COVID-19

We're talking with John Bennett, executive director of GCASA.

The immigration court in Batavia -- at the Buffalo Detention Facility -- hasn't been slowed by coronavirus, and that is upsetting attorneys who must represent clients there, even though court personnel may already have contracted COVID-19.

Emma L. Buckthal, supervising immigration attorney for the Erie County Bar Association, contacted The Batavian to raise concerns she and other attorneys share. She said rather than suspending the court's master calendar, as all state and federal courts have done, and even some immigration courts, the immigration court in Batavia still expects attorneys and clients to show up for hearings. There are limited provisions for telephonic appearances, Buckthal noted.

She shared a letter from an attorney who said a judge directed his clerk to instruct an attorney to fly in for a court appearance, after denying a telephonic hearing, and the clerk reportedly commented that she didn't understand why people are upset about COVID-19.

"I survived Chernobyl," she reportedly said.

This seemed particularly insensitive to the attorney, she said, because she believed that an immigration judge, an attorney, and a member of court staff have all contracted coronavirus.

While the full docket is in place, Buckthal said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff is denying attorneys the ability to meet with clients, which is necessary to get signatures for court papers, unless the attorneys bring their own personal protective gear (gloves, goggles, and a mask), which, she said, "we do not have and should be conserving for doctors anyway."

"We have no meaningful access to clients, so we can't adequately prepare their cases," she added. "We also can't bring witnesses to the detention center."

Telephonic appearances by attorneys can prevent newly written motions from being filed during the hearing, according to government guidelines. For example, if one attorney is present and the other isn't, and the attorney who is present files a document, then the attorney on the telephone cannot object to the document since the attorney on the phone can't review the document.

Buckthal said the court ordered one trial to go ahead with an attorney on the telephone who is quarantined and symptomatic.

"We are beyond concerned about the public health risk of this situation, and about the lack of due process for our clients," she said.

Buckthal claims that a group of detainees was transferred from the Bergen, N.J., facility to Batavia on March 12. Yesterday, ICE confirmed one detainee at the Bergen facility has tested positive for COVID-19. Today, ICE reported that a staff member at a contract facility in Elizabeth, N.J., tested positive.

The National Association of Immigration Judges, a labor union, along with groups representing prosecutors and defense attorneys, has called on the DOJ to close all immigration courts. 

The court is supervised by the Department of Justice. Asked for a comment, a DOJ spokesman provided the following statement:

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has been carefully reviewing the information available from local, state, regional, and federal officials related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The agency continues to evaluate the dynamic situation nationwide and will make decisions for each location as more information becomes available.  Through April 10, 2020, immigration courts have postponed all non-detained hearings, and some immigration courts are closed.

Updates to the operational status of the immigration courts will be announced via Twitter (@DOJ_EOIR) and Facebook (Executive Office for Immigration Review) and on our website.

Please also see EOIR’s policy memoranda: 20-10: Immigration Court Practices During the Declared National Emergency Concerning the COVID-19 Outbreak, and the 20-10 addendum, and the standing order on telephonic appearances pertaining to the Batavia Immigration Court.

We continue to urge our employees and stakeholders to follow CDC guidance regarding hygiene practices.

The detention facility and the court do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Genesee County Health Department.

We're talking with Donna Saskowski, executive director of Arc of Genesee Orleans.

A person under the age of 65 from the central part of Genesee County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to information just released by the Health Department, and is in isolation recovering at home.

There are now two positive cases in Genesee County with the other person, who tested positive nearly a week ago, also recovering at home.

Contact tracing has been initiated on the new case. Known contacts are already under mandatory quarantine.

The press release says that if the known contacts are symptomatic they will be tested for COVID-19 but does not indicate if any of them are symptomatic.

A total of 16 people are under mandatory quarantine in Genesee County, down from 21 yesterday, and 18 people are under precautionary quarantine.

Since the onset of testing, there have been 49 negative test results in Genesee County.

State rules require that a person placed under mandatory quarantine who was symptomatic must have two negative swab tests before being released from quarantine.

There have been people in Genesee County who were symptomatic but were released from mandatory quarantine after negative test results.

Health Department officials continue to ask people who are feeling ill to stay home. Besides COVID-19, the flu is still prevalent in the community.

Here is the county press release:

SITUATIONAL UPDATE

• As of 2 p.m. today Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
• The positive case is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County. The individual is under mandatory isolation and is recovering at home.
• Contact tracing has been initiated for the new case. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms present). If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Genesee County Health Department.
• Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 49 negative test results and Orleans, 52 negative test results for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Six people are under precautionary quarantine; seven people are under mandatory quarantine; and three people are under mandatory isolation, one of whom is hospitalized and two are recovering at home.
• Genesee County: 18 people are under precautionary quarantine; 16 people are under mandatory quarantine; and two people are under mandatory isolation at home where they are recovering.
• As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments for any positive results. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is initiated based on the day the identified positive case became symptomatic. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated.
• Currently, NYS clearance criteria require two negative COVID-19 swabbing 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.
• Please remain home if ill, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to limit physical contact. The 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 away).

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• 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 at 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 strongly encouraged until the test result is received.

RETURNING SNOWBIRDS

• Due to the number of positive cases in New York State, there are stricter guidelines in place and may be different from your winter address. All large gatherings have been canceled or postponed. We strongly encourage anyone over 65 or those with underlying health issues to consider self-quarantine which means to limit contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home as much as possible as this age group is one of the higher-risk groups. This includes visiting the grocery store to limit exposure to any respiratory virus. Check with your grocery store/pharmacy to see if they have special considerations for seniors and those with underlying health issues such as special hours, curbside pickup or delivery. Monitor your symptoms and if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider immediately.
• If you are in need of household essentials such as groceries or prescriptions, ask a family member, neighbor, someone in your social support network for assistance. They may be able to shop for your needs and leave the items outside your door so they do not have any physical contact with you.

UPDATE: An additional press release from the health department:

“Today the Genesee County Health Department received confirmation of a second positive case of COVID-19 in Genesee County” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “The individual is in mandatory isolation where they are recovering.” The individual is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County.

“Public health nurses and our epidemiology team have notified the individual who tested positive for coronavirus and has placed them in mandatory isolation,” Pettit explained. “Contact tracing has been underway to notify individuals who may have had close contact with the positive case. Close contact is defined as 6 feet in proximity.” The County Health Department is placing close contacts in mandatory quarantine to monitor them for COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.

While our community is understandably anxious, please know the Health Department is working diligently to complete these investigations as quickly as possible. If you have questions in regard to travel or symptoms, please contact the New York State Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065.

Unacast, a company that provides location tracking software to developers of mobile games and other mobile software, is using an aggregate count of people's movements to determine how could communities throughout the United States are doing when it comes to social distancing.

While the State of New York gets an overall A grade, Genesee County is marked down to a C grade, based on reducing travel by only about 21 percent.

Unacast’s location data comes from games, shopping and utility apps that tens of millions of Americans have installed on mobile devices.

Our county is ranked in the bottom five counties in the state for social distracting, but at least we're not getting the F grade handed out to the entire State of Wyoming.

View the Social Distancing scoreboard here.

Wyoming County gets an A, while Livingston and Orleans counties get B grades. The other surrounding counties are As.

Press release:

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer formally announced today (March 25) the expected passage of the latest COVID-19 emergency package he directly negotiated, delivering $40B+ dollars to the state and its citizens.

In reaching an agreement, the Senate will help New York address the coronavirus crisis, support our local communities, and most importantly put workers first.

“This is not a moment of celebration but rather one of necessity,” Senator Schumer said. “The more than $40 billion dollars of additional help on the way to New York is essential to save lives, preserve paychecks, support small businesses, and much more.

"These critical dollars will inject proverbial medicine into our state, city and localities throughout Upstate New York, to deliver much-needed resources, right now, that can help combat the coronavirus. Like all compromise legislation, this bill is far from perfect — but it now does much more for this state, its people and its future than what we began with.”

'Unemployment Insurance on Steroids'

First, this relief package includes a dramatic and historic expansion and reform of the unemployment insurance program, something Schumer has called "Unemployment Insurance (UI) on steroids." He conceived this plan with an understanding of how the modern New York economy functions and to provide more generous benefits during this crisis to a greater number of New Yorkers, including those who have non-traditional employment like freelancers and gig workers.

The extended and expanded UI program in this agreement increases the maximum unemployment benefit amount by $600 per week above one’s base unemployment compensation benefit and ensures that workers who are laid off or out of work, on average, will receive their full pay for four months, a full quarter.

It ensures that all workers are protected whether they work for small, medium or large businesses, along with the self-employed and workers in the gig economy, who might travel from Long Island or Upstate to work in the city each day. The $260 billion dollar plan will deliver at least $15 billion directly to New York. Payments of $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples accounts for another $15.5B to New York.

'Marshall Plan for Hospitals'

The second major priority of Schumer’s negotiating was to deliver a Marshall Plan for our hospitals and other medical facilities so they can provide necessary care during this pandemic. Schumer was able to create this plan and include more than $150 billion for it nationally. Given the New York is the national epicenter of the pandemic, billions of dollars will begin flowing to New York right away.

The money will be available to fund efforts critical to defeating the virus. That includes a massive new grant program for hospitals and health care providers, personal and protective equipment for health care workers, testing supplies, increased workforce and training, new construction to house patients, emergency operation centers and more.

Additional funding is also dedicated to delivering Medicare payment increases to all hospitals and providers to ensure that they receive the funding they need during this crisis, and new investments in our country’s Strategic National Stockpile, surge capacity and medical research into COVID-19.

Stablizing the Ones Hardest Hit

Third, Schumer, a proud fighter for state and local governments, negotiated a special program to deliver relief to those entities, to help stabilize the ones hardest hit by the virus, like Westchester. An expenditure relief fund of roughly $150 billion dollars will deliver at least $7.5 billion to New York, with more than $168 million going to Westchester County, over $159 million headed toward Erie County, and more than $128 million for Monroe County.

Small Business Rescue Plan

Fourth, Schumer, a longtime champion of small businesses across New York negotiated a small business rescue plan that allocates more than $375 billion to forgivable loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofits so they can maintain their existing workforce and help pay other expenses during this crisis, like rent, a mortgage or utilities.

The self-employed, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are eligible for assistance. New York, with its 2.2 million small businesses and tens-of-thousands of nonprofits can expect to see billions of dollars once companies and organizations begin to apply for those funds.

NYS small businesses that currently have more than 19,000 existing SBA loans will also have relief from the burden of paying those loans with a new policy of the SBA instead paying the principal, interest, and fees for a six-month period.

'Emergency Appropriations'

Finally, Schumer negotiated several “emergency appropriations” totaling $180 million that range from:

• Billions for hard-hit airports;
• Expanded benefits to SNAP;
• Increased Community Development Block Grants, which helps all our municipalities;
• Funding for child care, of which New York would receive an additional $162 million;
• Nutrition for seniors;
• Nearly $1 billion dollars to help heat homes when income becomes a problem
• And $1.5 billion for the National Guard to support to the hardest hit States and territories, like New York where approximately 2,200 members of the National Guard have been activated, amongst other things. New York will see tens of billions od dollars from this account, as well.

Since Sunday, Schumer made several significant improvements to the bill that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell first introduced. Here are some of the improvements:

• Four months of more unemployment insurance instead of 3 months;
• $55 billion increase in the Schumer "Marshall Plan" for our Health Care System;
• $6.3 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile for critical medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and life-saving medicine;
• $150 billion for a state and local Coronavirus Relief Fund;
• $10 billion for SBA emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for operating costs once a small business or nonprofit has applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan;
• $17 billion for SBA to cover six months of payments for small businesses with existing SBA loans;
• $30 billion in emergency education funding and $25 billion in emergency transit funding;
• $30 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to state and local governments, as well as private nonprofits providing critical and essential services;
• $30.75 billion for grants to provide emergency support to local school systems and higher education institutions to continue to provide educational services to their students and support the ongoing functionality of school districts and institutions;
• Make rent, mortgage and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness;
• Ban stock buybacks for the term of the government assistance plus one year on any company receiving a government loan from the bill;
• Establish robust worker protections attached to all federal loans for businesses;
• Create real-time public reporting of Treasury transactions under the Act, including terms of loans, investments or other assistance to corporations;
• Add a retention tax credit for employers to encourage businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis;
• Provide income tax exclusion for individuals who are receiving student loan repayment assistance from their employer;
• Eliminated $3 billion bailout for Big Oil;
• Eliminated “secret bailout” provision that would have allowed bailouts to corporations to be concealed for six months;
• Saved hundreds of thousands of airline industry jobs and prohibited airlines from stock buybacks and CEO bonuses.

Press release:

New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

Governor Cuomo: "We asked for mental health professionals to voluntarily sign up to provide online mental health services. Six thousand mental health professionals agreed to volunteer to provide mental health services for people who need it. How beautiful is that?

"God bless the 6,000 mental health professionals who are doing this 100-percent free, on top of whatever they have to do in their normal practice."

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

 

"This is also very exciting. I don't know that anyone else has done this. We've talked about the emotional stress that this brings on people. And the mental health stress, and mental health challenges. No one's really talking about this. You know, we're all concerned about the immediate critical need. The life and death of the immediate situation, which is right. But don't underestimate the emotional trauma that people are feeling, and the emotional health issues.

"We asked for mental health professionals to voluntarily sign up to provide online mental health services. Six thousand mental health professionals agreed to volunteer to provide mental health services for people who need it. How beautiful is that?

"And the hotline, 1-844-863-9314, you can call that hotline, you can schedule an appointment with a mental health professional totally free, to talk to them about what you're feeling and what stress you're feeling. And again, God bless the 6,000 mental.health professionals who are doing this 100-percent free, on top of whatever they have to do in their normal practice. And I'm sure in their normal practice, they're busy. So this is really an extraordinary, extraordinary step by them."

Six days ago, there were 10 people under mandatory quarantine in Genesee County to help prevent the possible spread of coronavirus and today there are 21 people under mandatory quarantine.

Not all of the people who were part of that group of 10 are still under mandatory quarantine, according to the Health Department. Some of those people tested negative for COVID-19.

Nola Goodrich-Kresse, a public information officer for the Genesee/Orleans Health Department, said the exact number of people under mandatory quarantine who tested negative and were removed from quarantine is not available. We've never had an exact count of the number of people under mandatory quarantine who are also symptomatic. But everybody who is symptomatic and had contact with a known COVID-19 patient has been tested.

For some, results have not yet returned from one of the New York State labs.

If a person had direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, that person is placed, by order of the public health director, under mandatory quarantine.

Not everybody under mandatory quarantine is symptomatic.

In the current group of 21, not all necessarily had contact with the one known case in Genesee County.

Through contact tracing, multiple people were identified as possible direct contacts with that one positive case.

If they are not symptomatic, they must remain in quarantine for 14 days. If they remain symptom-free through that two-week period, they are released from quarantine.

People who tested negative but are ill are asked to avoid contact with other people because they might be contagious with another bug.

Swabs are sent to state labs by both the health department -- from those mandatory quarantines -- and from private providers, who don't have the authority to order mandatory quarantines but are expected to direct their patients to self-quarantine. 

So far, there have been 44 negative test results for COVID-19 for residents of Genesee County. Goodrich-Kresse said there is no way to differentiate the source of those tests.

The health of the one person who tested positive is improving, according to health department officials.

For today's health department briefing, published earlier, click here.

SITUATIONAL UPDATE:

• As of 2 p.m. today the lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 are now two new positives for Orleans County and still one confirmed case for Genesee County. We have the initial one confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in Genesee County and now have three confirmed cases of COVID-19 for Orleans County. Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 44 negative test results, and Orleans 43 negative test results, for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Four people are under precautionary quarantine; 13 people are under mandatory quarantine; and three people are under mandatory isolation -- one of whom is hospitalized and two are recovering at home. The new positive cases reside in the center part of the county and are not associated. One of the individuals is over 65 and the other is younger than 65. The contact tracing has been initiated for the new cases. Known contacts to these two cases have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated. If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department.
• Genesee County: Seven people are under precautionary quarantine; 21 people are under mandatory quarantine; and one person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation at home and is recovering.
• “We will start to see our numbers increase moving forward. We expect to see an increase in local cases due to increased swabbing and testing as this is in line with the reality of community spread,” said Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
• As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is determined the day the identified positive case had symptoms. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated. Currently, NYS clearance criteria require two negative COVID-19 swabbing 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.
• A reminder as discussed last week. We are placing individuals 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. Once the county receives test results from the state (whether the swabbing occurred at primary care provider or through contact with the health department) it is then determined whether the individual remains on quarantine, released or is changed to mandatory isolation (for positive swab results) per the NYS guidance. This is very important. Number one, the person tested because they were 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, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result. The 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).
• This week, United Memorial Medical Center completed the assembly and installation of a series of tents outside the hospital's Emergency Department. This is a multi-tent system that will act as an extension of their primary care offices. Additional details will follow as the project progresses.
• On Monday, March 23^rd, hospitals in NYS were mandated to increase their capacity by 50 percent; although, the Governor urged hospitals to consider increasing their capacity by 100 percent.
• Phone banks have been set up in both counties to assist with the overflow of calls. Callers will be asked about the nature of their call and the staff will triage and forward the calls as appropriate. We encourage businesses, to contact the Department of Labor if they have questions about their business operations.

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• COVID-19 swabbing/testing at the Health Departments and community continues to be 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.
• 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.
• We are asking individuals 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.

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2020/attorney-general-james-urges-employees-file-complaints-against-employers-ignoring

NEW YORK STATE CASES / RESTRICTIONS / GUIDANCE

• As of March 24, 2020, at 11 a.m. according to Governor Andrew Cuomo there are 4,790 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 25,665 in New York State.
• Monroe County: 96 confirmed cases in Monroe County.
• Erie County: 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Erie County.
• Wyoming County: Four Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Niagara County: 12 Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Effective Saturday, March, 21^st beginning at 8 p.m., all personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and tattoo/piercing parlors in NYS will be mandated to close. These professions cannot conduct business while maintaining social distancing.
• On Friday, March 20, 2020, Cuomo announced that he will sign an executive order mandating that 100 percent of the workforce must stay home (excluding essential services). This order excludes healthcare, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.
• Civil fines and mandatory closures for a business that are not in compliance will be issued.
• DOH Test Kits are NOT available. More information will be forthcoming when we receive notice.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) 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.
• Enacting Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems:
  • Remain indoors;
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise;
  • Prescreen all visitors by taking their temperature;
  • Wear a mask in the company of others;
  • Stay at least 6 feet from others;
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

GENERAL HEALTH REMINDERS / INFORMATION

Flu – for the week ending March 14: Orleans -- 8 flu that week and 257 for the season; Genesee – 22 cases of flu and 588 for the season! Statewide cases during this time frame 6,075 with total NYS cases for the season to date, 153,293. Compared to COVID-19 the risk of the flu and what many people may be experiencing is higher.

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

Continue Social Distancing and daily hygiene practices:

• Hand Hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds OR use of 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;
  • 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.
• Underlying medical conditions may include but are not limited to:
  • Chronic lung disease or asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Weakened immune system
  • Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
• Women who are pregnant
  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.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. A face mask 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.

As a precautionary measure, UMMC has erected tents outside its Emergency Department to help triage patients if it becomes necessary to deal with an overflow of people during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a previous interview, CEO Dan Ireland emphasized this is an act of preparedness and not a signal that they're already needed.

Press release:

Effective Sunday, March 22, enforcement of overnight parking regulations in the City of Batavia were suspended until further notice. Overnight parking will be allowed to accommodate families and residents impacted by COVID-19.

We encourage residents who can still use their driveways for parking to do so, however we do not want to penalize families that might have extra vehicles at their residence at this time.

Please continue to lock your vehicle and always remove valuables to prevent theft.

In the event of an emergency, or your vehicle is blocking work for the Department of Public Works (i.e. snowplowing, water main break, etc.), you will be asked to move the vehicle or it may be towed.

All other parking regulations such as blocking a fire hydrant, parking in a fire lane or parking in a handicap zone will be strictly enforced. 

Also effective Sunday, March 22, City of Batavia Police officers will not provide courtesy unlock of vehicles, unless there are exigent circumstances such as a child or pet locked inside. 

Furthermore, Batavia Police officers will begin to take enhanced extra precautions when responding to calls for service. 

Callers to dispatch will need to answer screening questions to better aid in appropriate response from emergency personnel. City of Batavia Police Officers and other emergency personnel may wear respirator masks, protective gloves, clear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment when answering calls. 

These measures will ensure the safety of the community and first responders so that they can continue to serve residents in the best capacity possible.

Anyone with signs or symptoms consistent with the CDC guidelines for coronavirus should inform dispatchers, officers, and emergency personnel as soon as practicable.  

If you have any questions about these measures please feel free to contact Police Chief Shawn Heubusch at sheubusch@batavianewyork.com.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we all work together to keep Batavia safe.

Public Notice

State of Emergency Declaration

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Village of Alexander, NY, effective today, March 24, 2020.

This State of Emergency has been declared due to the existing and continuing declared States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County related to the COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.

This situation threatens the public safety.

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent Order.

As the Chief Executive of the Village of Alexander, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, William Wagner, exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality.

I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Village of Alexander to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Local Emergency Order

William Wagner, Village of Alexander Mayor, hereby declares a State of Emergency on March 24, 2020 and issues an Emergency Order, effective on March 24, 2020 beginning at 1 p.m.

I, William Wagner, the Chief Executive of the Village of Alexander, County of Genesee, State of New York, in accordance with a declaration of a State of Emergency issued on March 24, 2020, and pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, do hereby order:

The closing of Village Hall and the Department of Public Works to the public to protect against COVID‑19.

This Order shall took effect March 24, 2020 at 1 p.m. and shall remain in effect for five days unless rescinded earlier by order of the Chief Executive.

This Order may also be renewed in five-day increments.

Failure to obey this Order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B.

Signed this 24th day of March, 2020 at 1 o'clock p.m., in the Village of Alexander, County of Genesee, State of New York.

William Wagner

Mayor and Chief Executive Officer

Village of Alexander

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.

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:

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.