Hundreds of people across Chautauqua County got to catch a glimpse of a rare sight during the Noon hour Tuesday as three F-35 Air Force fighter planes performed a fly-over, honoring local health care workers and doctors. They arrived near the Chautauqua Lake Bridge about 12:35 PM... then turned south-east towards Jamestown... and, UPMC Chautauqua Hospital. Residents used several vantage points to see the F-35s. The trio of planes from the 914th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Force Reserves at Niagara Falls, along with the Vermont National Guard, had conducted a required aerial refueling training operation. Following the training... the F-35s flew over parts of Western New York to salute frontline workers during the COVID Outbreak.... as well as graduating high school seniors.
The Girl Scouts of Western New York announced that all day and resident camps will not open this Summer due to health and safety concerns related to the novel coronavirus. Girl Scouts Chief Executive Officer Alison Wilcox says it was a heartbreaking, but necessary decision.
Wilcox says the Girl Scouts have been monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Camp Association since the outbreak began in New York state. While the girls won't be able to physically go away to summer camp, they are hoping to facilitate an alternative experience virtually. Wilcox says they are continuing to monitor public health information provided. In addition, the suspension of all in-person Girl Scouts activities is extended until at least June 30th.
Chautauqua County has reported it's first pediatric case of Coronavirus.... bringing the total number of cases to 44. County Executive PJ Wendel says there are now 8 active cases... while 32 others have now recovered... and 1,451 negative test results reported to date.
It will be up to regional control teams to monitor and gauge how well the Phase-One reopenings go in New York state. Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the tentative green-light yesterday to three regional zones to begin reopening when New York Pause ends this coming Friday. During his daily COVID-19 Press Briefing in Binghampton this afternoon... Cuomo said it's up to those regional and local teams to keep an eye on the daily infection and hospital rates to make sure there's not a big outbreak.
Yesterday... Cuomo said the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and the Finger Lakes have met all seven benchmarks for opening some business activity and need to work out some logistical details by the end of the week.
The eastern portion of the 23rd Congressional District appears ready to reopen when Governor Cuomo launches "New York -- Forward" this Friday. However... Republican Representative Tom Reed says he's disappointed that the western three counties in his district -- including Chautauqua County -- appear not to be ready yet. Reed says Western New York comes up short on two of the governor's benchmarks for reopening... hospital utilization and capacity. However... he's been in constant contact with regional hospitals... and, he believes a different approach may work.
However... Reed feels Western New York region may well be able to meet the governor's benchmarks by this Friday. He's been in contact with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul about the situation involving Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties. State Senator George Borrello says many essential businesses have successfully reopened, and it's time to reopen more... and, it can be done safely.
Another Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The Village of Falconer and the Henry Mosher American Legion Post 638 "regrettably" announced the decision late Tuesday. Officials say the "safety of our residents is of the utmost importance. As a display of honor and remembrance to the men and women lost while in military service for the United States, we encourage our entire community to decorate their homes and businesses with American Flags, large and small."
