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

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

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

Guests included:

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

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

Public Notice

Le Roy Transfer Station:

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

Bunnell Park, Summit Street Road:

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

James Farnholz, Town of Le Roy, Supervisor

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All cookie proceeds stay in Western New York.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesee County COVID-19 briefing March 20, 2020

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

Written briefing:

New Cases

• We have learned a Genesee County resident of the central area of the county has died due to complications associated with COVID-19. The individual was over 65, hospitalized and had underlying health conditions. We are respecting the privacy of the individual and their family members and will not be releasing any further information.
• As of 2 p.m. today:
  • Genesee County received three new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 12 positive cases
  • One under the age of 65 residing in eastern Genesee County
  • One under the age of 65 residing in eastern Genesee County
  • One above the age of 65 residing in central Genesee County
  • For Orleans: One new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of five positive cases
  • Individual is over the age of 65 and is a resident of the eastern part of the county.
  • None of the new positive cases were under precautionary or mandatory quarantine when they became symptomatic and are not believed to be connected.
• Contact tracing has been initiated for all the new cases. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms becomes present). If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the County Health Department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed if indicated. Limited information is provided to the public in compliance with HIPAA regulations and out of the respect of those impacted by this virus. When, and if, there is a situation where potential contact is made in a public location where contact tracing doesn’t have actual names we will send out a media announcement to help seek contacts.

Cumulative Data

• To Date: Genesee County has received 122 negative test results and Orleans County has received 87 negative test results for COVID-19. These negative tests give us a good indicator of what’s going on in our community. As discussed before, Flu continues to be prevalent with seven in Orleans and nine in Genesee for the week ending March 21. This data continues to show a high number of respiratory illness in our counties is not COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Five people are under precautionary quarantine; nine people are under mandatory quarantine; and five people are under mandatory isolation, two of whom are hospitalized and three are recovering at home (one out of county).
• Genesee County: 13 people are under precautionary quarantine, 37 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 11 people are recovering under mandatory isolation at home.
• Healthcare providers are advising patients undergoing swabbing that are symptomatic (based on availability and screening for high-risk) for COVID-19 to self-isolate until test results are received and COVID-19 is ruled out. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
• Currently, NYS clearance protocol for discontinuation of mandatory isolation for persons with confirmed COVID-19 is the following: it has been at least seven days since the initial positive test for COVID-19, at least three days without fever and no use of fever-reducing medication, and improvement in the signs and symptoms of the illness. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine / isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time. We will be announcing further information on this as local capacity increases.

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• Please remain home if ill, even if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to continue to limit physical contact. Flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
• Medical Concerns: If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. Swabbing will be based on those who are in higher risk categories – elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues.
  • Swab sample results are coming back slower than expected. With more testing, we expect this will continue. Whenever anyone is swabbed for potential COVID-19, self-isolation is advised until the test result is received.
• Respect / Social Responsibility / Fear mongering / Consequences – Health Departments are mandated to adhere to HIPAA regulations therefore we are not releasing potential identifying information of anyone who is under our care.
  • If during contact tracing there is an issue of missing potential contacts we will provide locations. Not everyone who coughs or sneezes has a respiratory virus. People need to be respectful of the process and the guidance surrounding social distancing. COVID-19 is now community transmissible therefore people need to take social distancing seriously.
  • There are consequences for not adhering to the directives.Noncompliance may prolong the spread of COVID-19 as well as increasing the spread which can overwhelm our healthcare systems and put our vulnerable populations at increased risk.
  • Sticking to the basics: limiting exposure to the public, frequent handwashing, staying home if ill with any respiratory illness, keeping a 6-feet distance from other people and sharing creative ideas to keep in touch with family and friends are what we need.
• Take media breaks:Talking about who has or hasn’t been tested, is sick or sharing rumors about anything COVID-19 is increasing anxiety in many people. Be respectful and stay home as much as possible. It is safe to go outside or for a ride, but be mindful to keep at least 6 feet distance between other people. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, fear about this outbreak call the Care + Crisis Helpline at 585-283-5200, text 741741 or call the NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 884-863-9314, they have trained listeners available 24/7 to help you through this.
• Community Spread: Locations of positive cases are not indicative (telling) of where potential exposures can occur. It is not necessary to know locations as the virus is considered to be everywhere. That is why we encourage everyone to follow social distancing guidelines, frequent handwashing, practice proper cough/sneeze hygiene (not in your hands, but in a disposable tissue or your elbow) and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Snowbirds are returning to our counties: Snowbird Guidance is being developed and will be posted on our websites (under Coronavirus General Public), social media and through the Genesee and Orleans County Offices for the Aging. We encourage all who are returning home from travel to self-isolate and monitor your health.
  • If you become symptomatic, call your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Some may be concerned about exposure when going for supplies and prescription refills – many stores and pharmacies are providing special hours for seniors and people with underlying healthcare issues. There are also several stores / restaurants that provide curbside pick-up and delivery services call ahead and ask.
  • Check in with family and friends and your social networks via phone or electronic means often to limit loneliness.

FRAUD ALERT – Watch out for Scams!

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

NEW YORK STATE CASES / RESTRICTIONS / GUIDANCE

• Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today at his 11:30 a.m. press conference there are a total 66,497 confirmed positive cases in NYS.
• 9,517 (14 percent) COVID-19 patients are hospitalized.
• The Governor has extended NY PAUSE program (nonessential workers down to 0 percent) until April 15; this will be evaluated every two weeks
• Statewide school closures are extended by two weeks, until April 15 and will be reassessed then. Contact your school with any school related questions.
• All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
• The President and CDC have ordered a travel advisory (NY, NJ & CT) – this is not a lock down, these federal actions support state actions to date. It is OK to be outside in your yard, ride bikes, visit a state park for walks, to take rides in your vehicle, however congregating and taking the family shopping does not comply with social distancing (keeping 6 feet from others, limiting time out in public).

Gov. Cuomo's daily briefing for March 30, 2020.

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.

A caller to dispatch reports a bunch of trucks with trailers carrying boats are loading them into the Tonawanda Creek by the East Pembroke Fire Hall and in the process the truckers have been driving recklessly and disturbing wildlife. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

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.