Stories from

Taken this afternoon in Le Roy.

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have received six more COVID-19 cases. Orleans has five new cases and Genesee has one. 

Contact tracing has been initiated and all who have had direct contact with the individuals will be notified by Health Department staff. Two of the Orleans County individuals are residents of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center and three are community members. Genesee County’s individual who tested positive is a community member.

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

As you celebrate Mother’s Day, please honor your Moms and Grandmothers by celebrating virtually or by phone so as not to potentially spread germs. 

We continue to encourage all 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.

It snowed in Genesee County today, so of course, Santa paid us a visit.

Photo submitted by Jean Grinnell.

A resident on Main Street in Stafford has placed anti-lockdown protest signs in their yard.

Press release:

• State is partnering with Northwell Health to establish 24 temporary testing sites at churches in predominately minority communities;
• Results of state's diagnostic and antibody surveys and comprehensive survey of newly admitted patients hospitalized for COVID-19 found communities of color are most impacted by COVID-19;
• Preliminary results of antibody testing survey of more than 1,300 transit workers in the NYC Region show 14.2 percent have COVID-19 antibodies;
• Confirms 2,715 additional coronavirus cases in New York State -- bringing statewide total to 333,122; new cases in 48 counties.

Governor Cuomo: "Today we're launching a new initiative, again to address exactly this which is to expand access to testing in low-income communities and communities of color. We're partnering with Northwell Health which is the largest health system in New York and they're going to set up 24 additional testing sites at churches in predominantly minority communities."

Cuomo: "This is a different kind of partnership, it's creative, but it's necessary. We're working with both churches individually and association of churches and Northwell. Northwell will provide the testing in churches in lower-income communities and communities of color. The churches will help us outreach to the community to get people to come in and explain why it's important that people come in and get tested when you put the church-based sites together with the drive-thru sites, together with the walk-in testing sites, and our sites at public housing, the coverage will be extensive."

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo today announced the launch of a new initiative to expand access to testing in low-income communities and communities of color. The state is partnering with Northwell Health to establish an initial 24 temporary testing sites at churches in predominately minority communities in Downstate New York to build on the state's network of Downstate testing sites.

The results of the state's diagnostic testing and antibody testing surveys show that low-income and minority communities are suffering the most from COVID-19. The largest statewide antibody testing survey of 15,000 New Yorkers found a greater infection rate in communities of color.

Additionally, the state's comprehensive survey of all newly admitted patients hospitalized for COVID-19 found communities of color are most impacted and of the 21 zip codes with the newest COVID-19 hospitalizations, 20 have greater than average black and/or Latino populations. A deeper look into two of the most impacted communities in the survey, in Brooklyn and the Bronx, found communities of color are also lower-income and have a greater percentage of COVID-19 hospitalizations and infections than New York City overall.

Today's testing expansion initiative builds on previous state actions to address inequalities and deliver for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, the state has partnered with Ready Responders to bring healthcare services, including COVID-19 diagnostic testing, to residents of public housing in New York City and delivered one million cloth masks and 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to public housing.

The Governor also announced the preliminary results of the state's antibody testing survey of more than 1,300 transit workers in the New York City region show 14.2 percent have COVID-19 antibodies, compared to 19.9 percent of the general population in New York City.

Public Health COVID-19 briefing for May 8, 2020

SITUATIONAL UPDATE: STAY HOME; WASH HANDS; SOCIAL DISTANCING; WEAR A FACE COVERING!

Nurses’ Week – we would like to take a moment to thank our nursing teams in both counties as well as all the nurses who are working so hard to help those under their care. They daily provide care, instruction, encouragement, compassion, and strength to the patients and their families they are in contact with. We greatly appreciate all you do every day no matter if it is a routine day or in the midst of a pandemic, thank you!

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 162 positive cases.
    • The positive case resides in Batavia.
    • The positive case is in their 80s.
    • The newly positive individual was not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • One of the previous positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 124 positive cases.
    • Two of the previous positive community cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Seven of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
    • “We are reporting that an individual (under 65 years of age) who lived in The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center passed away. Due to privacy issues, we are not releasing further details about this individual. I would like to express my sincerest sympathy for these individuals’ family and friends.”

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans Counties' online map of confirmed cases.

The facility breakdown is only showing those facilities from where we received a postive 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.

• COVID-19 Serology Testing (SARS-CoV-2): Serology tests look for antibodies (proteins that fight off infections) in the blood to better understand how many COVID-19 infections have occurred. Provides a more complete estimate of how common COVID-19 is (or the incidence of infection) and is a guide to control measures, such as social distancing.
  • Forty-four residents of Orleans County had the serology test for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and four returned positive. A total of 336 residents of Genesee County had the serology test for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and 12 returned positive.
  • Serology tests are not used for diagnosis. These tests are more for research to help in the development of vaccines and in understanding the scale of the pandemic.
  • The tests look for the antibodies in the blood. If antibodies are found it means there has been a previous infection. It takes 1-2 weeks after the first symptoms appear for antibodies to develop in the body. Antibodies can take 2-3 days after infection to develop, so people should not get the antibody test too early or it may give false negative results. This is an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to COVID-19, indicating recent or prior infection. There are also several different strains of coronavirus and the antibody may pick up a different coronavirus type other than the current pandemic novel strain, causing positive for coronavirus antibodies. Not everyone will develop an antibody response.
  • It is currently unknown if someone who has been infected with COVID-19 will be immune to the virus if exposed in the future.
  • Resources:

1. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-testing-sars-cov-2#serology;
2. https://www.idsociety.org/globalassets/idsa/public-health/covid-19/idsa-covid-19-antibody-testing-primer.pdf;
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/serology-surveillance/index.html.

• Mothers’ Day: As with any special holiday, it is important during COVID-19 we continue social distancing. This is not the time to be having barbecues, large family gatherings. Honor your Moms creatively by facetiming, sending them some special treats, calling on the phone, but if you don’t live in the same household honor them from a distance. Keep your Moms healthy and safe and stay 6 feet away. We don’t want to see a rise in positive cases because people didn’t heed social distancing.
• In order to un-PAUSE safely, we need to continue to be intentional about social distancing, properly wearing face coverings, handwashing/sanitizing and limiting time in public. As seen over the last week there have been daily increases in community spread cases of COVID-19. If we see a significant increase in community acquired positive cases it may hinder our ability to move forward and reopen our counties. It is up to each of us individually to adhere to the guidelines in place, this is about respecting others and their safety understanding as we protect others we are protecting ourselves.
  • Phased Plan to Reopen New York:  https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/new-york-forward
    • Do No Harm and Strengthen Healthcare System – Based on CDC recommendations, regions must experience a 14-day decline in hospitalizations and deaths on a three-day rolling average. Regions with few COVID cases cannot exceed 15 new total cases or five new deaths on a three-day rolling average. A region must have fewer than two new COVID patients admitted per 100,000 residents per day.
    • Testing and Contact Tracing – Regions must implement a testing regimen that prioritizes symptomatic persons and individuals who came into contact with a symptomatic person, and conducts frequent tests of frontline and essential workers. Every region must have the capacity to conduct 30 diagnostic tests for every 1,000 residents per month.
    • Priority Industries for Reopening:
      • Phase One:  Construction; Manufacturing & wholesale supply chain; Select retail using curbside pickup only
      • Phase Two:  Professional services; Finance & Insurance; Retail; Administrative support; Real Estate & Rental Leasing
      • Phase Three:  Restaurants & Food Service; Hotels & Accommodations
      • Phase Four:  Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Education
• ROC COVID-19 Health Screener:  This symptom tracker for the Greater Rochester region is a scientific study collected aggregate date by zip code to track hot spots of COVID-19. The data will potentially show how the virus may be spreading, identify areas that may be at risk and determine how our efforts are working to slow the spread. You can participate by taking the daily survey whether you are having symptoms or are feeling healthy. It just takes a few seconds. To learn more go to:  https://www.roccovid.org/index.html
• New York State is seeking contact tracers. If you are interested in this position, click https://orleanscountyny.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/050620-Reopening-Guidance-and-Fact-Sheet-GO-Health-1.pdf here to apply to be a part of the NYS Contact Tracing team. This is a moment of crisis and New York needs our help as soon as possible.
• The Nursing Home hotline number is 833-249-8499 or click the link for the online form:  https://ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes
• Prepping for Reopening Our Region:  The Health Departments have developed a guide to use in developing business or organizations re-opening plans. Please click here for a reopening guidance and fact sheet in response to COVID-19 developed by the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. For further information on the NYS Plans, click here.
• 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.

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 at www.opdv.ny.gov 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.

Interview with David Bellavia, Medal of Honor Recipient, and a one-time candidate for NY-27. We're going to talk about the NY-27 race and the situation with the novel coronavirus. We're scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors voted to accept applications for two projects that will generate $9 million in capital investments.

Bright Oak Solar LLC is seeking incentives to construct a 4 megawatt community solar at a capital investment of $6 million project. The project would be located on Galloway Road in the Town of Batavia.

J & R Fancher Property Holdings LLC is investing $3 million to build a 32,254-square-foot, three-story facility to be constructed on two acres in the Buffalo East Technology Park* in the Town of Pembroke.

The project will add 17 market-rate, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors, and an interior space comprised of four spaces for commercial tenants, as well as indoor parking and a fitness center.

“These projects continue the momentum in investments in residential housing and the renewable energy sectors,” said GCEDC Board Chair Paul Battaglia. “In just the first few months of 2020, we have projects that will create close to 100 new residential housing units and investments of approximately $28 million in renewable energy sector that will create 26 megawatts of solar energy.”

J & R Fancher Property Holdings LLC is requesting approximately $615,924 of property, sales and mortgage tax incentives. The project is estimated to produce $5.5 of economic impact for every $1 of proposed incentives.

Bright Oak Solar LLC is seeking approximately $978,656 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

The company will make PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) payments over the next 15 years, which are estimated to generate $122,610 in revenues to Genesee County and $257,845 in revenues to the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District. The total increase in PILOT payments and real property taxes for the project is estimated at $394,139 over 15 years.

Since both projects are seeking incentives over $100,000, public hearings will be conducted.

*Buffalo East Technology Park is located at the intersection of routes 5 and 77 and within a mile of Interstate 90 (Exit 48-A). Developed by the Genesee County Economic Development Center, the campus consists of 67 shovel-ready acres zoned for advanced manufacturing. It's home to artisan cheesemaker Yancey's Fancy, which constructed a 112,000-square-foot facility in 2014-2015, and is well suited for high-tech and green-tech projects, light manufacturing and distribution centers. -- Source: ZoomProspector.com

Tribute to Batavia High School's 2020 baseball team by Nickie Fazio.

Photo by Frank Capuano.

Photo by Patricia Morgan.

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received four new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 161 positive cases.
    • Two of the positive cases reside in Batavia, one resides in Bethany, and one resides in Alabama.
    • Two individuals are in their 30s, one individual is in their 40s, and one individual is in their 50s.
    • Three of the newly positive individuals were on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Two of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received 15 new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 124 positive cases.
    • One of the new positive cases resides in Yates, one resides in Shelby, one resides in Albion, one resides in Gaines and one of the new positive cases resides in Kendall.
    • Ten positive cases reside at The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center.
    • The newly positive cases has two individuals in their 30s, one individual in their 50s, four individuals in their 60s, three individuals in their 70s, five individuals in their 80s, and one individual in their 90s.
    • One of the community newly positive individuals was on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Eight of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
    • “We are reporting that an individual (over 65 years of age and who had underlying health conditions) who lived in the community, who had tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away,” said Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments. “We have also had an individual who lived in The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center pass away. Due to privacy issues, we are not releasing further details about either of these individuals. I would like to express my sincerest sympathy for these individuals’ family and friends.”

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

Briefing

Daily Briefing:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received three new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 157 positive cases.
    • Two of the positive cases reside in Pembroke and one resides in Batavia.
    • One individual is in their 20s and two of the individuals are in their 30s.
    • Two of the newly positive individuals were on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Zero of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
    • We have removed a "positive / recovered" individual that was determined to be a false-positive result. Therefore, the total positive case number will be one less and has been adjusted in our data. No further information will be shared.
  • Orleans County received four new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 109 positive cases.
    • Two of the new positive cases reside in Ridgeway and one of the new positive cases resides in Shelby.
    • One positive case resides at The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center.
    • The newly positive cases has one individual in their 40s, two individuals in their 50s and one individual in their 80s and older.
    • None of the community newly positive individuals were on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • Eight of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
    • We have also received word of another death of an individual who lived at The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual at this very sad time.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider a proposal from Bright Oak Solar LLC for a 4-megawatt community solar project at the GCEDC’s May 7 board meeting.

The proposed $6 million project would be located on Galloway Road in the Town of Batavia.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be conducted via conference and online at www.gcedc.com. The meeting starts at 4 p.m.

Bright Oak Solar LLC is the sixth community solar project proposed to the GCEDC board in 2020. If the project is approved, the projects combined would generate approximately $28 million of capital investments in the County ultimately generating up to 26 megawatts of solar energy.

The proposed incentives would set PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) payments over the next 15 years, which are estimated to generate $122,610 in revenues to Genesee County and $257,845 in revenues to the Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools.

The total increase in PILOT payments and real property taxes for the project is estimated at $394,139 over 15 years.

If the project’s application is accepted, a public hearing would be held in advance of a final resolution for project incentives.

Lydia Geiger is the second winner of a 2020 John Mikulski Scholarship announced by the Genesee Wyoming Music Educators Association. 

Geiger is a senior at Batavia High School. Her primary interest is flute.

Press release:

When asked what her greatest HS memory was Lydia responded: 
College visits and auditions, masterclasses, lessons, and playing in orchestras.

Lydia's goal is to become a music educator and performer.

When asked what her favorite performance venue she had performed at she responded: 
The Musical Arts Center at The Jacobs School of Music in 2018 with the Indiana University Summer Music Clinic Orchestra. We performed Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.

Lydia's main influences are her music teachers.

Lydia is undecided as to where she will be attending school for Music however she has these amazing colleges to choose from: 
Schulich School of Music at McGill University, Ithaca College, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, or SUNY Potsdam.

Lydia is very excited to be performing at the Wiener Musikverein in Vienna, Austria with the Honors Performance Series in 2021.

A 51-year-old Rochester man was arrested Monday on drug charges following a traffic stop on Route 98 in Batavia by members of the Local Drug Task Force.

Roy L. Watson is charged with:

• Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd;
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th;
• Driver's view obstructed;
• Unauthorized sticker;
• Possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Watson was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine.

Following arraignment in Batavia City Court, Watson was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The Drug Task Force was assisted by State Police, the Sheriff's Office, Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Frankie," and the District Attorney's Office.

Press release:

A new television ad released by the Jacobs Campaign will highlight President Trump’s “complete endorsement” of Chris Jacobs for New York’s 27th Congressional District.

In his endorsement of Jacobs, the President stated, “Chris will be a great Congressman who will always fight for the people of New York. He supports our MAGA Agenda, will continue to secure our border, loves our military, vets, and is strong on the [Second Amendment].”

“I’m deeply grateful and proud to be the only candidate with his endorsement," Jacobs said. "The President is working tirelessly to defeat COVID-19 and the challenges it has created.

"While Democrats, like Nate McMurray and Nancy Pelosi, are abusing the situation to advance their radical socialist agenda -- I look forward to joining President Trump on June 23rd and getting right to work fighting for the people of Western New York and helping the President get tough on China, secure our borders, and rebuild our economy.” 

A caller reports smoke coming from the back of a residence in the area 6966 Swamp Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 8:49 a.m.: Working trailer fire at 6966 Swamp Road. Second alarm sounded. Oakfield, Bergen, Elba, Stafford, and City of Batavia FAST team dispatched.

UPDATE 8:56 a.m.: Fire police requested to shut down traffic on Swamp Road between Hessenthaler Road and Pocock Road. The trailer is reportedly unoccupied.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: City fire's Fourth Platoon recalled to city headquarters.

UPDATE 9:16 a.m.: Fire is out.

Daily Briefing:

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19. for a total of 155 positive cases.
    • The positive case resides in Darien.
    • The positive case is in their 80s.
    • 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.
    • Five of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
• Orleans County received three new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 105 positive cases.
  • The three positive cases reside at The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center.
  • The newly positive cases has one individual in their 70’s and one individual in their 80’s and one individual in their 90s and older.
  • Six of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.

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