State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced today that the number of Coronavirus cases has increased by 432 cases, bringing the statewide total to 1374 cases, with new positive tests in 10 counties.  Governor Cuomo announced that they should be able to test thousands a day for the coronavirus, probably by next week, with the help of automated testing systems.  Also, the Governor announced a three-way agreement with the Legislature on a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of the coronavirus.

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State Police announced today that if residents are experiencing an emergency, they should still call 911, but when placing an emergency call, please advise dispatchers if any members of your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms so that 1st responders can prepare to prevent the spread of any illnesses. Also, until further notice, the State Police are suspending employment fingerprinting & child safety seat checks at their stations.

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Governor Cuomo signed an executive order delaying village elections statewide until the April 28th presidential primary.  The Governor said that Public health officials have been clear that reducing density is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread, and delaying village elections will help ensure poll workers and voters are not potentially exposed to the virus and at the same time maintain integrity in our election system.

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Bassett Healthcare announced that for the health and safety of patients, employees, and the communities that they serve, they are implementing new visitation restrictions across all network facilities.  Access to clinic buildings and outpatient service areas at all Bassett Healthcare Network facilities will be limited to only those patients with scheduled appointments or required business, such as a prescription pick up.  FoxCare Fitness in Oneonta is also closed until further notice.  Bassett has set up a central phone number; 607-547-5555, for those who are concerned they may have symptoms of upper respiratory illness, patients determined to need an in-person visit will be given an appointment and directed to next steps.  Also Telemedicine capabilities are being expanded to be able to screen more patients remotely; Visitation has been suspended to all inpatient units at the 5 hospitals across the network and the network’s long-term care facilities.  More information is available at bassett.org.

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UHS Chenango Memorial is restricting visitors at the hospital & all off-site locations.  All patients and visitors will be screened upon arrival, Only 1 healthy visitor will be allowed per patient at a time, Patients coming for medical appointments or testing may only be accompanied by 1 healthy individual, and Children under the age of 18 are restricted from visiting.  Visitors experiencing cough, sore throat, fever, or any other flu-like symptoms will not be permitted.  Individuals who are asymptomatic but who have an international travel history, or who have recently been in a community with active cases of COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, will be screened.   Those with symptoms should call their provider’s office or emergency room before arriving.  Patients and visitors are asked to enter through the Main Rear Entrance, except for patients going to the Emergency Room or patients of the UHS Women’s Health Center.  More information is available at 337-4111 or at nyuhs.org.

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The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak.   Healthy individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood at RedCrossBlood.org; using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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David Thomas of Oneonta Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder in Otsego County Court, for a December 2018 incident in which he injured a woman’s neck by strangulation.  Thomas will be sentenced on the charge on June 5th.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34 year old Lance Barnhart of McDonough for 3rd degree Burglary, Petty Larceny and Criminal Mischief.   Barnhart is accused of entering a town of Norwich residence by cutting a window screen to steal an animal. Barnhart was released on appearance tickets and schedule to appear in the Town of Norwich at a later date.

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The City of Norwich Common Council meeting scheduled for tonight will be a closed meeting due to COVID-19 concerns.  Attendance will be for the Mayor, Common Council members, Department Heads and the Deputy City Clerk ONLY. No one else shall be admitted, the meeting will be streamed live on the City of Norwich Facebook page beginning at 6:30 pm.

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The State-run Department of Motor Vehicles locations are moving to an appointment only system to help stop spread of the coronavirus.   The DMV is encouraging all New Yorkers to complete routine transactions on its website.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order directing all schools in New York to close by Wednesday, for 2 weeks ending April 1, at that time, the state will reassess whether to extend the school closures further and continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement.   Schools that exceed the closure period without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule.  School districts are required to develop a plan for alternative instructional options, including distance learning; distribution and availability of meals; and daycare, with an emphasis on children of parents of first responders and healthcare workers.

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NY State of Health announced that a Special Enrollment Period is available to New Yorkers during which eligible individuals will be able to enroll in insurance coverage through NY State of Health and directly through insurers.  The open enrollment period for coverage in 2020 had previously ended on February 7,  Individuals who enroll in Qualified Health Plans now through April 15th, will have coverage effective starting April 1, consumers can apply for coverage on-line at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777, and working with enrollment assistors.

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Former area Congressman Richard Hanna of Barneveld has died at the age of 69.  Hanna died Sunday at a hospital in Oneida County surrounded by loved ones after a battle with cancer.  Hanna served 3 terms in Congress, retiring in 2016.

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Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig Announced that as of today, all City buildings will be closed to the public. Persons requiring emergency assistance from the Oneonta Police Department can do so by entering the lobby at the Public Safety Building, all essential services will still be provided, but all non-essential services and activities will be curtailed. At 7:00 pm tonight, Mayor Herzig will conduct a live broadcast on the City of Oneonta’s Facebook page of the Common Council Meeting where the changes will be discussed in more detail.

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An American Red Cross blood drive will be hosted today by the Sidney Elks Lodge 104 River St. Sidney.  The drive will run from 2:00 to 6:00 pm, appointments are requested at Register online at redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-redcross, walk ins welcome.

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The Commerce Chenango Notary Public Prep Workshop is still scheduled for this morning in Norwich.  The meeting will be held in the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street in downtown Norwich, the event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that they will hold their regular membership meeting this morning.  The meeting will begin at 7:30 at the back of Bob’s Diner.