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A Rochester man has tested positive for the COVID-19 Virus, becoming the first Western New York case. In a Media Advisory obtained by the Democrat and Chronicle, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza confirm the man is in voluntary isolation at home and is recovering nicely. Officials say this case is not the result of local transmission, as the man recently traveled to a high-risk area. Bello and Mendoza say this case is also not related to the students under quarantine at SUNY Brockport. The investigation is on-going, and officials will provide more information during a briefing later today.
Officials with Chautauqua County are continuing to stress that the risk for infection by novel coronavirus remains "low".... But... at the same time... they confirm that there is now a second person in "precautionary quarantine." County Executive P.J. Wendel says County Department of Health and Human Services officials continue to stay in touch with New York state about the latest developments.
Officials are not providing details about the two people who are in precautionary quarantine. Wendel says while the risk for COVID-19 remains low, influenza remains widespread in the county. He says the Health Department continues to recommend frequent hand washing, avoid touching your face, and to cough into your elbow or a tissue. Also... if you don't feel well, don't go out.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced all SUNY campuses will transfer to on-line learning by March 19th because of virus fears. Last night, Jamestown Community College President, Dr. Daniel DeMarte, put out a statement saying that 'JCC is not closing' but will work to reduce exposure to COVID-19... using distance or alternative modes of delivery for classes and limiting open houses, athletic and community events. He emphasized that all JCC sites and residence halls will remain open. Labs, clinicals, internships and other circumstances will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Local Congressman Tom Reed says he's pleased that the Centers for Disease Control has released $38-million in funding for New York state to address the Coronavirus outbreak. Reed calls the move a "good first step" in getting money to parts of Eastern New York, and New York City area, where the outbreak has especially been a problem.
Reed says the funding should especially help in getting testing kits out to local communities, as well information about limiting community spread. He says recent approval of the $8.3-billion federal bill has also helped in that regard. After that... Reed says there's also fear of the virus's current and potential impact on the economy. He made his comments in the wake of another rough day on Wall Street due to Coronavirus fears. He says he and New York Democrat Max Rose have crafted a letter to the CDC to get new, "automated" test kits out to speed up the process. Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with regional media.
U-S Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says the federal government is "stuck in the mud" when it comes to responding to coronavirus. During a conference call with state-wide media this afternoon... the New York Democrat says there is a need for more testing... especially now that money is available to get needed testing done. He says people needing tests should not be charged for those tests. In addition... Schumer wants the federal government to expedite the approval of labs, and support the use of automated testing.
A city woman faces Felony charges for allegedly driving while ability impaired by drugs with two young children in the car Monday night. Jamestown Police say they stopped a vehicle at 529 East Fifth Street about 8 PM... and, determined the operator, 31 year-old Stephanie Dellahoy, was under the influence of controlled substances. Police say Dellahoy's 4-year-old daughter and another 5-year-old child were in the car at the time of the stop. She was also allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and hydrocodone pills. Dellahoy was transported to the City Jail to await arraignment on charges including two-counts of felony Leandra's Law violations.
The Jamestown Police Department is urging anyone who may have lost their cell phone service through a phone purchased from Cricket Wireless on Foote Avenue over the past seven months to contact them. City Police Captain Bob Sameulson says they found that 28 phones were sold by a former Cricket employee between August of last year and January of his year. However... he says the employee allegedly kept the nearly $6,000 for himself, and either gave the customer no receipt... or a false one. With that... Samuelson says some customer names are not known to Cricket Wireless. Samuelson says anyone who may have purchased a phone, and now can't use it, should call Jamestown police at 483-7531. The employee is not being identified at this time... but, that person faces Felony charges.
Interim Chautauqua County Executive Paul "P-J" Wendel has kicked off his campaign with a "Meet and Greet" fundraiser at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. He spoke to a crowd of about 100 supporters... and, talked about his experience in the office so far, and vision for the county. On our "Community Spotlight" program last weekend... he agreed that he and his opponent may have some name recognition issues in the south or north county. But, Wendel says he wants to work to unify the county better.
Wendel says he's had "a desire to serve the community my whole life, from my career in education, to my years on the village of Lakewood board as a Trustee and deputy mayor." He also touted his 10 years as a County Legislator. Wendel spoke about trying to carry on the vision of previous County Executive and State Senator George Borrello by continuing the many initiatives he started, but adding his own focus to other County services and initiatives... namely regarding public safety and emergency services. Another Meet and Great will be held March 26th for Wendel at Ellicottville Brewing Company in Fredonia. For more information... contact Wendel's Campaign Manager Nacole Ellis at ellisnacole@yahoo.com.
