A few more cases of the Coronavirus have been confirmed in some upstate counties today.  1 positive test was reported in Delaware County this afternoon by Governor Cuomo, Positive test were confirmed for a student at the University of Albany, a staff member at Union College in Schenectady and 3 cases have now been confirmed in Saratoga County.    Governor Cuomo stated that the state would ban all gatherings with 500 or more people to battle the coronavirus, the ban would start at 5:00 PM Friday. The total number of confirmed cases in the state are up to 328.

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New Yorkers are urged to call 1-800-697-1220 to report Price Gouging of certain items like household cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer, following the reports of the coronavirus in the state over the last week & a half.  The State has a complaint for online, along with more information regarding potential price gouging at dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

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Hartwick College announced their Coronavirus plans today.  Classes will continue on campus for the remainder of this week, Hartwick faculty will continue spring 2020 instruction through remote instruction only beginning March 23, there will be no in-person instruction.  Students should remove all instruction related materials and any belongings by 5:00 PM on Sunday March 22, after that, students will not be permitted to return to campus until the College resumes normal operations.  Effective March 20th at 5:00 PM, all campus-based activities, including athletic competitions and training, are suspended until further notice.

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Several Fire companies as well as police agencies are on the scene of a structure fire at 288 Ketchum Hill Road in Port Crane.  The fire started earlier this afternoon, the home was recently purchased & was going through renovations, it was not occupied at the time the fire broke out.  WCDO News will have more details as they become available.

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The Unadilla Chamber Of Commerce announced their award winners for 2020.  The Business of the Year will be awarded to Covered Bridge Farm Market, The Good Neighbor Commitment to Community award goes to Erin Insinga of Unadilla, who is the Director of the Delaware Valley Humane Society, she commented about the recognition:

(Erin Insinga 3-12-20)

The Unadilla Chamber Annual dinner will be held on April 19th at 5:00 PM at the 1st United Methodist Church in Unadilla.

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State officials are looking to add more census takers this year for the 2020 census count.  States receive federal funding based on the results of the census every 10 years,  related to health care, education, housing, economic development and transportation, as well as congressional representation in Washington. Those interested in a census job can get more information at 2020 census.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will contract with 28 private labs to increase testing capacity for the coronavirus; the labs will begin testing as soon as they are ready. The Governor also announced the State University of New York and the City University of New York will implement plans to maximize distance learning and reduce in-person classes, beginning March 19th, for the remainder of the spring semester.  Distance learning and other options will be developed by campuses.    43 additional cases of the coronavirus were confirmed, bringing the statewide total to 216, only 3 cases are north of Rockland County.

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The Bassett Healthcare Network is taking several actions to combat a possible Coronavirus outbreak in their 8 county coverage area.  Bassett is developing a central phone number to triage individuals who may have symptoms and need further evaluation,  Screening sites are being installed outside the outpatient clinics,  External evaluation areas are being established at the network’s hospitals,         Telemedicine capabilities are being expanded to be able to screen more patients remotely, information will be posted at Bassett.org.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office 911 center received a call of an individual who had shot a rifle in the direction of 2 people in the Town of Plymouth Monday.  Upon arrival, officers located 27 year old Zachary Ketchum, who was charged with 2 Counts of Reckless Endangerment & menacing & 1 Count Criminal Mischief.  Ketchum was arraigned, released, & Temporary orders of protection were issued for the victims.  The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

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Delaware County Public Health will hold another Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic today for dogs, cats and ferrets.  The Clinic will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at a new location; at the SUNY Delhi Farm, Arbor Hill Road in Delhi.   More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

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