Cuomo orders "non-essential" businesses to reduce workforce by 100-percent Sunday night...
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen above 8,000 across New York State... and, Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to direct changes in the work place. During a news conference in Albany late this morning... Cuomo announced a 100-percent reduction in non-essential workers. He adds that the changes will be enforced with civil fines and mandatory closures. Cuomo emphasized the need for reducing the density. Cuomo says only "essential" businesses can have worker on site. He says everyone else must "remain indoors to the greatest extent" possible. According to the latest figures released by the governor on Friday, there are now more than 8,000 confirmed cases across the state, including 2,950 new cases. There have been 46 fatalities. Most of the positive cases are in New York City. While non-essential services are being shut-down Sunday night... others... including restaurants, major stores that provide grocery, and gas stations do remain open. However... a reminder that the restaurants on only on a take-out or delivery basis.
All Barbershops, Hair Salons ordered Closed as of tonight...
The four eastern state's that have joined together to implement restrictions on businesses due to the Coronavirus outbreak have announced new density reductions for personal care services. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his counterparts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have ordered all barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail salons, hair removal services, and related personal care services will be closed to members of the public effective tonight -- Saturday, March 21st at 8 p.m. They say these services cannot be provided while maintaining social distance. Last night... the four governors announced that indoor portions of retail shopping malls, as well as amusement parks and bowling alleys in the four states would close by 8 PM last night. During his morning press conference Saturday, Cuomo discussed the possiblity of using arenas and convention centers as triage locations if they are needed.
Jamestown Police issued new protocols during Coronavirus outbreak...
The Jamestown Police Department says they are continuing to provide public safety to the city and it's residents. However... Police Chief Harry Snellings says they will be taking precautions during the virus outbreak designed to help JPD respond to calls better, and safely. Snellings says when you call the dispatch, or command center the call will be screened for health-related issues. For non-emergency calls... the chief says they will determine whether it can be handled over the phone... and, an officer will call back to take the report. When an officer needs to respond to a scene... he says they'll be practicing safe social distancing. Snellings also urges people to call them first before coming into their reception area. He adds their patrols will remain out in the community.
Schumer calls on clarity on border restrictions between U-S and Canada...
New York's senior U-S Senator is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to clarify travel restrictions it is imposing on the U-S -- Canadian border. Democratic Minority Leader Charles Schumer says Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf has not started what constitutes "essential" and non-essential traffic over the border. Schumer says it's creating confusion for Western New Yorkers, many of whom either work in Canada, or depend on Canadians who commute to New York for work. Schumer argued that area hospitals are dependent on the presence of hundreds of Canadian doctors and health care professionals who commute to Upstate New York every day, especially in major medical hubs like Buffalo. Schumer recently was able to help secure an an additional $6-billion dollars for New York to support the state’s fight against the coronavirus.
Local pastor talks about faith, and preaching the word during COVID-19 outbreak...
Like most organizations and businesses in Chautauqua County... local churches have also had to adapt with the closing of most -- if not all -- through one of the high-holy times of the Christian calender. Many churches are already been closed through Easter... but, many have been finding new and creative ways to get the message out to their congregations. St. Luke's Episcopal Church Rector Father Luke Fodor says they will have their 10 a.m. service this Sunday. However... it will only be live streamed on the Internet... something they've been doing the past couple of years for people who can't attend. Fodor says they now have to "re-calculate" how their service happens to engage people -- yet provide social distance. He says finding comfort in a time of turmoil, uncertainty, and anxiety can be difficult. He recalled a quote by Mr. Rogers -- Fred Rogers -- who was also an ordained minister. He said "look for the helpers" or those who comfort us. He also says now is the time for people to look beyond themselves... and, reflect on what's important. Fodor says local pastors are all taking the Coronavirus outbreak situation on a "day-by-day" basis.
Cattaraugus County announces Emergency Ops Center now open...
Cattaraugus County Officials have announced its Emergency Operations Center will monitor and manage the coronavirus pandemic. The center is located at 303 Court Street in Little Valley, will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. According to their county website, there are no positive cases of COVID-19 in Cattaraugus, but 82 people are in mandatory quarantine.... 14 remain in precautionary quarantine.... and, they're awaiting the results of 33 samples.
