A woman in her 60s is the latest positive case of the COVID-19 Virus in Chautauqua County... bringing the county's number of cases to 27. County Executive P-J Wendel says there are still five "active cases..." and 19 have recovered. Wendel says three people have died during the pandemic... while 88 cases are under quarantine or isolation orders by the Public Health Director and being monitored. There have been 493 negative test results to date. Wendel also reminds residents of Governor Cuomo's executive order requiring all people in New York to wear face coverings in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, effective today.
The policies are challenging and hard, but social distancing measures are working to slow the spread of the coronavirus. During his Thursday morning press conference... New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the curve of COVID-19 cases continues to flatten, although we are not out of the woods yet. Cuomo says stay-at-home restrictions will be extended least through May 15th. In the meantime... he says a four-step strategy to "un-pause" New York State, will be implemented when the time is right (details are available at https://www.governor.ny.gov/).
Governor Cuomo says the 'phased in return to business' will be based on a priority scale. However... he says it won't be like a light switch turning on because the workplace must be re-imagined... and, transmission rates still need to be tamed.
The National Comedy Center is determined to bring laughter to our community, even if that means taking a virtual approach during the coronavirus outbreak. Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says their new online platform features exclusive, never-before-seen content.
Gunderson say during this 'unfortunate temporary closure'.... the museum's mission to celebrate comedy doesn't stop. She says we need to make sure laughter is part of our every day lives, which can be shared with others through the Anywhere exhibit. The platform includes a journey through the world of comedy for people of all ages. However, Gunderson recommends parents watch the material before sharing with children... or, take notice of advisories at the beginning of the exhibits. More can be found at comedycenter.org/anywhere.
Chautauqua County's congressman says he will work across the political aisle with anyone looking to put legislation forward to help small farmers across the region -- and America. Corning Republican Tom Reed applauded U-S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York for announcing the "Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act" she says will provide crucial support for small farmers that they aren't getting from the recently approved, $2.2-trillion CARES Act. Reed says he's been hearing a lot from local farmers.
Reed says what's going on with the nation's farmers is as much a "national security" issue as a food one. While retails stores have been busy... farmers whose milk products go to restaurants or other institutional needs... is being dumped, or plowed under. Gillibrand says her legislation would help connect those farmers with food banks, and other places that can use their food products. Reed says he is also going to push for more farm relief in the fourth-phase of COVID-19 Relief.
The two juveniles who were reported missing from the north county are back home. Dunkirk Police confirm the youth have been located and are safe. Dunkirk resident Jessica Santiago had posted on her Facebook page that her two missing children had not been seen since Wednesday evening.
A Jamestown man was arrested for driving without a license and leading police on foot chase Tuesday evening. City Police say they pulled over a vehicle at West 8th and Monroe Street shortly after 8 PM, for improperly towing another vehicle, after the operator failed to stop at a red light. During the investigation, police say the operator of the vehicle being towed -- 48 year-old Ryan Robertson -- fled on foot. Robertson was taken into custody after a short pursuit on charges included aggravated unlicensed operation, obstruction... and, a city court bench warrant.
Federal prosecutors say former New York state Senate leader Dean Skelos was likely to be released from prison after testing positive for the coronavirus. The government notified a Manhattan federal judge Wednesday that it was told earlier in the day that Dean Skelos was in quarantine after testing positive. It said he has been symptom-free since April 8th. Prosecutors say the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said Skelos will be approved for furlough and home confinement once his proposed residence has been approved by U.S. Probation Department authorities.
