The Batavian Sessions featuring Paul Draper.

TIP JAR: Paul doesn't have a PayPal account but if you would like to tip your local, friendly musician, send your PayPal donation to howardowens@gmail.com and we'll make sure he gets it.

If you would like to comment on the live feed during the show, got to the YouTube page for the live stream.

Our local family of dinosaurs reappeared in Downtown Batavia today, this time with a little one in tow.

Another free online Saturday night concert by the Old Hippies for the folks of Genesee County from their vacation home in Florida.

Check back at 8 p.m. for a special edition of The Batavian Sessions, featuring Paul Draper.

Press release:

• State will distribute more than 7 million more cloth masks to vulnerable New Yorkers and frontline workers across the State. 
• State is distributing $25 million to food banks across the State through the Nourish New York Initiative.
• Confirms 4,663 additional coronavirus cases in New York State -- bringing statewide total to 312,977; new cases in 44 counties.
• Governor Andrew M. Cuomo: "Uncharted waters doesn't mean proceed blindly, right? It means get information, get data, the best you can, and use that data to decide where you're going. So, especially in this situation, you have so much emotion, you have politics, you have personal anxiety that people feel, social anxiety, social stress. Let's stick to the facts, let's stick to the data, let's make sure we're making the best decisions with the best information that we have." 
• Cuomo: "We want people to know who need to use the subways and buses, because they are working, that they're safe. And the essential workers who have kept this entire society functioning have done an extraordinary job, and we want them to know that we're doing everything we can do to keep them safe."
• Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced the results of the state's completed antibody testing study show 12.3 percent of the population have COVID-19 antibodies. The survey developed a baseline infection rate by testing 15,000 people at grocery stores and community centers across the state over the past two weeks. Of those tested, 11.5 percent of women tested positive and 13.1 percent of men tested positive. A regional breakdown of the results is below:

Region

Percent Positive

Capital District

2.2%

Central NY

1.9%

Finger Lakes

2.6%

Hudson Valley
(Without Westchester/Rockland)

3%

Long Island

11.4%

Mohawk Valley

2.7%

North Country

1.2%

NYC

19.9%

Southern Tier

2.4%

Westchester/Rockland

13.8%

Western NY

6%

 

The Governor also announced that the state will distribute over seven million more cloth masks to vulnerable New Yorkers and essential workers across the state. The masks will be distributed as follows:

• 500,000 for NYCHA residents;
• 500,000 for farmworkers;
• 1 million for vulnerable populations, including the mental health and developmentally disabled communities;
• 500,000 for homeless shelters;
• 2 million for elderly New Yorkers and nursing homes;
• 1 million for faith-based organizations and food banks.
• 2 million for grocery stores, supermarkets, and food delivery workers.

The Governor also announced the state is distributing $25 million to food banks across the state through the Nourish New York Initiative. The Nourish New York initiative, announced earlier this week by Governor Cuomo, is working to quickly reroute New York's surplus agricultural products to the populations who need them most through New York's network of food banks. Funding will be distributed as follows:

• New York City Region: $11 million

• Westchester Region: $1 million

• Long Island Region: $1.6 million

• Capital/Hudson Valley Region (includes portion of North Country and Mohawk Valley): $4.4 million

• Central NY Region (includes portion of North Country and Mohawk Valley): $2.2 million

• Southern Tier Region: $1.1 million

• Western New York Region: $2.1 million

• Finger Lakes Region (includes portion of Southern Tier): $1.7 million

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have received two more COVID-19 cases. Orleans has two new cases and Genesee has zero.

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individual will be notified by Health Department staff. Both of the individuals are residents of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center.

There is currently no further information to release on ages and locations. Mapping to include the positive cases from the weekend will be updated on Monday afternoon.

We continue to encourage our residents to be vigilant about handwashing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, properly wearing cloth face coverings over the mouth and nose, keeping your hands away from your face, limiting time out in public and when you do need to go out for essentials you designate one person from your household, keep social distancing and stay home if you are sick.

Press release:

Garden Talk returns via Zoom on May 7 at noon (note the time change).

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for “Common Gardening Mistakes.”

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Even Master Gardeners make mistakes and kill plants! If you have questions about proper watering techniques, fertilizing or soil preparation this talk is for you. We’ll cover the basics.

Please register in advance for this free program online here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Then join us from the comfort of your own home at noon on May 7.

This free series is open to the public.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website and also on our Facebook page.

Press release:

The New York State Department of Labor today announced that it had distributed more than $4.6 billion in unemployment benefits since the coronavirus pandemic began impacting businesses in early March.

In total, the DOL has processed more than 1.6 million completed applications or unemployment benefits since March 9th, including for both traditional unemployment insurance and the new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

“In New York, we are working faster and more aggressively to deliver unemployment benefits than many other states, and in a matter of weeks, we have paid more than $4.6 billion to well over a million New Yorkers,” NYS Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said.“We have been throwing everything — including the kitchen sink — at upgrading our systems and increasing our capacity to serve New Yorkers, and we will continue this work until everyone receives their benefits.”

Since coronavirus-related shutdowns began impacting businesses across the country in March, states have faced an unprecedented number of new unemployment insurance applications. To date, more than 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits through the week ending April 25th.

The volume of new unemployment claims has reached historic levels, including setting a record for the highest number of weekly claims filed nationwide for the week ending March 28th, which saw 6.8 million new claims -- compared to the previous high before this crisis of 695,000 claims during one week in October 1982.

Completed unemployment benefit applications for 1.6 million New Yorkers have been processed since this crisis began -- including 222,040 new claims from the week ending April 25.

In total, New York State has distributed over $4.6 billion in benefits to New Yorkers between March 9 and April 30, including through traditional unemployment insurance and new federal programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits for those not covered by traditional unemployment insurance; Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides an additional $600 per week for all benefit recipients; and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides 13 additional weeks of benefits, for a total of 39 weeks of unemployment benefits.

Facing an unprecedented surge in unemployment claims and a large number of partially complete claims with missing or incomplete Federal Employer Identification Numbers, which require a phone call to complete, the Department of Labor has taken decisive action to update its system, streamline operations, and improve its capacity to serve New Yorkers. These efforts include:

• Issuing a directive requiring New York-based employers to provide New Yorkers with the information they need to apply for unemployment benefits, including the company’s Federal Employer Identification Number;
   
• Launching a new, streamlined website backed by Google Cloud's infrastructure, which can automatically scale to meet demand and rolling out an updated application that allows New Yorkers to seamlessly apply for either traditional unemployment insurance or the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in one system — well before many other states launched their PUA applications;
   
• Undertaking a major call back initiative to proactively call New Yorkers with partially completed applications and obtain the information needed to process their claims. To date, the DOL has made more than 670,000 proactive calls;
   
• Increasing the number of Department of Labor representatives handling calls and processing applications from 400 people working five days a week to up to 3,100 individuals working seven days a week; and
   
• Being among the first states to release the additional $600 weekly payments to unemployed individuals -- even before the federal government made funding available.

Press release:

A free opioid overdose prevention online Narcan training is scheduled for May 13.

Hosted by the GOW Opioid Task Force and Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Prevention Department, the videoconference training offers two one-hour sessions -- 10 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.

Participants need to attend only one of the sessions to receive credit.

Topics to be covered include: the disease of addiction; a brief history of the opioid crisis; signs and symptoms of opioid use and overdose; the overdose reversal drug Narcan; the administration of Narcan; and where to obtain Narcan.

“After completing a registration form, an attendee will be sent a link for this online training. Once the training is complete, that person will receive a free Narcan nasal spray kit from a licensed provider,” said Christen Ferraro, task force coordinator.

To register, send an email requesting a registration form to:   cferraro@gcasa.org

For more information, visit www.gowopioidtaskforce.org.

A skateboarder has been struck by a vehicle at 16 Colorado Ave. in the City of Batavia. The location is between Ellicott Place and Harvester Avenue. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: The skateboarder is conscious and alert and being evaluated by medics at the scene. Unknown injuries, if any. The black Jeep in the forefront of the photo allegedly struck the skateboarder.

UPDATE: The patient was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation. He is a juvenile. No further information is available. No charges anticipated.

New listing alert: 11232 South Lake Road, Pavilion! Solid, well taken care of home -- updated throughout and tastefully done. As soon as you walk in you feel the quality.

This home is deceiving from the road, it has a super quaint old-school look but when you walk in it has a super clean modern loft feel. Gleaming hardwood floors, freshly painted white walls, sleek white kitchen with pretty tiled backsplash and stainless appliances -- very fresh look!

Entrance foyer floor and baths share a beautiful tile that gives the property a pop of color but still very neutral! There are two full baths one up and one down, that have been fully gutted and remodeled and are beautifully appointed. Upstairs bath has washer / dryer, perfect so your guests don’t see your mess! Bedrooms are all good size and there is a first-floor bedroom for those who can’t do stairs. Basement is dry and clean and good for storage.

Outside is so quaint and cute looking its like a postcard-freshly painted with a popping red front door and covered porch -- perfect for a couple rocking chairs and potted plants! There is a large yard with so many new plantings from trees to shrubs to flowers -- for years to come this yard will only get prettier and more private!

Call Reliant Real Estate today, 585-344-home (4663). Click here for more information on this lisiting.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley recently signed on with the Assembly Republican Conference to sponsor legislation that would divert state and federal funds received for COVID-19 relief to frontline firefighters and EMS workers who have been on the clock since the lockdown in New York started.

With these organizations relying heavily on donations and fundraisers to support their services, and with the lockdown draining them of their resources, Hawley wants to ensure these workers are protected and ensure their success.

“During these tough times, with a budget that is struggling to keep up, we need to be provide state and federal funding to those risking their health and safety on the front lines,” Hawley said. “There is just about $90 million that’s been generated from wireless surcharges that is deposited into the state’s General Fund and not used for emergency response purposes; my recommendation is to start there.

“Despite these trying times, it’s important that we keep in sight the health and safety issues that our frontline workers are facing. They need this funding to offset the costs they can’t make back otherwise during this pandemic. The legislation proposed addresses the need for state funding as a result of COVID-19.” 

To further support these frontline workers, Hawley is urging Speaker Heastie and the Chair of Assembly Racing and Waging Committee, Assemblyman Pretlow, to allow a full vote on his Assembly Bill A2250, which would legalize the selling of raffle tickets online for nonprofit organizations who fundraise, such as local firehouses, volunteer organizations, service clubs, or EMS operations.

Press release:

• Directs schools and colleges to create Reopening Plans that reimagine facilities to be approved by the state;
• State is partnering with Kate Spade New York Foundation and Crisis Text Line to provide 24/7 emotional support service for frontline workers; workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741;
• Department of Financial Services to require New York State-regulated health insurers to waive out-of-pocket costs for mental health services for frontline essential workers;
• Announces new targeted efforts to further reduce number of new hospitalizations per day;
• Five new drive-through testing facilities now open in Monroe, Erie, Broome, Niagara and Oneida counties;
• Confirms 3,942 additional coronavirus cases in New York State -- bringing statewide total to 308,314; new cases in 48 counties;
• Governor Andrew M. Cuomo: "Nobody can predict what the situation is going to be three weeks or four weeks from now, so we are trying to stage decisions at intervals that give us information, but also enough time for people to make preparations they need to make."
• "We are going to be asking businesses to come up with plans that safeguard workers when they reopen. We need schools to come up with plans also that bring those precautions into the schoolroom. That is also for colleges, and the state will approve those plans."
• Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Cuomo today announced all K-12 schools and college facilities statewide will remain closed for the rest of the academic year and will continue to provide distance learning during that time. The schools will also be required to continue meal programs and child care services for essential workers. The state will make a decision about summer school programming by the end of May.

It didn’t take Gail Tenney long to decide who she wanted to help when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

She works for her family’s businesses, McNickel’s Bottle and Can Redemption and adjoining RJ’s Washroom on Ellicott Street in the City of Batavia.

Given her family’s work at the Redemption Center, and because she knows that for most people “bottles and cans are a nuisance,” an empties drive was the perfect choice for an event to benefit hardworking medical providers at United Memorial Medical Center.

Thus was born "Community Strong with Cans." Tenney visited neighbors on Redfield Parkway, Bogue Avenue and Woodrow Road. They were happy to help!

She collected empties with a $200 redemption value initially, $120 with the next round, and then added $100 from her family. This $420 was used to purchase 55 meals for hospital workers at UMMC.

The meals were from local eatery Commit to Well (inside Eli Fish Brewing Co.) and delivered on April 13; the recipients were more than grateful.

“The ongoing support of our community is such an important piece in our fight against COVID-19," said UMMC President Dan Ireland. "As we all learn how to cope during these extraordinary times and rise to the challenge, our team members are working long hours away from their family—many accomplishing tasks they’ve never done before.

"Our community’s acts of kindness, large or small, keep us going. This outpouring of gratitude reminds us why we’re here, and that the community we care so deeply about, also cares for us. There are not enough words to express our sincere appreciation. We are all so thankful for the heartwarming generosity.”

Now Tenney would like to expand the scope of the project and share the benefits with the people who support their businesses as well, while increasing collection efforts throughout the community.

"Let’s support them, they support us," Tenney said. "…My heart breaks for them" because they are truly the people in need during these difficult times.

Along with the hospital staff, Tenney has selected Care-A-Van Ministries and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee to be recipients in the future.

Paul Ohlson of Care-A-Van said that contributions they receive are distributed according to needs, so it is most helpful to provide them with the funds directly.

Similarly, Lisa Wittmeyer of Community Action is anticipating that any money raised will help in upcoming months when many local residents need to catch up on unpaid rents from the early days of the pandemic.

The Tenney family hopes their efforts will bring a bit of much needed relief to those who need it, without overburdening the people they are asking to contribute. They intend to continue matching funds for money raised.

To donate your empties to "Community Strong with Cans," to arrange a pick up, or to help, please contact Tenney at:  getenney@comcast.net or call/text (585) 993-2060.

Visit Tenney’s Blog here.

Top photo, courtesy of UMMC.

Inset photo right, courtesy of Gail Tenney.

Alexander High School senior Lowell Chamberlain is John Mikulski Scholarship winner, presented by the Genesee Wyoming Music Educators Association.

His primary instrument is guitar. He also plays tenor sax, trombone and bass guitar.

Press release:

WHEN ASKED WHAT HIS GREATEST HS MUSICAL MEMORY IS, LOWELL RESPONDED:

"Being a part of the Alexander Jazz Experience was not only the most wholesome and fulfilling introduction to Jazz, but it also left me with a gratitude and sense of preparedness for performing in ensembles."

Lowell's goal is to work in the music industry as a composer/arranger, and songwriter. He currently enjoys spending time composing and producing using Abelton Live.

WHEN ASKED WHAT HIS FAVORITE PERFORMANCE AND VENUE WAS HE RESPONDED:

"The Riviera Theater in Buffalo in 2017 for the Music is Arts Festival with the Alexander Jazz Experience. We played a combination of jazz standards such as Cold Duck Time and St. Thomas as well as some Funk/Fusion jams such as Chameleon and Watermelon Man."

Lowell's main influences are: His teacher Dan Klinczar, Michael League of Snarky Puppy, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Stephen Sondheim.

Lowell will be attending SUNY Purchase in the fall where he will be studying Studio Composition! We wish him luck and are so proud of all of his accomplishments.

Press release:

Officials at Western Regional Off-Track Betting / Batavia Downs Gaming (WROTB/BDG) today announced they have received funds via the Paycheck Protection Program which will provide critical financial relief for costs including payroll, health benefits, rent, and other expenses related to job retention.

The funds will cover the next two months of expenses and were awarded April 30.

“When PPP funding was announced last month, the Board of Directors and I made the decision almost immediately to apply for relief,” said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of WROTB/BDG. “What was most important was continuing to financially support our staff and their families during these uncertain times.”

The gaming facility was closed on March 16th and employees were paid their full wages for a period of one month. On April 16th they were furloughed for a period of two weeks. Once the PPP loan was secured, employees were recalled to begin work again on the next pay week.

Throughout the temporary closure, there have been employees working onsite including security and surveillance. Others are working from home. As a potential reopening date comes closer there will be new health, safety, and security protocols put into place.

Employees will be trained and made aware of whatever new safety regulations are implemented well in advance of opening in order to provide a safe environment for employees and guests.

“Once we reopen, we will look to continue to deliver revenue to our partners in local government," Wojtaszek said. “Once given the go-ahead by state officials we hope that through the gaming floor, our concerts, and events we can provide much-needed monies to local governments in order to fund critical services from first responders to food banks. We know it will take a lot of preparation on our end to meet those standards, but our dedicated staff will ready to take on the task.”

Western Regional OTB and Batavia Downs employs more than 450 hardworking Western New Yorkers.

Devon A. Wright (inset photo), 18, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: two counts of criminal sexual act in the second degree -- actor 18 years old or more / victim under age 15 -- a Class D felony; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child less than 17 -- a Class A misdemeanor; and resisting arrest. Wright was arrested and arraigned on the charges at 6:43 p.m. April 29 in Batavia City Court. His arrest follows an investigation into sex abuse involving children under age 15, which allegedly occurred the evening of Nov. 26 (location not specified). The investigation is ongoing and there are believed to be additional juvenile victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward by reaching out to Detective Ivison of the City of Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6312.

Alex Scott Dumbleton, 26, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with: obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; second-degree harassment; and endangering the welfare of a child. The defendant was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident at 2:46 p.m. on March 26 on Pearl Street in Batavia. It is alleged that the defendant subjected a person under the age of 17 to unwanted physical contact. Subsequently, Dumbleton allegedly became physically resistive and uncooperative during the course of the investigation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and and released. He is due back in court on May 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Katrina Lynn Drake, 30, of Locust Street, Lockport, is charged with second-degree harassment and first degree criminal contempt -- violation of an order of protection -- physical contact. Drake was arrested on April 23 following the investigation of an incident that occurred at 8:06 p.m. on April 1 on Thorpe Street in the City of Batavia. Drake was released on an appearance ticket following arraignment in Batavia city Court and is due to return there June 15. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence. The investigation was completed by Officer Sean Wilson.

Bryant Lee Evans, 39, Frost Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and unregistered motor vehicle. Evans was arrested at 9:21 p.m. on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, following a complaint of a traffic offense. Evans was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on June 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Lazavia McDaniel Price, 20, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- first offense; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent of more -- first offense; open container of alcohol in a vehicle; speeding; window tint violation; no headlights. He was the driver and lone occupant of a vehicle stopped for alleged vehicle and traffic violations in the City of Batavia at 8:29 p.m. April 27 on West Main Street in Batavia. Price allegedly was speeding through the city, had illegal window tint, and did not have his headlights on when he was stopped and arrested on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on May 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Lucretia M. Hayes, 49, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hayes was arrested at 8:30 a.m. on April 24 at a business on Ellicott Street in the city. Hayes was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 2. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Miah Stevens.

Public Notice

Emergency Order #6-2020

I issue the following emergency order(s) for the period of May 2, 2020 through May 6, 2020. This order continues the following issued under Emergency Order #5, which was effective April 27, 2020.

1. All Public Parks within the City Limits of the City of Batavia, New York remain open to public use from 7 a.m. to dusk. During the times that public parks are open, State of New York declared restrictions on congregating will be observed. In addition, all playground areas, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, splash pads, and other park facilities that are used for activities that constitute congregating are closed to public use.

Martin D. Moore, Ph.D.

City Manager

City of Batavia

Written briefing:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 150 positive cases.
    • The positive case resides in Batavia.
    • The positive case is in their 70s.
    • The newly positive individual was not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Three of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Four of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 96 positive cases.
  • The positive case resides in Albion.
  • The positive case is in their 30s.
  • The individual had been on mandatory quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
  • Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
• Orleans County has lost two more residents to COVID-19. They were both residents at The Village of Orleans Health & Rehab facility. Both were over 65. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals during this very difficult time.
• Please take a moment of silence to remember all we have lost in our counties, our state, our nation and around the world. These people are our parents, our grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and coworkers. They have each been important to us and they have had an impact on all they have had contact with.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans County online map of confirmed cases

The facility breakdown is only showing those facilities from where we received a positive swab for COVID-19. Facilities will be added when and if there is a positive case of COVID-19. If a regulated facility from either of our counties is not listed, there are no positive cases of COVID-19 as of the release of this briefing. The local health departments do not have oversight with many regulated facilities, which may include nursing homes, correctional facilities, hospitals, etc.

• In order to show community spread of the active cases, we have broken out the facilities and all active cases (mandatory isolation, mandatory quarantine and precautionary quarantine and recovery) will only be community cases. We will continue to include all confirmed cases, total tests administered, total negative results, ages and deaths cumulatively for both community and facilities. We found that because we are not the agency that follows non-county regulatory facilities we couldn’t report recoveries. We expect this will give a clearer picture of what is happening in Genesee and Orleans counties.
  • We are having conversations with our local facilities as appropriate to provide guidance and personal protective equipment (PPE) as it is available, but we are limited in what we can do because they are state or federal facilities and not under local oversight. If you have questions or concerns about a specific facility we encourage you to talk directly with the facility and the appropriate oversight agency.
• The NYS Health Department will partner with the State’s Attorney General to investigate nursing home violations. A hotline or online form can be submitted where residents, families, or members of the public can share complaints about nursing homes that have not provided required communications with families about COVID-19 diagnoses or fatalities, nursing home abuse, and neglect including failure to follow rules to keep residents safe. The hotline number is (833) 249-8499 or click this link for the online form.
• Swabbing and antibody testing is becoming increasingly available in the WNY region.If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your primary care provider and they will determine if testing is right for you. If the counties receive an increase in swabbing supplies and the protocol for testing is changed, we will notify the public. The Health Departments are not providing public swabbing due to lack of supplies. For more information on testing click here.
• There is still no cure or vaccination available for COVID-19. Be alert to scams or home remedies. Contact your primary care provider if you have any symptoms and follow his/her instructions.
• Prepping for Re-opening Our Region: Although there currently isn’t any guidance on when WNY will be allowed to reopen, we are optimistic we will have guidance soon and encourage everyone to be prepared in our preparations with our goal to protect the health and safety of our residents. Conditions will be monitored to limit and lessen (mitigate) any rebounds or outbreaks by restarting a phase or returning to an earlier phase, depending on the severity to protect the most vulnerable. Reopening will be data driven to determine the viability of the process. If there is a sharp increase of positive swabs and antibody results we need to determine if it is related to increased testing, lack of following guidance or a combination of the two.
  • For all businesses: Develop a plan to limit the risk of infection of employees and the public. Monitor workforce for symptoms, do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider. If possible continue to encourage telework whenever possible.
    • The Health Departments encourage stores and businesses to set guidelines that include not allowing patrons to enter if they are not wearing a face covering or are not wearing it correctly (covering the mouth & nose). For those who cannot wear masks for legitimate breathing issues, ask someone else to run errands for your or call ahead to see if you can have curbside delivery. Make sure you have proper signage noting your policy and that it is visible to your patrons.
    • Close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
    • Ensure 6 foot buffer zones when dealing with the public and between work stations. Prioritize online payments over cashiers when possible.
    • Provide handwashing / hand sanitizing stations for employees and the public.
    • Consider making properly worn face coverings (covering the mouth and nose) mandatory for staff and customers. For those unable to wear masks due to legitimate breathing issues, reassign them so they don’t interact with the public or have close contact with fellow workers.
    • Review your sick leave policy and enforce it so no on exhibiting symptoms is allowed to report for duty. If someone becomes ill at work, have disinfecting protocol in place to clean the area(s) the employee has been in.
  • For everyone: Wearing Masks and Social Distancing is paramount to preventing flare-ups and mini-outbreaks. Everyone needs to be compliant. Correctly wearing cloth masks (covering the mouth and nose) is part of a multipronged approach to stop/slow the spread of COVID-19. We know wearing a face covering is inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it can limit transmission of respiratory germs. The mask traps the droplets before they spread into the environment. Remember wearing a face covering helps to protect others from your potential germs. Since many have been asymptomatic, this will help limit the spread…"My mask protects you, and your mask protects me!" Wearing face coverings is a way of strengthening social distancing.
  • Minimize nonessential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
  • Continue the following:
    • Continue frequent handwashing / hand sanitizing if soap and water are not available.
    • Continue frequent sanitizing / cleaning of shared surfaces.
    • Continue Social Distancing – staying 6 feet away from others (non-household members)
    • Continue Wearing face coverings
    • Stay HOME if you are sick!!!

Mental Health

• Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult. Below are resources that can help you connect to a professional that can help you through these challenging times:
  • Care + Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text "Talk" to 741741;
  • New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
• Domestic Violence: For New Yorkers in need of help or assistance, they can text 844-997-2121 or can go to the new confidential online site to reach a professional. The new text program and confidential online service will make it easier for victims who are isolated with their abusers to get help. Both the text and online service are staffed 24/7 by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Staff who are experts in the area of domestic violence.

Press release:

WESTERN NY — The U.S. Postal Service Western New York District, which includes service to all addresses beginning with ZIP Codes 140 through 149, is providing this information to help customers connect with their mail if they are temporarily displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we are providing details on Hold Mail.

Our Hold Mail service is designed for customers who plan on being away from their home or business for up to 30 days. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Postal Service suspended the 30-day time frame and extended all Hold Mail requests until May 30, 2020.

Business and residential customers can rest assured knowing their mail and packages will be held safely at their local Post Office until that date. On or before May 30, 2020, customers can either pick up accumulated mail at their Post Office with proper identification or request redelivery.

In these unprecedented times, the Postal Service understands that some customers may need their mail held beyond May 30, 2020. Therefore, the Postal Service will institute a two-week grace period, beginning June 1, 2020, during which customers can contact their local Post Office to make arrangements to have their mail held longer.

We also understand that different parts of the country will be reopening at different times based on local conditions. If customers live in one of the areas reopening, we encourage them to contact their local Post Office as a part of their return to business and make arrangements to collect their mail on hold or make arrangements to restart regular delivery of mail including mail still being held.

On June 15, 2020, the Postal Service will revert back to its normal policy that allows for customers to have their mail held for 30 days. Customers with questions regarding Hold Mail requests can contact the Postal Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777).

For the latest information on Postal Service service updates, please check about.usps.com/news/service-alerts/.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.