Press release:

The New York State Elections Commissioners’ Association is calling for immediate action by the Governor and New York State Legislature to protect our electoral process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Election Boards throughout the state are risking personnel safety and health to prepare for impending elections on April 28, 2020. We are facing critical shortages of inspectors and polling places due to the ongoing public health crisis.

Over the next week, BOEs will find it almost impossible to meet mission critical deadlines for testing machines and preparing ballots because of staff shortages due to the ongoing stay-at-home order.

We ask Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and NYS Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to consider the following items by either Executive Order or Legislative action:

1.) Postponing the Democratic Presidential Primary scheduled for April 28^th to June 23^rd. Fielding inspectors in the midst of this health crisis is dangerous and may be impossible. Traditional polling places may be unusable as they are currently restricted or closed to the public. Postponing until June will not only give us time to plan, but will ease the burdens on host counties budgets that are devastated by the COVID-19 crisis.

2.) Amend 8-400 of NYS Election Law to allow for Absentee Balloting during all times of declared state of emergency due to infectious disease or pandemic. This will allow all voters who are at-risk but perhaps not yet sick to apply for and receive an absentee ballot. At risk or vulnerable citizens should not have to make decisions on whether to exercise their right to vote or risk their health.

3.) For all Primary & Special Elections: Give wide latitude to the local Board of Elections to consolidate polling places and election districts to best operate the election. While we hope the COVID 19 crisis will be better by June, it is quite likely we will have limited numbers of polling places and inspectors even then. We need this flexibility to adjust to circumstances on the ground in our jurisdictions that may be changing right up until the June 23^rd Election.

Acting on these items will buy us precious time and save our host counties significant amount of resources while also preserving the rights of voters and safety and health of Election Workers. Every day that we do not act makes us less prepared and wastes valuable time and money.

Author Rob Thompson has made his book "Swinging in the Rain," about death penalty cases in Genesee County available to readers of The Batavian as a free PDF download. The video is from November when we interviewed Rob about the book.

BHS photo: Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Molly Corey, Ed.D., Principal Paul Kesler (center), Assistant Principal Nate Korzelius.

Submitted photos and press release:

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Batavia High staff and administrators were determined that the traditional 100 Days to Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 would be honored, despite the school closure. The only way to do this -- while still following the safe guidelines that have been established to prevent the spread of COVID-19 -- was online.

After getting the word out through emails and social media, BHS Principal Paul Kesler, Assistant Principal Nate Korzelius and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Molly Corey, Ed.D., “met” the seniors in the video-conferencing app Google Meet on Friday morning, March 20.

There, all students had the capability to see the administrators as well as their friends onscreen, post comments, and watch as Kesler announced the local business donors and their gift cards; Corey drew names of lucky seniors; and Korzelius kept track of the prizewinners on a board in the BHS conference room.

Each prizewinner, as announced, was also invited to temporarily unmute their log-in so they could bask in “their moment” while classmates and other staff who had logged in could offer congratulations (as well as offers to help them spend the card).

Seniors had also been invited to compete to create the best meme and emailing it to Kesler. After an intense off-screen discussion between Kesler and Korzelius, Brock Every was chosen as the winner for his “wanted” poster. 

There were more than 50 gift cards in the giveaway, and all prizewinners were able to drive through the BHS loop that day to pick up theirs, or have them mailed to them.

More than 100 people, including some teachers, signed in for the online celebration. Kesler assured the students that this 100 Day event was not intended to replace a “live” celebration, and that, once school resumes, an additional ceremony, breakfast, and prize giveaway will be planned.

Press release:

Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reminded New Yorkers to thank the healthcare workers and other professionals who are doing 'God's work' during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Cuomo: "Our health care workers, who are doing God's work. They are doing God's work. Can you imagine the nurses who leave their homes in the morning, who kiss their children goodbye, go to a hospital, put on gowns, deal with people who have the coronavirus? They're thinking all day long, 'oh, my God, I hope I don't get this. Oh my God, I hope I don't get this and bring it home to my children.' You want to talk about extraordinary individuals -- extraordinary.

"Most of us are in our home hunkered down, worried. They're worried and they're going out there every day despite their fear -- despite their fear. Overcoming their fear, and not for their family, they're doing it for your family. When you see them on the street, when you see them in a hospital, please, just say thank you and smile and say, 'I know what you're doing.' "

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

"We've acquired everything on the market there is to acquire. We've had a full team purchasing from companies all across this globe, buying everything that can be purchased. And we're bringing that here to distribute to New York City, Long Island, Westchester because that is the greatest need. This number of supplies will take care of our immediate need. It does not take care of the need going forward three, four, five, six weeks. The burn rate on this equipment is very, very high. I can't find any more equipment. It's not a question of money. I don't care what you're willing to pay. You just can't find the equipment now, but this will take care of the immediate need.

"I don't want our health care workers, who are doing God's work. They are doing God's work. Can you imagine the nurses who leave their homes in the morning, who kiss their children goodbye, go to a hospital, put on gowns, deal with people who have the coronavirus? They're thinking all day long, 'oh, my God, I hope I don't get this. Oh my God, I hope I don't get this and bring it home to my children.' You want to talk about extraordinary individuals -- extraordinary. And it's the nurses and the doctors and the health care workers, it's the police officers who show up every day and go out there and walk into a situation that they don't even know what they're walking into. And it's the firefighters and it's the transportation workers, and it's the people who are running the grocery stores and the pharmacies and providing all those essential services. Most of us are in our home hunkered down, worried. They're worried and they're going out there every day despite their fear -- despite their fear. Overcoming their fear, and not for their family, they're doing it for your family. When you see them on the street, when you see them in a hospital, please, just say thank you and smile and say, 'I know what you're doing.' "

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center continues to take steps to further prepare to meet the needs of our community during this COVID-19 pandemic. This week, a series of tents will be installed outside the Emergency Department. With this, there will be changes in traffic patterns at the main campus at 127 North St.

If you are driving in the area, please plan for potential delays and drive with caution.

Access to the hospital and offices via Summit Street will be restricted to ambulances only. All other hospital traffic will be directed to the main entrance or Chandler Avenue.

Our main entrance -- 127 North St. -- continues to provide access for patients and permitted visitors to the following departments:

Press release:

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today (March 24) regarding National Agriculture Day and President Donald J. Trump’s Proclamation recognizing the importance of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers:

“Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world," Secretary Perdue said. "Now more than ever it’s important that the American people not forget that. Our farmers are resilient, and during these uncertain times they are still working, day in and day out, to produce what’s needed for our growing population.

"Today, on National Ag Day, I challenge the American public to keep our farmers, ranchers and producers on their minds – for all their work to provide us a safe, healthy and abundant food supply. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

View U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's brief speech about today:

Press release:

National Grid has taken another step to reduce the coronavirus’ financial strain and economic uncertainty on Upstate New York customers by deferring a bill increase that was scheduled to take effect April 1.

The company has asked New York regulators for permission to postpone the previously approved gas and electricity delivery price increases in recognition of the unprecedented hardships the COVID-19 outbreak continues to bring to families across the region.

“We have made the commitment to help our customers through these challenging times and this is another step on that journey,” said Badar Khan, National Grid’s Interim U.S. president. “We will continue to closely monitor our customers’ needs during the pandemic and find new ways to assist where we can.”

In today’s filing, National Grid requested a three-month delay in implementing the increases that were approved as part of a multiparty agreement to reset electricity and gas delivery prices.

The agreement calls for an approximately 4-percent increase in electricity bills and a 5-percent increase in natural gas bills to support investments in infrastructure safety and integrity, and enhancements to energy efficiency and other customer-focused initiatives.

The Company has asked for those increases, as well as a required April 1 update to the low-income customer credit that would reduce the currently available discount to qualifying customers, to be delayed until July 1.

National Grid also has asked that the Public Service Commission defer until the summer any rate increases in the pending gas rate cases for Downstate New York.

Our Continuing Customer Commitment

             National Grid has committed to a number of actions to keep customer and employee well-being and safety the priority during the international pandemic. They include:

• Suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections and late payment charges, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on customers.
• Dedicating $500,000 to community-based organizations across its U.S. business to help support many of the basic customer and community needs being interrupted.
• Encouraging customers who are struggling to pay their National Grid bill to take advantage of a variety of payment and billing options designed to make transactions easy and convenient. 
• Offering the expertise of our Consumer Advocates, who provide crisis intervention support for customers in need, working closely with county Social Services and community assistance organizations.

Additional details on National Grid’s pandemic preparedness, associated actions and a customer Q&A can be found at ngrid.com/covid-19.

Press release:

State Senator and Republican nominee for Congress Chris Jacobs is urging the suspension of State Sales Tax collection for small businesses for three months to provide financial relief to small businesses hurt as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy and community in Western New York, and throughout the state and therefore I am asking the Governor to suspend sales tax collection so that businesses can use this capital to cover costs and employee paychecks as we weather this crisis,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs is asking New Yorkers to sign his petition calling on the sales tax suspension. Supporters can sign the petition to Governor Cuomo online at https://action.jacobs4congress.com/cuomo-small-business/

“While businesses are closed down, or observing only delivery or takeout options, they are still accumulating costs for the operation of their business,” Jacobs said. “By removing the sales tax burden we can help our small businesses through this economic hardship and ensure they survive to help us rebuild our economy.

“As a small businessman, I understand all too well the tough road lies ahead for our business owners and employees and in Congress, the economic viability of Western New York’s small businesses and their employees will be my first priority."

Press release:

Regional Transit Service (RTS) today announced that it will only operate Dial-A-Ride public transit service in Genesee and Wyoming counties starting Thursday, March 26. This shift is to help protect RTS employees and customers and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

RTS Genesee:

• Customers in Genesee County can schedule a ride 24 hours in advance by calling RTS Genesee at (585) 343-3079.
• Dial-A-Ride service will be available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• The Tops Tuesday shuttle will continue normal operation.
• Genesee Community College (GCC) students still on campus will have access to Route 215.
• The GCC Route 213 is canceled until further notice. This route provided express service to GCC from Batavia.

RTS Wyoming:

• Customers in Wyoming County can schedule a ride 24 hours in advance by calling RTS Wyoming at (585) 786-6050.
• Dial-A-Ride service will be available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• The Route 223 commuter service will continue to operate at 5:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. as usual.

RTS encourages customers to follow the guidance of Governor Andrew Cuomo: “Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders.”

Please join us in embracing the Governor’s guidance and use RTS only for essential travel. This includes trips to work if they are employed by an “essential” business, as well as trips to the grocery store, pharmacy or doctor. Please stay home if you are sick.

A large, potentially unattended controlled burn is reported off Route 33, about a half mile east of the Thruway overpass, in Stafford.

Stafford fire dispatched.

From Ed Rath, candidate for the 61st State Senate District:

The COVID-19 outbreak has been a challenging time for all of us, as our daily lives have changed drastically. While the future remains uncertain, it is important that we come together as a community and do everything we can to get through this unprecedented situation.

Ensuring we have the appropriate funding and resources is of the utmost importance. On Thursday Mar 19^th, I voted in favor of allocating $5 million in surplus funds to aid Erie County’s ongoing fight against coronavirus. This is part of an all-hands-on-deck effort with our partners in government. The funding will be used for anything necessary toward stopping the spread of the disease, including: testing, supplies, data management, staffing, and public health coordination. I’m proud to offer this financial support as we navigate through this crisis together. Thank you to all the County administration, health department, and all healthcare officials for their work on the front lines of this epidemic.

This outbreak has also been an incredibly challenging time for all businesses in Upstate and throughout New York. Many have been forced to suspend operations leading to layoffs and lost revenue. Over the past few days, I have been proud to help numerous companies file with NYS as essential services operations. I would encourage you to visit Empire State Development’s website to learn more about this State designation, https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026. 

I’d like to sincerely thank local restaurant establishments that continue to offer takeout or curbside pickup. I encourage everyone to please consider ordering a meal to go or purchasing a gift card online. Right now, any little bit of support can go a long way.

In these uncertain times, please remember to look out for your health and safety along with the health and safety of your loved ones. In the meantime, it is reassuring to know that we have an incredible community full of individuals willing to help others.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is encouraging area residents to take the night off from cooking on Tuesday, March 24th and order takeout!

A national coalition of restaurants has organized “The Great American Takeout” on Tuesday, March 24, asking Americans to order at least one delivery or pickup meal on Tuesday to show support for the restaurant industry.

Many of our favorite restaurants are still working hard to keep us fed and the only way to support these struggling businesses is to order takeout or delivery.  

Staying home doesn't mean you have to miss out on "Taco Tuesday" or your favorite weekly specials; order takeout, delivery or curbside pickup and be part of something bigger: #TheGreatAmericanTakeout

There are great breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options on this list, so be sure to show your support all day!

********************

Editor's Note: Click here for The Batavian's list of local restaurants that offer takeout and/or delivery.

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:

While the current situation hasn’t been easy on anyone, if you find yourself or someone you know looking for a job, Tops Friendly Markets is hiring for temporary and permanent positions and they welcome your application.

Stop by any one of Tops' 162 stores, their warehouse in Lancaster, NY, or visit here online to learn more.

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.

Batavia Town Supervisor Gregory Post is urging everyone to abide by “social distancing” mandates as he takes the necessary steps to continue providing services to residents while protecting the health of town employees.

“In order for us to get through this (COVID-19 pandemic), we continue to insist that people separate and practice social distancing,” Post said today while drafting a policy that, he says, “will maintain the status quo for the duration” of this situation.

(See press release below.)

Post said that Town offices will be closed to the public and that town employees will work from home to the extent that is practical. He said that Town Clerk Teressa Morasco will be available by telephone or email.

“Essentially, our town is well prepared for this event as we have had remote work stations and flex time for several years,” Post said. “It is not a leap to have staff work from home.”

He said he has reduced “in-house” staff to a minimum – no more than four employees in the building at any one time – and those on duty at Town Hall will work apart from each other as mandated by federal and state officials.

Post also said that the Town Court is closed with justices “on standby in the event of a significant case.” He also noted that engineering, highway and water/sewer employees are on duty and traveling in separate vehicles.

“We can take a sense of comfort in knowing that our day-to-day operations continue without any reduction, except for face-to-face meetings,” Post said, noting that internet and telephone options are being offered.

Darien Town Supervisor Steve Ferry Jr. said essential services such as picking up of debris and tree cutting by the highway department continue and that the Town Board is in the process of setting up governmental meetings on the internet.

“We don’t want the public to be shut out,” he said.

Ferry said he likely was speaking for all other Genesee County towns and villages when he said his primary concern was supporting the businesses in Darien while also making sure to protect the public’s health.

“Our biggest struggle is hoping that our town’s businesses will come out of this and continue to operate,” he said. “Plus, we hope that someone is keeping an eye on the welfare and unemployment situations.”

He said he believes that the decisions coming out of Albany, namely Gov. Cuomo’s daily briefings, are good ones and that most people are adhering to the mandates.

While all towns and villages have adopted the social distancing norms and have suspended face-to-face interactions, the Town of Oakfield also has enlisted a group of volunteers who will pick up and deliver food and household items to elderly and disabled town and village residents.

Volunteers are instructed to deliver the goods to the door and collect payment with minimal contact.

Those wishing to utilize this service are asked to call the Oakfield Town office at 948-5835, ext. 101, and leave a message if no one answers. A volunteer will return the call.

Town and village residents are urged to go to their municipality's website for updated information.

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