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Press release from CDC:

Due to extensive community transmission of COVID -19 in the area, CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from nonessential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.

This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply.

These employees of critical infrastructure, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedules. The Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have full discretion to implement this Domestic Travel Advisory.

Interview with County Manager Jay Gsell. We're talking about how coronavirus is impacting the county budget.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2, down 13 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.69. The New York State average is $2.34 – down 6 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.73.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.42 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.37 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.41 (down 7 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.33 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.34 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.28 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.33 (down6 cents since last week)

Good news: low gas prices! Bad news: consumers don’t benefit! Pump prices continue to decline around the country as oil prices have decreased significantly in response to the increasing public health, financial and economic impact of COVID-19 and the crude price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Normally at this time of year, gas demand is growing and prices are on the rise. New data from the Energy Information Administration reveals that with many Americans staying at home and practicing social distancing, gas demand continues to drop dramatically. Gas prices have not been this low since 2016 and now more than half of the states in the United States have prices below $2. Gas demand is likely to continue decreasing and push gas prices cheaper. 

From GasBuddy:

"Today, we enter the 38th straight day the national average gas price has fallen, and the first week of the national average being under $2/gal for the first time in over four years as motorists park their cars and shelter in place, leading to an unprecedented drop never before seen in U.S. gasoline demand, causing prices to sink like a rock," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"With the nation continuing to be under siege from the coronavirus and millions staying parked at home, there's quite a bit more downside that's in the pipeline coming in the weeks ahead.

"We could easily see the national average fall 50 cents to a dollar per gallon, while pricey states like California will see the biggest drops to come, playing catch up to the drop that has seen 29 states average gas prices fall under $2.

"Motorists should continue to be vigilant if they need to fill their tanks -- bring hand sanitizer and potentially wipes, but also shop around as the gap between station widens to historic levels."

Press release:

Trump endorsed Republican candidate for Congress Chris Jacobs (NY-27) held a virtual round table with Western New York farmers on Saturday to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on local agriculture and what can be done to help farmers keep operating.

“Big decisions need to be made as we move into our planting season," said Molly Anderson, of Torrey Farms. " The effects of COVID-19 will determine how we make those decisions and impact our capacity to perform. Luckily, President Trump is a businessman and understands the critical importance of our nation’s farms and will work with us so we can have the resources to get through this."

"The utmost concern, whether it was a dairy farmer or a crop farmer was the health and safety of their workforce," Jacobs said. "No different than any other essential business, farmers have been following the guidelines of health officials to ensure they can still perform their duties without jeopardizing the health of employees.

“Not only is agriculture the largest economic sector in our region, but our farmers are directly responsible for ensuring abundant healthy food remains on our tables. It has been my priority to stay directly in contact with those vital to this industry and learn what they need so that when I take office I can get right to work helping them through this crisis.

"I am deeply encouraged by everything Congress and President Trump has done to assist our farmers by passing the CARES Act, and I look forward to helping my future colleagues ensure the prosperity of our farmers for future generations.”

The CARES Act, which passed on Friday in the House of Representatives and was subsequently signed by President Trump, provides critical relief to farmers in America. Among that relief is $14 billion for USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation, $9.5 billion in funding for livestock operation programs, $100 million in additional rural broadband grants, and increased deductions for farmers who donate commodities.

If you run or own an essential business and are hiring, email a job listing to howard@thebatavian.com.

Keep it short: Company name, job title, contact info, and a link, if available, where potential applicants can get more information such as job description and qualifications. We'll post all job openings for free.

Job Openings:

McCabe Enterprises Electrical Contractor
Electricians
careers@mccabe-electric.com 

Arc of Genesee Orleans
Direct Support Professionals – Residential Program; Registered Nurse
Contact Info: (585) 343-1123, Human Resources
Link: www.arcgo.org/employment-opportunities

Chapin’s International
Openings: Shipping/Rcvg Supervisor, Quality Tech, Senior Buyer, Design Engineer, Tool Maker, Trimmer/Packers
Job descriptions are posted on indeed.com and you can also ask questions by emailing mporter@chapinmfg.com
Resumes also can be sent to that address.

We're doing a live interview with Marty Macdonald, pastor at City Church in Batavia.

The County Health Department has not yet today released the latest local figures on the COVID-19 pandemic, but the state's Health Department is reporting that Genesee County now has nine positive tests for coronavirus.

Yesterday, the county reported eight cases.

There are now 59,513 in the State of New York.

T.F. Brown's and Extreme Streetware have teamed up to create and sell "Batavia Strong" hoodies.

The sweatshirts cost $20 and include a $5 gift certificate for T.F. Brown's.

The sweatshirts are available at T.F. Brown's.

Video: Sunday message from Pastor Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

The folks at Wolcott Street School made this morale-boosting video.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo conducted his daily briefing at noon today. This is a recording provided by his press office of a portion of it.

Governor Cuomo: "I don't even have the words to express my admiration for them. FDR always had words. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. To me that says it all today.

"Something is more important than their fear, which is their passion, their commitment, for public service, and helping others. That's all it is. It's just their passion and belief in helping others. And that overcomes their fear. And that makes them, in my book, just truly amazing, outstanding human beings."

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

"These public people, I don't even have the words to express my admiration for them. FDR always had words. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. To me that says it all today. Everyone is afraid. Everyone is afraid.

"Do you think these police officers are not afraid to leave their houses? You think these nurses are not afraid to go into the hospital? They're afraid. But, something is more important than their fear, which is their passion, their commitment, for public service, and helping others. That's all it is. It's just their passion and belief in helping others. And that overcomes their fear. And that makes them, in my book, just truly amazing, outstanding human beings. And I wish them and their families all the best."

Press release:

Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the date of the New York State’s presidential primary and special election will be moved from April 28 to June 23, to align with the congressional and legislative primaries across the state.

New York follows 10 states and one territory to move their presidential primaries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico have all delayed their primaries.

“There is nothing more critical than protecting the health and safety of our families right now," said Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in the NY-27 District. "I am grateful for Governor Cuomo’s leadership and for putting the people of New York before politics.

"This decision protects not only the general public, but hundreds of election workers and Board of Elections staff. When we carry out this essential democratic process on June 23rd, it will allow all residents, volunteers, and staff to do so safely. My team will be checking on the community to ensure that all our residents are prepared for the June election. I believe in Western New Yorkers and know they will be ready.”

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 6 p.m.

A wind advisory is in effect from 2 until 11 p.m.

Winds of 20 to 30 mph expected with gusts of 50 mph.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Tristine Vanice submitted the photo above taken from her backyard off Lewiston Road, Oakfield, of the storm rolling in. Thunder and rain started in Batavia few minutes ago.

A fuel gas leak from a vehicle parked in a garage at 5561 Clinton Street Road, Stafford, sparked a fire at about 7:50 p.m. yesterday.

Stafford Fire Chief Matt Hendershott said that a vehicle owner was working on a vehicle when the fire started. The vehicle owner and the owner of the garage managed to pull the vehicle from the building before fire crews arrived.

As a result, the vehicle owner was transported to an area hospital for evaluation of possible smoke inhalation.  

Hendershott said because the vehicle was removed from the structure, the structure did not catch fire.

Stafford fire responded with additional manpower from South Byron and Town of Batavia fire responded for traffic control.

Reader-submitted photos.

(Initial Report)

A gas leak has reportedly caused a barn fire at 5561 Clinton Street Road, Stafford.

Stafford fire dispatched.

South Byron, Byron, Town of Batavia, Le Roy, and the City's FAST Team asked to standby in quarters.

The location is between Prole Road Extension and the Thruway.

Press release:

“One more resident in Genesee County tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday afternoon,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “This now brings the official total to eight positive cases in Genesee County. Orleans County remains the same with four.

The individual is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County. The person is at home in mandatory isolation. Contact tracing has begun.

Genesee and Orleans County health officials emphasize that the public should take precautions against the spread of the coronavirus. Practice social distancing and wash your hands often.

If you are sick with any illness, the best way to keep it from spreading is to stay home!

If you have a fever, cough and/or trouble breathing, please call your health care provider for an assessment of your symptoms.

For general questions in regard to COVID-19, please contact the NYS COVID-19 Hotline at: 1-888-364-3065, or click here to ask a question electronically.

From Coach Jim Fazio: "Players and coaches from the Batavia varsity softball team participated in the Section V Softball Challenge.

"Previously high schools from Waterloo and Rush Henrietta came up with the idea of practicing social distancing by still being involved with their teams in a unique way with softball related skills and players' imaginations.

"Since Alexander High School and others did a fantastic job with their videos, this challenge took off and we thought it would be a great idea to join in and have some fun while practicing social distancing and playing safe."

Statement from Republican candidate Chris Jacobs on NY-27 District special election:

“My foremost concern is the health and safety of all New Yorkers in this difficult time," said NY-27 District Republican candidate Chris Jacobs about the upcoming special election.

"As we continue to deal with this national challenge, I urge everyone to stay safe and follow all the recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will meet this challenge as we always have. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.”

Video of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's daily briefing for March 28, 2020.

Press release:

Governor Cuomo: "People come up with all of these interesting ideas, you know. Who's painting their house because they never had time to paint their house before. Who's working on a project that they never got to. Who's reading a book that they never got to do. Who's writing a book. A few people say I'm writing my journals, I'm writing my life story. You know, find a way. You have the advantage of time here.

"I'm not trying to say it's not a terrible circumstance, but even in a terrible circumstance, if you look hard enough, you can find the little rays, a few rays of light, and people are doing it and I think we all should."

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

"My gratuitous 2 cents, see if you can't find a silver lining in all of this. People say extraordinary things to me that I just pick up anecdotally. I was going for a walk with one of my daughters and Captain, Captain's my dog. People come up with all of these interesting ideas, you know.

"Who's painting their house because they never had time to paint their house before. Who's working on a project that they never got to. Who's reading a book that they never got to do. Who's writing a book. A few people say I'm writing my journals, I'm writing my life story. You know, find a way. You have the advantage of time here.

"And you have the advantage of time for communication. I've had conversations with my daughters, hours-long conversations, where it's just us, just us talking. No place to go. She doesn't have to go to work. She doesn't have to run out. And they're priceless, they are priceless. I'll never get the opportunity in life to do that again.

"You know, we're going to get through this, and they're going to go off and find a boyfriend and do whatever they do. I've had conversations with my mother, who can't leave the house, and she's in the house, and so we sort of take turns talking to Mom. And I talked to my mother for hours. And it's special. It's special.

"So, yes, it's terrible. And I'm not trying to say it's not a terrible circumstance, but even in a terrible circumstance, if you look hard enough, you can find the little rays, a few rays of light, and people are doing it and I think we all should."