COVID-19

Open letter from Legislature Chair Shelly Stein:

Dear Friends,

This is an unsettling time for our country and our community, as we are in a public health emergency due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Your elected leaders, public health and emergency management officials are working around the clock to slow the spread of the virus and provide care to those who need it.

It is important to remember that we need to be prepared, not scared. Heed the advice of public health experts who agree that the most effective way to “flatten the curve,” or slow the spread of the virus, is to practice social distancing.

Below is some helpful information regarding COVID-19:

How can you be infected?

• Coronavirus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because these droplets can travel up to six feet, public health experts advise maintaining six feet of distance from others.
• The virus can also remain on a surface or object and enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. This is why it is important to wash your hands before touching your face.

How long does it take to show symptoms after being infected?

• It takes 2 to 14 days to develop symptoms after exposure to the virus. The average is about five days.

What are the symptoms?

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath

When should you seek testing?

• If you are exhibiting symptoms;
• If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus;
• If you have recently traveled to one of the high-risk countries.

Except in the case of an emergency, please call your healthcare provider before seeking treatment in person.

While it is normal to feel anxious, there are ways to take control of the situation and be prepared. We urge you to take the following precautions to keep yourself and our community safe.

• Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid physical contact like handshakes and hugs.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Avoid large crowds.
• Abstain from unnecessary travel.

What is the difference between “Safer at Home” and “Social Distancing”?

Safer at home is a stricter form of social distancing. There are some differences. Safer at home means:

• Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others);
• Only go out for essential services;
• Stay six feet or more away from others;
• Don’t gather in groups.

It is important during this national emergency that we unite as a community, follow the advice of experts, and take responsibility for our actions to #SlowTheSpread of coronavirus.

For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov or call the NYS Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

Sincerely,

Rochelle M. Stein, Chair 
Genesee County Legislature                                         

On Behalf of the Genesee County Legislature

• Marianne Clattenburg, Vice Chair, City of Batavia, Wards 2 & 3
• Andrew Young, 2nd Vice Chair, Towns of Batavia & Stafford
• John Hilchey, Towns of Alabama & Oakfield
• Christian Yunker, Towns of Elba, Bergen, Byron
• Gordon Dibble, Towns of Darien, Pembroke
• Gregg Torrey, Towns of Alexander, Bethany, Pavilion
• John Deleo, City of Batavia, Wards 1 & 6
• Gary T. Maha, City of Batavia, Wards 4 & 5

Press release:

The Salvation Army, 259 E. Main S., Batavia

We have received word from our territorial command that our facility must be closed to public access until further notice.

We understand that many in our community depend on our Emergency Food Pantry to help make ends meet. We intend to continue this service as long as possible depending on the availability of a product. Our pantry will be available as a drive-up service on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Clients are asked to pull in to the rear parking lot by the double doors and open their trunk. A staff member will place the food box in the vehicle. We will be strictly observing social distancing as well as sanitary best practices.  

We will also happily accept donations at these same times. Community donations are the only way we can continue to meet the mounting need on a consistent basis. Should you need additional information or assistance please call our office. Our phones are not manned at this point but we will call you back, 585-343-6284.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

The Genesee County / Orleans County Health Department is ceasing daily live briefings. The next scheduled briefing is at 4 p.m., Friday. There may be briefings during the week if there is breaking news.

Press release:

As of 2 p.m. today the lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 have not changed in Genesee and Orleans counties. We have the initial one confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in Genesee County and one confirmed case of COVID- 19 for Orleans County.

Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 36 negative test results and Orleans, 34 negative test results for COVID-19.

Local contact tracing continues within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented.

Regarding the special circumstances of the Orleans positive: Identified contacts have been notified and quarantined and swabbed as indicated. This patient became symptomatic out of state and is now in mandatory isolation at their residence in Orleans County. The patient was released from isolation from the state they were in, in line with that state’s clearance criteria.

NYS clearance criteria are currently more restrictive and require negative COVID-19 results prior to being released. 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.

Genesee County: Seven people are under precautionary quarantine, 20 people are under mandatory quarantine, and one person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation.

Orleans County: Four people are under precautionary quarantine, 10 people are under mandatory quarantine, and one person is under mandatory isolation (this is not a new positive case). As reported last week, the department continues to explore contacts related to the case and places any further contacts on mandatory quarantine as needed.

Reminder: As discussed last week, we are placing folks on quarantine and isolation from the health department but individuals will also be asked by their provider to self-isolate if they have been swabbed until the results come back. This is very important. Number one -- the person is symptomatic, that’s why they’re being swabbed; and secondly, we don’t want the person exposing others to illness (COVID-19 or otherwise). Please remain home if ill.

Young people may think this won’t affect them -- they can get COVID-19, they can spread it to vulnerable populations, and although not as likely, they can be hospitalized and possibly die from this disease, just as they can get the flu and have complications.

Young people may also have underlying health issues they may not be aware of or if they smoke / vape, etc., they are putting themselves at higher risk of severe illness. This is why all people participate in social distancing even if they are not immune-compromised. Some people are going to react to this illness differently; it is not just the older folks, (although) they do have the greater risk of dying or going to the hospital. But people of any age can have severe illness. It is still important for all to help flatten the curve.

Swabbing / Partner Information

Remember that if you are sick to call your primary care provider. If you must go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care – call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival.

COVID-19 swabbing/testing at the Health Departments and community is limited. 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.

We will be screening and focusing on our at-risk populations – elderly and immune-compromised and those with underlying health issues. Primary care providers and some health systems are offering testing in both Monroe and Erie counties. We’re still waiting on more public/private labs to sign on soon, along with swabbing kits (to become available).

Lab testing has been bogged down and sample results are coming back slowly. Again this is a source of frustration for the public and us. We continue to push these unacceptable issues back up to the state.

Due to the current limit of swabbing kits, guidelines are in place for primary care providers to order COVID-19 swabbing. We will notify how and who can be tested at testing sites once we have the capability to set them up.

We are working closely with the healthcare systems to determine capacity; healthcare systems are currently working on their plans to increase bed capacity to provide higher-level medical care as needed. We will update and provide additional information on these activities as they become available.

We are asking folks to follow the orders that are put out there. If you believe an employer is violating either existing labor laws or recently issued @NYGocCuomo executive orders, please contact the @NewYorkStateAG's office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov. (On the web)

Schools: Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s school to learn about how food or other services will be provided during this time. If it is a school-related issue, please contact the school, not the health departments.

Be alert to scams -- there are no FDA-approved at-home test kits for COVID-19.

Please refer to the county websites for current daily updates and guidance documents. Orleans County’s website is still down, so we ask to visit the Genesee County website or follow GOHealthNY (user names) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We are also providing updates on the Genesee Ready and Orleans Aware apps.

Both Genesee County Buildings are closed to the public. Please call ahead to handle your business over the phone or by appointment.

Flu – for the week ending March 14: Orleans, eight flu (cases) that week and 257 for the season; Genesee, 22 cases of flu and 588 for the season!

Mental Health in both counties are available in various capacities and the Care + Crisis.

The helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200; or text 741741 for anxiety and stress.

We are receiving back negative COVID-19 test results from the lab, but we are still having flu – more flu and other respiratory illness as we look at the data. Keep this in mind. Everyone should be social distancing and staying home.

Continue Social Distancing and daily hygiene practices:

• Hand Hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds OR use hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol;
• Stay 6 feet away from others;
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces;
• Avoid touching your face;
• Avoid contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home when sick;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Canceling events/closure of public spaces;
• Encourage people to take care of themselves to take care of their immune systems;
• Eat healthy – fruits & vegetables, whole grains, low fat meats, etc. Get plenty of rest;
• Drink plenty of water;
• Stop smoking or abusing drugs and alcohol, seek appropriate help to limit media time to help decrease stress;
• Keep in contact with older family members by phone, Face Time, cards and letters if you can’t visit in person;
• Take time for walks, play outside, do puzzles, help keep you children engaged with their studies;
• Start or continue a hobby.

Vulnerable / Priority Populations:

• Older adults (65 years of age and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.
• Those with underlying medical conditions, that may include but are not limited to: chronic lung disease; asthma; diabetes; weakened immune system; chemotherapy or radiation for cancer treatment; pregnant women.

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Stay home as much as possible. (Rely on help to get groceries/necessities such as prescriptions so you do not have to go out in public.) Talk with your healthcare provider about providing 90-day prescription orders and ask your pharmacist if you can refill early to limit trips out in public;
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others;
• Keep away from others who are sick;
• Wash your hands often;
• Avoid nonessential travel;
• Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor.

According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released March 18, the majority of fatalities were:

• Persons aged 85 and older -- 10 to 27 percent;
• Persons aged 65-84 -- 3 to 11 percent;
• Persons aged 55-64 -- 1 to 3 percent;
• Persons aged 20 to 54 -- less than 1 percent;
• Persons aged 19 or younger -- no fatalities reported.

Different people react differently to illness with and without underlying health issues and age factored in.

We can’t stress it enough:

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. A facemask should only be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
• Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Symptoms for COVID-19 are shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever.

New York State Cases / Restrictions / Guidance

• As of March 23, 2020, there are 2,950 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 15,168 in New York State.
• At this time, roughly 18 percent of the people with COVID-19 in New York are hospitalized.
• Monroe County: 57 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Erie County: 54 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Wyoming County: 2 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Niagara County: 6 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Effective as of March 21st, all personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and tattoo/piercing parlors statewide were mandated to close. These professions cannot conduct business while maintaining social distancing.
• On Friday, March 20, Cuomo announced that he would sign an Executive Order mandating that 100 percent of the workforce stay home (excluding essential services). This order excludes healthcare, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.
• Civil fines and mandatory closures for businesses that are not in compliance will be issued.
• DOH Test Kits are NOT available. More information will be forthcoming when we receive notice.
• Personal Protective Equipment -- or PPE -- is in extremely short supply with no guidance as to when more will be supplied.
• Gatherings with 50 people or more are not permitted for the next eight weeks.

Press release from the Town of Batavia:

For the duration of the State of Emergency, due to the COVID-19, offices are closed to the public. Town employees are being directed to work from remote locations to the extent practicable and can access email and phone messages remotely.

However, the Town Clerk and essential employees will be there to assist you in any matters of the Town. They are available via telephone or email.

Town Supervisor, 585-343-1729, ext. 200, supervisor@townofbatavia.com

Town Clerk, 585-343-1729, ext. 203, tmorasco@townofbatavia.com

Payments for Dog Licenses, tax payments, and water/sewer bills:

Mail to:

3833 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020

Drop Box drop box located on the west side of the Town Hall.

Pay Online (fees apply) by visiting the Town website.

Funeral Directors, please contact the Town Clerk to file a death certificate.

Handicap Permit Renewals, please call the Town Clerk.

Town Assessor, 585-343-1729, ext. 207, rsaulsbury@townofbatavia.com

Building and Zoning, 585-343-1729, ext. 222, dlang@townofbatavia.com

Town Court, 585-343-1729, ext. 216, court@townofbatavia.com

Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice.

Highway Superintendent, 585-343-1729, ext. 218, tlichtenthal@townofbatavia.com

Press release:

Customers of Genesee Lumber Company are asked to call ahead to place their orders for pickup, in response to the CDC recommendations for social distancing. Employees at Genesee Lumber will prepare customer orders and place them in the designated pickup areas outside of the building.

As of today (March 23), this policy will remain in effect until March 31st, but this could change as the pandemic continues to grow. Genesee Lumber can be reached at (585) 343-0777 from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 7 a.m. -1 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Genesee Lumber will also continue job-site deliveries, but asks that you do not assist our drivers in unloading.

“We have taken all precautions to meet the government recommendations for social distancing and have our staff following all of the guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus,” said John Harrower, owner of Genesee Lumber.

Genesee Lumber is a building materials supplier on Franklin Street in Batavia that has been in business since 1928. For more up-to-date information you can visit www.geneseelumber.com.

Press release:

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by writing to this NCDF email address:  disaster@leo.gov

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of coronavirus fraud schemes.

“My message to those who seek to exploit the pandemic for their own personal gain by stealing others’ money, or identity, or both, is simple,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “We have a treatment for you and that treatment includes prosecution and federal prison.

"While others may get sick from the virus, most will recover. Sadly, I am not so sure these predators will ever recover from their affliction—as it seems to have rotted their hearts and souls.”

Some examples of these schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or nonexistent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.     

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys General issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to: serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the coronavirus; direct the prosecution of coronavirus-related crimes; and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.

U.S. Attorney Kennedy appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rudroff to serve as Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator for the Western District of New York.

The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.13, down 13 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.62. The New York State average is $2.40 – down 9 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.70.

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

• Batavia -- $2.45 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.41 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.48 (down 7 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.39 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.40 (down 12 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.34 (down 6 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.39 (down 9 cents since last week)

The national average price for a gallon of gas has dropped 25 cents over the past two weeks. Pump prices continue to decline around the country as oil prices have decreased significantly in response to the increasing public health and economic impact of COVID-19 and the crude price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

COVID-19 has forced gas prices down dramatically. Unfortunately, with limited travel and tourism, consumers are not benefiting.

Analysts with Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), which supplies gas price information to AAA, expect prices to continue to drop – possibly to $1.25 - $1.50 nationally by May. Some states are already below the $2 mark.

From GasBuddy:

"Gas prices have spent virtually all of March marching lower, with the drop continuing as the coronavirus destroys oil demand globally, leading to the lowest oil prices we've seen in 18 years, paving the way for still an additional 35-75 cent per gallon drop at most stations in the weeks ahead," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"I don't think I've ever seen such a collapse in prices, even including the Great Recession. What we're witnessing is easily going to go down as the great collapse in oil demand, and for motorists hurrying to fill up today, they're wasting their money as prices will continue to drop in the days ahead.

"Gas stations are passing along the drop several weeks behind, and there's plenty more room for prices to drop, putting 99 cents per gallon prices as a strong possibility for perhaps many more stations than we previously anticipated. This is truly an unprecedented turn of events."

This is a recording posted by the governor's office from this morning's briefing. We'll add the governor's press release below once we receive it.

Press release:

• Governor Cuomo: "We are going to have time. And the question is how do we use this time positively?"
• Cuomo: "Finding the silver lining, the positive. Life is going to be quieter for a matter of months. Everything will function. Life will function. Everything will normal operations, there won't be chaos There's less noise. You know what, that can be a good thing in some ways. You have more time. You have more flexibility. You can do some of those things that you haven't done, that you kept saying, 'Well I'd love to be able to, I'd love to be able to.' Well, now you can. You have more time with family."
• Cuomo: "For myself, this young lady, Cara, is with me. She would never be here otherwise But I'm now going to be with Cara literally for a few months. What a beautiful gift that is, right? I would have never had that chance. And that is precious, and then after this is over she's gone, she's flown the nest. She's going to go do her thing, but this crazy situation is crazy as it is, came with this beautiful gift. So one door closes, another door opens. Think about that."
• Cuomo: "Realize the timeframe we're expecting, make peace with it and find a way to help each other through this situation because it's hard for everyone. And the goal for me - socially distanced but spiritually connected. How do you achieve socially distanced but spiritually connected?"

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

 

I said don't be reactive, be productive, be proactive. Somebody, a few people have said to me afterwards, well what did that mean? That happens to me often. Look, this can go on for several months, okay? Nobody can tell you is it four months, six months, eight months, nine months - but it is several months.

 

We all have to now confront that that is a new reality. That is not going to change. You are not going to turn on the news tomorrow morning and they are going to say surprise, surprise this is all now resolved in two weeks. That is not going to happen. So, deal with this reality. Understand the negative effect of this, which I have spoken to personally because these are personally negative effect. You do not feel them governmentally, you feel them personally. You feel then in your own life.

 

And don't underestimate the emotional trauma and don't underestimate the pain of isolation. It is real. This is not the human condition - not to be comforted, not to be close, to be afraid and you can't hug someone. Billy and Steve walked in today. I had not seen them in months. I can't shake their hands. I can't hug them. You know this is all unnatural. My daughter came up. I can't give her the embrace and the kiss that I want to give her. This is all unnatural and disorienting. And it is not you, it is everyone. It's the condition.

 

And we are going to have time. And the question is how do we use this time positively? Also, at the same time we have to learn from this experience because we were not ready to deal with this and other situations will happen. Other situations will happen and let's at least learn from this to be prepared for the next situation as dramatic as this one has been.

 

Also finding the silver lining, the positive. Life is going to be quieter for a matter of months. Everything will function. Life will function. Everything will normal operations, there won't be chaos. The stores will have groceries. Gas stations will have gasoline. There's no reason for extraordinary anxiety. But it is going to change. You won't be at work, you can't be sitting at restaurants, you're not going to be going to birthday parties, you don't have to go to business conferences on the weekends. There's less noise. You know what, that can be a good thing in some ways: You have more time. You have more flexibility. You can do some of those things that you haven't done, that you kept saying, "Well I'd love to be able to, I'd love to be able to." Well now you can. You have more time with family.

 

And yes, I get family in cramped quarters can be difficult, but it's also the most precious commodity. For myself, this young lady, Cara, is with me. She would never be here otherwise. You know, I'm dad, right? The last thing you want to be when you're in Cara's position is hang out with the old man and hang out with dad and hear bad dad jokes, you know - they'll come with the holidays, they'll come when I give them heavy guilt, but I'm now going to be with Cara literally for a few months. What a beautiful gift that is, right? I would have never had that chance. And that is precious, and then after this is over she's gone, she's flown the nest. She's going to go do her thing, but this crazy situation is crazy as it is, came with this beautiful gift. So one door closes, another door opens. Think about that.

 

And as I said, normal operations will continue. As I said from day one, the level of anxiety is not connected to facts, there is no chaos the net effect - many people will get the virus, but few will be truly endangered. Hold both of those facts in your hands: Many will get it, up to 80 percent may get it, but few are truly endangered and we know who they are. Realize the timeframe we're expecting, make peace with it and find a way to help each other through this situation because it's hard for everyone. And the goal for me: Socially distanced but spiritually connected. How do you achieve socially distanced but spiritually connected?

Press release:

Nate McMurray, Democrat running in the special election to fill the Congressional vacancy in NY-27, is urging national leaders to add critical provisions to relief legislation that will protect working families and individuals hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. McMurray highlighted significant inadequacies in Congress’ second COVID relief package that President Trump signed last week.

 “We are facing an unprecedented crisis and the future is uncertain,"McMurray said. "Now is not the time for the same tepid responses that have failed before, we must be bold and offer real solutions. Across this nation, as American families are facing the challenges of social distancing, many of them are now also being hit with the disastrous economic effects of COVID-19 business closures and shutdowns.

"The burden of this crisis is disproportionately hitting low-wage workers, while meanwhile in this legislation, the most elite and powerful are protected from almost any discomfort.”

McMurray’s immediate suggestions for a strong response to the COVID-19 crisis:

           1. Provide rapid, direct support to American households. Legislation should include substantial measures to stop the outflow of cash from families and extend mortgage and rent debt relief. Additional legislation is also needed to pass immediate student loan debt, indefinitely. American families must focus their spending and saving for basic commodities to maintain their health at this time. Additionally, each American should be provided an inflow of cash in a direct and immediate cash payment of at least $1000, similar to a universal basic income, to reduce the hardship and blunt the oncoming recession.

           2. Extend medical benefits. Now is the time to cover all 20 million uninsured Americans. As the virus spreads rapidly across our country, no one should be without care. Additionally, we must ensure that protections are in place for all Americans that want a free test for COVID-19, regardless of their immigration status. This is essential to avoid further spread.

           3.  Protect and expand rural hospitals. Expand funding for these critical care centers and enact debt forgiveness now for medical professionals and doctors that work in these clinics and hospitals.

           4. Offer targeted loans to both small and large businesses. Loans offered will cover extended sick leave and sick pay for employees across the board, regardless of the size of the business. Protections will be put in place for workers that guarantee employers will not slash pensions or other benefits while a worker is on sick leave.

“The question isn’t how do we pay for this? We already are paying for it," McMurray said. " For years, we have been told a trickle-down economy and forced tax cuts for the wealthiest will benefit the common good, yet these decisions have threatened our social security system and created significant social and economic barriers individually and as a nation.

"Once again, as a result to this crisis, the GOP is attempting to float income tax cuts and further business cuts that will only benefit the rich. This type of shortsighted and small-minded thinking will not help our families overcome this crisis. The COVID-19 virus has reminded us that it is the American family that is the soul of our economy, and it needs protecting more than ever.

"Just as FDR outlined in his Second Bill of Rights, all Americans must be guaranteed the right of economic security and independence, including medical care, adequate food, and protection from the fears of sickness and unemployment. When I am your representative in Washington, I will fight for these protections, for our country and our future.”

Public Notice

Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and resulting Emergency and State and Federal bans on large meetings or gatherings, and pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 220.1 issued on March 12, the Open Meetings Law is suspended to limit potential transmission and exposure to the virus.

Therefore, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced the following schedule for various committee and board meetings that will be held electronically via conference call instead of a public meeting. 

Please note the following times:

• GCEDC STAMP Committee Meeting – March 24 at 10:30 a.m.
• Genesee County Funding Corporation Board Meeting (GCFC) – March 25 at 1 p.m.
• GCEDC Audit and Finance Committee Meeting – March 26 at 3 p.m. 
• Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) Audit and Finance Committee – March 26 at 3 p.m. (immediately following the GCEDC Audit and Finance Committee meeting)
• Genesee County Economic Development Center – March 26 at 4 p.m. 
• GGLDC Board meeting – March 26 at 4 p.m. (immediately following GCEDC Board meeting)

The public also may view the various committee and board meetings by a link available on the GCEDC website here. Also, minutes of the meetings will transcribed and posted on the website.

Press release:

In accordance with the Oakfield Town Supervisor and the Oakfield Town Board, it has been decided that during the coronavirus crisis, we are offering to the ELDERLY and DISABLED residents in the Town and Village of Oakfield the following service:

• Volunteers will get FOOD and ESSENTIAL household items for those in need. The items will be delivered to your home, at which time payment is mandatory (cash or check only). Volunteers will purchase items with their own money so please be prepared to pay them when the items are delivered.

Our volunteers will practice personal protection for both you and themselves. They will not be entering the home, just delivering to the door, with minimal contact and collecting the funds for the purchases. 

If you are in need of this service, please contact the Oakfield Town Office at 948-5835, ext. 101, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and leave a message. A volunteer will return your call as soon as possible.

ICYMI: We ask that unemployment applicants continue to follow the alphabetical filing system below.

If you can’t get through to file by phone/web due to the volume overload, don’t worry. Your benefits will be retroactive to the first day you were out of work. pic.twitter.com/lhGyij6WOm

— NYS Dept of Labor (@NYSLabor) March 23, 2020

Press release:

Area health care practices are seeking ways to help their patients while simultaneously minimizing coronavirus spread. Sleep Insights, a local sleep medicine practice in Batavia, has quickly implemented an effective option for patients seeking help with their sleep: telehealth.

Telehealth refers to the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic communication. A live interaction (think FaceTime, Skype or videochat) between a health professional and a patient provides a virtual alternative to the traditional in-person doctor’s visit. This interaction is commonly referred to as telemedicine.

Last week, the sleep medicine practice began moving all scheduled appointments at their 10 regional locations to a telemedicine platform.

In addition, people who need a new patient visit, follow-up appointment or CPAP setup are also able to be seen via telemedicine. Home sleep apnea testing is still being offered and CPAP supplies are available; both will be mailed to patients when possible. Noncritical overnight sleep testing will be suspended at certain locations.

“Since we’re an independent practice and not part of a healthcare or hospital system, it allows us to creatively and quickly respond to unique situations such as COVID-19,” said Dr. Jacob Dominik, Sleep Insights’ medical director. “Fortunately for patients, telemedicine is relatively easy to implement at all our locations and patients can ‘see’ someone at any of our 10 locations.”

If a patient is interested in using telemedicine, Sleep Insights provides the patient with setup instructions to be completed prior to their appointment. The patient and provider each need a private environment, such as an enclosed, private room in someone’s home or office. A secure internet or cellphone connection and working camera on an iPhone/Android, laptop, computer, or iPad are also needed.

Both New York State and Medicare have waived previous restrictions in the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine now covers all medical services and is available to all patients from any geographical location.

Sleep Insights Batavia is accepting new patients and sleep testing patients: 585.219.4330 or visit www.sleepinsights.com.

About Sleep Insights

Founded in 2005, Sleep Insights is a regional, integrated sleep medicine practice offering consultative, diagnostic testing and sleep therapy services. Sleep Insights is an independent sleep center, not owned by or affiliated with a hospital. The company’s main site is in Rochester, NY, with 10 locations throughout Central and Western New York: Rochester, Syracuse, Batavia, Geneseo, Dansville, Niagara Falls, North Buffalo, Batavia, Orchard Park, Springville and Olean.

Sleep Insights provides sleep specialist appointments, home sleep apnea testing, overnight sleep testing, respiratory therapists, CPAP supplies, and the latest sleep therapies in one convenient location and under the supervision of board-certified sleep specialists.

Patients are seen at Sleep Insights for a variety of sleep disorders that can affect their sleep quality and ability to function. Some of the most common conditions impacting sleep include snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, daytime sleepiness and fatigue, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and parasomnias, which are abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Press release from the combined Genesee/Orleans county health departments:

Genesee County -

• 1 person in mandatory isolation (positive case)
• 19 persons under mandatory quarantine
• 8 persons under precautionary quarantine

Orleans County -

• 1 person in mandatory isolation out of state (positive case)
• 9 persons under mandatory quarantine
• 4 persons under precautionary quarantine

Related press release:

• Announces FEMA Will Erect Federal Hospitals within Javits Center - Four 250-Bed Fully-Equipped and Fully-Staffed Facilities
• Announces State Has Leased 600-Bed Capacity Nursing Home Facility in Brooklyn to Convert into Temporary Hospital 
• Calls on Federal Government to Immediately Implement Defense Production Act — Nationalize Medical Supply Chain
• Calls on Federal Government to Prioritize Sending Stimulus Funding to Individuals, State and Local Governments and Businesses - Taxpayers Must Share in Success of Corporations
• Acquires 70,000 Doses of Hydroxychloroquine, 10,000 doses of Zithromax and 750,000 Doses of Chloroquine to Implement Drug Trials - Trials Will Start Tuesday
• Urges FDA to Immediately Approve Serological Testing for COVID-19 Antibodies
• Announces Department of Health Emergency Order for All Hospitals to Come Up with a Plan to Expand Capacity by a Minimum of 50 Percent with a Goal of 100 Percent
• Cancels All Elective, Non-Critical Surgeries - Effective Wednesday, March 25th
• Directs New York City to Come Up with a Plan for Review Within 24 Hours to Address Lack of Adherence to Social Distancing Protocols
• Confirms 4,812 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 15,168; New Cases in 31 Counties

Governor Cuomo: "I'm requesting today from the federal government that the Army Corps immediately proceed to erect temporary hospitals. I went out yesterday - I surveyed the sites. There are several good options that give us regional coverage. An Army Corps temporary hospital at Stony Brook, which is on Long Island, Westbury, which is on Long Island, Westchester, where we have that terrible cluster, which is thank goodness reducing, and the Javits Center which is a very large convention center in New York, and New York City, which is where we have the highest number of cases. I met with the Army Corps. They've reviewed these sites. I approve it. I approve it on behalf of the State of New York, and now we just have to get it done and get it done quickly."

Cuomo: "The Defense Production Act, where the federal government has the legal authority to say to companies you must produce this now. It is invoking a federal law. It is mandatory that those private companies do something. But I think it is appropriate. If I had the power, I would do it in New York State because the situation is that critical. I think the federal government should order factories to manufacture masks, gowns, ventilators, the essential medical equipment that is going to make a difference between life and death."

Cuomo: "We need the product[s] now. We have cries from hospitals around the state. I have spoken to other governors across the country. They have the same situation. They need these materials now and only the federal government can make that happen. So I believe the federal government should immediately utilize the Defense Production Act. Implement it immediately, let's get those medical supplies running and let's get that moving as quickly as possible."

Cuomo: "America is America because we overcome adversity and challenges. That's how we were born. That's what we've done all our life. We overcome challenges and this is a period of challenge for this generation. And that's what has always made America great and that's what going to make this generation great. I believe that to the bottom of my soul. We will overcome this and America will be the greater for it. And my hope is that New York is going to lead the way forward."

Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo accepted the recommendation of the Army Corps of Engineers for four temporary hospital sites in New York State in an effort to address imminent capacity issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor visited the four sites - the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and locations at SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY Old Westbury and the Westchester Convention Center — yesterday, and New York State is ready for the Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction immediately. Hospitals at the SUNY campus sites will be constructed indoors with outdoor tent support and the dormitories on the campuses will be used for healthcare staff to stay while working at the sites.

We've had a couple of people reach out and ask how they might help in the current crisis. We reached out to UMMC and our contact there shared this document with us:

Gifts of Supplies

We are so appreciative of the support of our community and the desire to help our caregivers in their jobs. Businesses and individuals have offered to donate masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and other personal protective equipment. Here are some guidelines as you consider a gift of supplies:

• Many types of equipment and medical items are in short supply, but due to regulatory requirements we are only allowed to accept items under certain circumstances. 
• Please do not buy items with the intent of donating them. Rochester Regional Health and other health systems are working closely with suppliers to ensure that critical supplies are available. When individuals buy these items, however well-intentioned, it further depletes the supply chain and can make it more difficult for healthcare providers to get what they need.

If you have an item you wish to donate, please contact the Rochester Regional Health Foundations at 585.922.4800 or RRHFoundation@rochesterregional.org. For the safety of our patients and caregivers, donations will be accepted by appointment only and distributed throughout the system where they are needed most. 

The Best Way to Help

The best way to help is to make a monetary gift, which will give our hospital leadership the flexibility to allocate help where it is needed most. Gifts of any amount will show Rochester Regional caregivers that the community is standing with them. The COVID-19 Support Fund was set up in response to requests from the community asking how to help our frontline care providers and the patients they serve. This emergency fund will provide critical support to Rochester Regional Health care teams as they navigate these unprecedented times.

Some of the many needs already identified are additional staff support, essential medical supplies, comfort for patients in isolation, and supplemental emergency structures. Your donation will enable our clinical staff to continue providing safe, high-quality care to patients.

Thanking our Frontline Heros

Our caregivers are at the beginning of this fight and they need our support to keep going. You can help raise their spirits by sending encouraging notes and positivity their way. Photographs of drawings and letters from children are incredibly uplifting and are especially welcome to bring bring a smile during their stressful days and night.

Please email RRHFoundation@rochesterregional.org with notes of encouragement and thanks, and we will distribute the messages across the system.

At about 3 p.m., we're talking with Jennifer Blackchief, VP Housing, St. Ann's Community in Le Roy.  We're going to talk about St. Ann's providing their employees with a generous bonus as well as what they're doing to keep their residents safe.

Public Notice

By order of Town of Bethany Supervisor and Chief Executive Officer Carl Hyde Jr., a State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Bethany, effective at 3 p.m. on March 19, 2020 due to the ongoing viral pandemic of COVID-19 and the existing States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County level.

This State of Emergency is declared in an effort to protect public health and safety and will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Chief Executive of the Town of Bethany, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Carl Hyde Jr., exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality. I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Town of Bethany to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Emergency Orders

These orders took effect March 19, 2020 at 3 p.m. and will remain in effect for five days unless rescinded earlier or renewed in five-day increments by the Chief Executive Officer:

• Town of Bethany Town Hall, Town Offices and Highway Garage are closed to the public. Employees will continue to receive regular pay and be considered as on-call in the event of an emergency. Employees are encouraged to take all steps to avoid personal infection of the virus so that they remain ready in case of further emergency.
• Bethany Town Board meetings are cancelled until further notice.
• All Bethany Town Court matters are cancelled until further notice.
• Taxes, dog licenses and other payments or applications may be placed in the drop box located near the front door of the Town Hall or mailed to the Town Hall at: 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054. Receipts will be mailed to you after they have been processed.
• ​The Town of Bethany Transfer Station will be open for use for Bethany residents on Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ONLY and will close permanently thereafter. Residents must dispose of their trash as quickly as possible with as little personal contact as possible. (The Transfer Station will not be open as previously planned on March 28, 2020.)

These actions are in the interest of protecting public health and reducing transmission of COVID-19.

Carl Hyde, Jr.

Town Supervisor

Town of Bethany

March 19, 2020