Governor Cuomo welcomed the Floating Naval Hospital to New York City today, giving the city added help for its beleaguered Hospitals at the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak.  Cuomo said that the number of positive cases statewide is 66,497, the number of deaths jumped to 1,218, the number Hospitalized is now over 9500, the number of ICU Beds occupied is 2352, & the number discharged from hospitals is now 4202.  The statistics also showed that the rate of increase is slowing down:

(Cuomo 3-30-20 doubling the rate)

Governor Cuomo also said that too many people are treating the “Stay At Home” mandate like it was optional:

(Cuomo 3-30-20 stay home)

Local officials have expressed concern that too many people are leaving the most affected areas and are coming to Otsego & Delaware Counties to wait it out, and they could be driving up the local numbers & threatening the local population and healthcare systems.

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State Senator Jim Seward’s office announced today that the Senator & his wife Cindy both tested positive for the Coronavirus.  Seward has displayed mild Symptoms and is expected to be released from Albany Medical Center shortly, while Cindy Seward was treated & released from Bassett Hospital and is recovering while quarantined at home, both are expected to fully recover.

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NYSEG today announced they are donating approximately 17,700 protective masks to assist health care workers across the state amid a shortage of protective gear for medical personnel fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The donation comes on the heels of Governor Cuomo’s call for assistance as New York continues to face increasing strains on the health care system. The surgical masks and N95 respirators are being delivered to a state receiving center, where officials will disperse them to facilities most in need.

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Chenango County Health Department announced this morning that they have 14 positive cases of the Coronavirus, with 10 more positives over the weekend.  Otsego County also had 14 Positives with 1 death, Delaware County Had 12; Broome County has 29, with 3 deaths.

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The Unadilla Community Food Pantry is open to residents of Unadilla on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00-12:30 with curb side service.  More information is available at 563-7713.

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The Community Foundation for South Central New York has released $110,000 in grants to organizations providing services during the COVID-19 Crisis in the region. The Friends of Recovery Delaware/Otsego will receive $5,000, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier will get $7,500 for meal delivery programs, Delaware Opportunities receives $15,000 for meal delivery programs, Chenango United Way gets $15,000 for their community response, Opportunities for Otsego receives $15,000 for their community response to COVID-19, & ARC of Delaware County receives $2,500 for the Walton Food Pantry.  More information about the Foundation can be found at donorswhocare.org.

Governor Cuomo stated yesterday that there were 59,573 cases of the Corona Virus in the State, with 965 deaths, over 8500 are in Hospitals, 2037 were in ICU Beds, & 3572 have been discharged.   The Governor talked about the heroism of all the 1st Responders during this crisis:

(Cuomo 3-30-20)

Governor Cuomo announced all New York on Pause functions will be extended for the next 2 weeks; the state nonessential workforce will continue to work from home for an additional two weeks through April 15th. Executive Orders regarding the closing of restaurants and bars, gyms, movie theaters, casinos; local government workforces, school districts; malls, public amusement facilities; barber shops & salons are also extended until April 15th.

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The Otsego County Coronavirus Task Force is asking Individuals who are traveling to Otsego County from the New York City and other areas hard hit by COVID-19, to notify the Otsego County Department of Health upon their arrival by phone and self-isolate for 14 days. During the 14-day period, you should monitor all household members for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. These include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

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Acco Brands Bargaining employees will be having their Contract Extension Vote today at the CWA Sidney Union Hall 9 River Street; until 6:00 PM.  Only 2 people will be allowed in the hall at a time because of the Corona Virus recommendations regarding social distancing.

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