookies to donate to a hospital, and a person known to the troop who works at the hospital picked them up and took them in on their shift. In some cases, Wilcox said, GSWNY staff might be able to distribute them.

“To make this work safely and as easily as possible, everyone will need to be flexible and creative,” she said.

GSWNY recommends that buyers who are concerned about safety should always follow CDC guidance.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out at 1-888-837-6410 or email customercare@gswny.org.

Empire Hemp Co. is invested heavily in the hemp cannabidiol market for consumers and in January opened a walk-up retail-sale window at its manufacturing site in Batavia's Liberty Square office complex.

It's located at 34 Swan St., Suite 4, in the city and is owned by Chris VanDusen and Shelly Wolanske.

On weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. walk-up customers can buy all-natural hemp cannabidiol (CBD) oil and topical products that many customers say have restorative effects.

Hemp CBD, or cannabidiol, is a nonpsychoactive and non-habit-forming compound that occurs naturally in the flowers of the hemp plant. Unlike marijuana, which contains high levels of THC, hemp flower does not have any intoxicating effects and does not produce a “high."

Empire Hemp Co. uses only the highest quality, locally grown, pesticide-free hemp flowers, grown in the sun by farming partners in Genesee, Orleans and Erie counties.

The owners say they treat these special flowers with the utmost of care, using a state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extractor to preserve their beneficial compounds in as clean and pure a form as possible. They then blend the extracted hemp CBD oil in with the finest natural and botanical ingredients to create tinctures and salves of the highest quality.

All Empire Hemp Co. products are third-party tested to guarantee their strength and safety.

Their hemp CBD oils are available in three strengths: 600mg, 1200mg, and 1800mg, in both raw and mint flavor.

There are three different topical salves -- All Purpose, Muscle & Joint, Lemon Balm. There's also a muscle and joint relief product called "The Balm," which comes as a stick or roll-on, and contains a higher concentration of hemp CBD oil and more menthol -- for an "icy hot" effect on the skin. 

The products range from $25 to $100 in price.

"No matter who you are, we have a product to meet your specific needs," says Wolanske.

VanDusen said they moved into the Swan Street space in June but spent months preparing it for the manufacturing process, including the installation of the $250,000 extractor. By January, they had carved out their walk-up window and began to serve retail customers directly.

"We are one of the few companies in the state licensed to extract raw CBD oil from hemp plants and manufacture CBD oil products," VanDusen said.

He said Sen. Chuck Schumer has worked diligently to assist farmers, manufacturers and sellers in New York's rapidly emerging industrial hemp market, which was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill but initially hampered by a lack of clarity on FDA regulations and safety requirements. 

Schumer helped expedite FDA guidance on the classification, labeling, quality, marketing, and sale of CBD products, a market the senator said is "brimming with potential to be a billion-dollar industry across New York State." Nationally, CBD product sales surpassed $200 million in 2018, according to data from Schumer's office.

Empire Hemp Company's walk-up window is open for business from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or visit their website to find out more about their local hemp CBD line. Phone is (888) 895-9032.

Photo, courtesy of Empire Hemp Co.: Company president Chris VanDusen, left, helps an unidentified customer at the new walk-up window for retail sales.

Genesee County COVID-19 briefing March 20, 2020

UPDATE: A COVID-19 patient has died, the first coronavirus case reported in Genesee County. There are now 12 positive cases in Genesee County. There have been 122 negative tests. The 12 positive cases count includes the fatality. There are 11 people recovering at home, including two people who had been previously hospitalized. None of the patients who tested positive have yet been released from mandatory isolation. There are now 36 people in Genesee County under mandatory quarantine.

Press release:

“Today, I am reporting that an individual (over 65 years of age and who had underlying health conditions) who tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away,” said Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “This is our first confirmed death related to COVID-19 in Genesee County.

"Due to privacy issues, I will be not releasing further details about this individual. I would like to express my sincerest sympathy for the individual’s family and friends.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn from Paul Pettit of the death of a resident of our county,” said Rochelle Stein, chair of the Genesee County Legislature. "Our entire community grieves this loss. My heart is with the resident’s family, and I ask the community to join me in keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.”

“We continue to encourage social distancing, especially if you have older family members or family with underlying health conditions,” Pettit said. “If you are unwell with any symptoms, please limit contact with our most vulnerable population. Keep in touch by phone, FaceTime, cards, and/or letters so your loved ones know they are being thought of.

"Ask other family or friends who are not sick or potentially exposed to check in on your loved ones and/or assist with errands.”

Written briefing:

New Cases

• We have learned a Genesee County resident of the central area of the county has died due to complications associated with COVID-19. The individual was over 65, hospitalized and had underlying health conditions. We are respecting the privacy of the individual and their family members and will not be releasing any further information.
• As of 2 p.m. today:
  • Genesee County received three new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 12 positive cases
  • One under the age of 65 residing in eastern Genesee County
  • One under the age of 65 residing in eastern Genesee County
  • One above the age of 65 residing in central Genesee County
  • For Orleans: One new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of five positive cases
  • Individual is over the age of 65 and is a resident of the eastern part of the county.
  • None of the new positive cases were under precautionary or mandatory quarantine when they became symptomatic and are not believed to be connected.
• 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 becomes 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.

Cumulative Data

• To Date: Genesee County has received 122 negative test results and Orleans County has received 87 negative test results for COVID-19. These negative tests give us a good indicator of what’s going on in our community. As discussed before, Flu continues to be prevalent with seven in Orleans and nine in Genesee for the week ending March 21. This data continues to show a high number of respiratory illness in our counties is not COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Five people are under precautionary quarantine; nine people are under mandatory quarantine; and five people are under mandatory isolation, two of whom are hospitalized and three are recovering at home (one out of county).
• Genesee County: 13 people are under precautionary quarantine, 37 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 11 people are recovering under mandatory isolation at home.
• 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. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
• 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.
• Respect / Social Responsibility / Fear mongering / Consequences – Health Departments are mandated to adhere to HIPAA regulations therefore we are not releasing potential identifying information of anyone who is under our care.
  • If during contact tracing there is an issue of missing potential contacts we will provide locations. Not everyone who coughs or sneezes has a respiratory virus. People need to be respectful of the process and the guidance surrounding social distancing. COVID-19 is now community transmissible therefore people need to take social distancing seriously.
  • There are consequences for not adhering to the directives.Noncompliance may prolong the spread of COVID-19 as well as increasing the spread which can overwhelm our healthcare systems and put our vulnerable populations at increased risk.
  • Sticking to the basics: limiting exposure to the public, frequent handwashing, staying home if ill with any respiratory illness, keeping a 6-feet distance from other people and sharing creative ideas to keep in touch with family and friends are what we need.
• Take media breaks:Talking about who has or hasn’t been tested, is sick or sharing rumors about anything COVID-19 is increasing anxiety in many people. Be respectful and stay home as much as possible. It is safe to go outside or for a ride, but be mindful to keep at least 6 feet distance between other people. 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.
• Community Spread: Locations of positive cases are not indicative (telling) of where potential exposures can occur. It is not necessary to know locations as the virus is considered to be everywhere. That is why we encourage everyone to follow social distancing guidelines, frequent handwashing, practice proper cough/sneeze hygiene (not in your hands, but in a disposable tissue or your elbow) and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Snowbirds are returning to our counties: Snowbird Guidance is being developed and will be posted on our websites (under Coronavirus General Public), social media and through the Genesee and Orleans County Offices for the Aging. We encourage all who are returning home from travel to self-isolate and monitor your health.
  • If you become symptomatic, call your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Some may be concerned about exposure when going for supplies and prescription refills – many stores and pharmacies are providing special hours for seniors and people with underlying healthcare issues. There are also several stores / restaurants that provide curbside pick-up and delivery services call ahead and ask.
  • Check in with family and friends and your social networks via phone or electronic means often to limit loneliness.

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 11:30 a.m. press conference there are a total 66,497 confirmed positive cases in NYS.
• 9,517 (14 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
• Statewide school closures are extended by two weeks, until April 15 and will be reassessed then. Contact your school with any school related questions.
• All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
• The President and CDC have ordered a travel advisory (NY, NJ & CT) – this is not a lock down, 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).