Governor Cuomo today reported that Upstate Counties will be able to re-open more aggressively, when “New York On Pause” ends May 15th:

(Cuomo 5-8-20)

The State Labor Department continues to work on streamlining the online process to apply & receive unemployment & pandemic unemployment claims, that have reached record numbers, Secretary to the Governor Mellissa DeRosa explains:

(Melissa DeRosa 5-8-20)

New York State Health Department has tested over 1.1 million people for the Coronavirus since testing began in Early March, they report 330,000 cases with another 2900 positives Thursday, Hospitalizations continue to decline, with just under 8200 people being treated for the virus.  216 people died on Thursday, the state death total is now 21,045.

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Chenango County Public Health announced more positive Coronavirus cases, bringing their total up to 105.  They currently have 44 people quarantined, 5 are hospitalized, 4 have died & 79 have recovered.

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Commerce Chenango will continue with their ‘Fueling the Frontline’ initiative. In the 1st week, they fed 54 UHS employees with meals from 5 of Chenango County restaurants, in the 2nd week; they were able to provide 117 UHS employees with meals, Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 5-8-20)

To date there has been over $7,080 in donations have come in, & donations can be submitted to the “Fueling the Frontline” Go Fund Me page and search for “Commerce Chenango”.  Donations may be mailed to The Chenango Foundation, 15 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815 and make sure to reference “Fueling the Frontline”.

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NYSEG is urging customers to be vigilant of scammers posing as representatives of the energy companies, after they received reports of customers having accepted calls from people who claim to be employees or consultants of the company. NYSEG Spokesman Ridge Harris explains:

(Ridge Harris 5-8-20)

Harris said that customers are urged to never give out personal or account information to unsolicited callers; also NYSEG has temporarily suspended disconnections related to non-payment due to the Coronavirus crisis & their employees are not entering customers’ homes or going door-to-door for non-emergency work. 

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced today that the start of the 2020 Eastern league Baseball season will be postponed until at least June 15th.  Make up dates for impacted games will be announced at a later date.  Rumble Ponies staff remains working remotely, but are accessible for more information by texting to 722-3866 or by email to info@bingrp.com.

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Organizers for the annual Meredith Dairy Festival announced that this year’s event will be cancelled due to the Coronavirus, they hope to have the festival on June 13th & 14th of 2021.

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The American Red Cross has blood drives scheduled in the coming weeks, 1 in Oxford at the American Legion on South Washington Street on Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, also in Oneonta on Saturday at the Main Street Baptist Church from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  There will also be blood drives on Wednesday May 13th at the Norwich VFW from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, & the Sidney Fireman’s Training Center from 1:30 to 5:30 PM.  Appointments are requested at 1-800-Red Cross or redcrossblood.org.

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Sidney Town Board is holding the Town Board Meeting on Thursday May 14th at 7:00 on Zoom.  More Information is on the Town of Sidney Facebook page and the web-site

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Bassett Medical Center and Fox Hospital in Oneonta have been given the go-ahead to resume elective surgeries and non-urgent outpatient procedures.  Officials have called a press conference Tuesday Morning at 10:30 AM to outline their plans; Elective surgeries were put on hold after Governor Cuomo’s emergency declaration Friday, March 13th,   Due to possible issues from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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COVID-19 molecular and antibody testing is now available at all WellNow locations, with no appointment needed. Tests will be administered to those who display symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, results will return in 3 to 5 days. New York patients can get results by registering for an account at mybostonheart.com.  The WellNow Oneonta Location is at 5001 State Route 23, more information is available at 376-5346 or wellnow.com/locations/Oneonta.

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Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 today; the number of active cases is 9.  To date there have been 74 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, There are an additional 18 people under mandatory quarantine and no people under precautionary quarantine.  12 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county, 2 are receiving medical care in a hospital, 7 are isolated at home, 4 people are deceased and 49 have fully recovered. 

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NAC Entertainment & Broadway in Binghamton announced that “An American in Paris” scheduled to play the Forum Theatre June 7, 2020 has been CANCELLED.  Broadway in Binghamton Season ticket holders will receive a credit on their account to be applied towards the 2020-2021. Single tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will automatically be refunded within the next 30 days.  If you purchased your tickets at the Arena Box Office, visit broomearenaforum.com,   if you purchased your tickets through any other ticketing agency, you will need to contact them directly.

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