P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-22-21

The CDC reported this week that the UK Variant of COVID 19 has the potential to overtake the first COVID virus in the coming months; Governor Cuomo discussed that at his press conference today:

(Cuomo 1-22-21)

The state has administered 97% of the 1st 2 doses of the vaccines from the federal Government, however the amount administered to Hospital workers is still below 70%

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The State Health Department conducted 268,001 COVID tests Thursday, they reported over 15,100 positives, or a lower positivity rate of 5.65%.  Hospitalizations were at 8846, there were 1546 in an ICU Bed & the number of ventilators went down to 992, there were 165 deaths Thursday.

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Chenango County Public Health reported 190 active cases of COVID 19 with 21 hospitalized & 522 quarantined.  They are up to 1821 cases since last spring with 1540 recoveries & 35 deaths.

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Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will investigate prescription drug price hikes connected to the pandemic.  The Department of Financial Services Office of Pharmacy Benefits announced an investigation into significant price spikes for 6 drugs that were connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Freshman State Senator Peter Oberacker heard his 1st budget proposal as a state lawmaker this week, he told WCDO News of proposals that he liked & disliked:

(Oberacker 1-22-21)

Oberacker replaces Jim Seward in the 51st State Senator District, who decided to retire last year after serving for more than 3 decades in the State Senate.

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The State Assembly Majority Democrats this week are looking to change how the redistricting process will work and could change how district maps are drawn, in spite of a recent resolution passed by New York Voters; Freshman Assemblyman Joe Angelino opposes the measure:

(Angelino 1-22-21)

Angelino said that the measure was decided in 2014 & it would now be overturned with this new bill.  Redistricting is based on Census figures that were collected & compiled in 2020, the state legislature will likely change district lines in the next 2 years.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-22-21

Governor Cuomo updated New Yorkers on the state’s vaccination program. To date, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 93% of 1st  doses received from the federal government, and 91% of 1st & 2nd doses.  The Southern Tier had the highest rating, almost 100% were vaccinated.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported 30 new COVID cases reported Thursday, they report over 280 active cases, 19 hospitalized, there was 1 death reported Wednesday & 1 reported Thursday, cases continue to be related to social gatherings.

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Delaware County Public Health reported 30 news COVID cases Thursday, with 4 new deaths & 17 hospitalized, 138 active cases & 240 in quarantine.

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Sidney Central School District reported 4 positive COVID-19 cases, 2-2nd graders, 1-7th grader and one 9th grade student have tested positive for COVID-19. The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and contact tracing, There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

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New York State Department of Labor reported that the state Unemployment Rate Fell to 8.2% in December, the 5th Straight Month of Declining Unemployment Rates in New York State.   The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 8.2%, falling from 8.4% in November.

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The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended through March 31st.  This extension allows individuals eligible for Qualified Health Plan insurance additional time to enroll for coverage in 2021.   New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment assister.

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Freshman State Senator Peter Oberacker toured Sidney Businesses Thursday.  Among Oberacker visits were Amphenol, SFCU,  Sidney Emergency Medical Services, Roma Ristorante & Pizzeria, USA Custom Pad, & Alpine Metal Roofing.

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