All regions of New York State that are now in Phase-Two of the COVID-19 reopening can now have outdoor dining at restaurants starting June 4th. Chautauqua County Executive P-J Wendel says that's exciting news... because the idea had first come up recently during the county's COVID-19 Response Team meetings. Up to now... restaurants were limited to providing take-out or delivery services only, with full restaurant services not being able to open until Phase 3. He says he then brought up the idea to the Western New York Regional Control Room that he's part of.
Wendel adds that the county moved to Phase-Two Reopening Tuesday and, this brings us "one more step forward to safely reopening the economy." He adds, though, that the state also issued directives for outdoor dinning... including keeping a six foot distance between tables, servers wearing masks at all times, and customers wearing them when standing or walking back and forth.
There are now 90 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Virus in Chautauqua County... but, the county has also passed 4,000 people testing negative for the virus. That from County Executive P-J Wendel... who says there are two new cases reported Wednesday... including a man in his 60s... and, a woman in her 70s. Wendel says there are 15 active cases... and, 71 have now recovered. There are 257 cases under quarantine or isolation orders, and those are being monitored. Wendel says there have now been 4,008 negative test results to date.
Businesses that are part of Phase 2 of the coronavirus reopening can't just open the door and start up again. That from Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum... who says ALL businesses need to go to forward.ny.gov to sign off on certain conditions and file a plan.
In addition... Tranum adds that proprietors and customers should remember it's a new world... and, "we're still in the middle of a pandemic, and we need to take these safety precautions." For more information on how to reopen... go to the county Chamber of Commerce website. The chamber's annual County Executive Breakfast will be held as a webinar on Friday morning at 8:30.
Jamestown lawmakers will be asked to consider just over $1.1-million in a first-phase of cuts due to revenue losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Eddie Sundquist and City Comptroller Joe Bellitto released their 2020 COVID-19 Financial Restructuring Plan late Tuesday... with several across the board cuts. Sundquist says the biggest ones are $289,000 to the Public Works Department's Streets Program... and another $251,000 to the Parks Program. He says that includes closing Diethrick Park for the entire Summer... and cancellation of all festivals, and band concerts. Sundquist says there are no lay-offs in the first Phase of the plan. City Council will consider the Phase-One plan at a Special Meeting called for next Monday night.
New York's governor says he considered activating the National Guard to support New York City Police to deal with another night of protests Tuesday night. However... Cuomo says he didn't see where that needed to be done, as it ended up being a quieter night. However... protests did continue past the city's imposted curfew. Cuomo says his problem with the NYPD was how they were managed and deployed.
Cuomo has been criticized both statewide and nationwide for the decision... and, among the critics has been President Trump. However... during his daily COVID-19 press briefing Tuesday... he defended his decision. Cuomo says the National Guard would be in more of a support-role for the local authorities in such matters. He again stated that he opposed the President's threat to use the military to quell rioting, and restore civil order.
Another much anticipated Summer event in downtown Jamestown has fallen victim to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce and Der Kobblers Automobile Association today "regretfully" announce that Jamestown Cruise-In will not be held this August. Chamber Coordinator Joanna Dahlbeck says the annual event draws thousands to downtown Jamestown... but, with a focus on the health and safety... the decision has been made to cancel this year’s Cruise-In. It has now been scheduled for August of 2021.
A city woman was arrested for allegedly damaging a Jamestown business Tuesday afternoon. City Police were called to investigate the incident at 12-45 East 2nd Street. Officers say 35 year-old Tina Holland shut off power to the business's cooler, which caused the food inside to spoil... and, then be disposed of. Holland was located shortly after and placed into custody for fourth-degree criminal mischief. She was held pending arraignment.
The YMCA's Camp Onyahsa near Dewittville will become a day camp this summer. The camp's director, Jon O'Brian, says they looked carefully at all the possbilities this year, and concluded overnight camp held too high a risk for virus infection. So, the Y is 'pivoting' to a day only operation, which Jon O'Brian believes will help families... by offering three separate socially distant day camps for children age 5 to 13, and weekend retreats for up to six members of a household. In addition, one lakefront cabin will be available for daily rental all summer long. Tiered tuition and scholarships are being offered for the day camp. More information on all the new opportunities can be found at onyahsa.org. The Y says the plans now await health department approval.
