UPMC Chautauqua has administered more than 250 COVID-19 Vaccines now...
More doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are being administered at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown in the effort to get all front-line workers, and the vulnerable, vaccinated. That from the hospital's Vice-President of Operations, Cecil Miller, who says they got the inital shipment of 900 doses about a week ago. Miller said Tuesday they had already given about 250 initial doses so far. He says they've given out 219 doses to front-line nurses and doctors, and 21 others in Alster EMS. More doses were given to eligible community members starting yesterday. Miller adds that, unless you are an employee of UPMC Chautauqua, you will have to set up and appointment to get the second dose in about four weeks. The employees will be scheduled internally. Several other locations... including the Heritage Ministries skilled nursing facilities... and, Lutheran have also been administering shots. Miller says there have been no bad reactions reported from the shots.
Chautauqua County reports 81 new COVID cases on Tuesday...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting 81 new cases of COVID-19 over the past day... bringing the total locally to nearly 3,500. Officials say there have been 3,496 cases to date... and, 441 of those are currently active. There are 23 new cases in Dunkirk... and, 19 in Jamestown. Officials say 38 people are currently hospitalized... and, 3,026 have now recovered.
Cattaraugus County reports 68 new COVID cases...
There are 68 new cases of COVID-19 in Cattaraugus County from Tuesday. The county Health Department reports there are now 2,407 total cases so far... and, 455 are now active. There are 37 people hospitalized... and, 45 deaths so far. Cattaraugus also reports 1,905 have now recovered from COVID-19.
Cuomo announces new guidance reducing time in quarantine...
Asymptomatic individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 can now end their quarantine after 10 days in New York under new guidance the governor announced Tuesday. That's down from the 14-day period recommended since the pandemic began. New York and other states have eased their guidance in light of guidance released earlier this month by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Governor Andrew Cuomo said individuals exposed to the virus can now end their quarantine after 10 days without a test as along as they experienced no symptoms during the quarantine period.
Salvation Army Kettle Campaign raises nearly $150,000...
The Salvation Army of Jamestown will be well positioned to help those in need in 2021. On Tuesday... Major Kim Merchant told our Dennis Webster and Russ Diethrick the 'Red Kettle Campaign' greatly exceeded its goal of $115,000... raising just over $149,000. In addition, the Jamestown effort will benefit from an unknown benefactor, who will be doubling the money raised from kettle campaigns throughout the Northeast. Major Merchant believes the extra money will allow the Salvation Army to help people weather the pandemic and get back on their feet. She says that will take time... especially for people who live paycheck to paycheck. Major Kim, and her husband... Major John Merchant... expressed deep thanks to all the people in the community who pitched in to make the kettle campaign such a great success.
Jamestown looking at $1-Million shortfall in 2020...
The city of Jamestown is on-track to end fiscal year 2020 with a $1-million deficit. That from Comptroller Ryan Thompson... who says if the city doesn't not receive it's additional $1-million dollars in general state aid... that shortfall could be higher. Members of the City Council were briefed prior to Monday night's voting session on the city's "over and under" for the year. Thompson says he's already anticipating a reduction in state aid for the year... and, says that includes an anticipated 20-percent cut in the $1-million in additional aid. He told lawmakers the biggest area they were "over" on was city employee salaries. He adds that this also includes the $1.15-million reduction in expenses the City Council approved earlier this year... due to expected losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the year is complete... Thompson and the city's new third-party auditor will review the final figures.
Borrello votes no to Eviction and Foreclosure Act after amendment fails...
Local state legislature representatives voted against the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act after trying to amend the measure. That from State Senator George Borrello... who says "as currently written, this legislation is so deeply flawed, I had no alternative other than to vote no." Borrello says the measure would cause further financial damage by denying revenue to property owners without even requiring a tenant to provide some kind of proof of financial difficulty." The change proposed would add provisions... includling one to require a tenant to meet a hardship income threshold, similar to what is in place in California... and, require a tenant to make smaller rent payments each month. The legislation was approved in both the Senate and Assembly. Local Assemblyman Andy Goodell also voted no on the measure.
Two escape serious injury in Conewango rollover accident...
Two people had to be rescued from their partially submerged car after it crashed into a ditch in Cattaraugus County... and, rolled onto it's side. Sheriff's Deputies in Little Valley were called to the scene on Route 62 in Conewango shortly before 6 pm last Saturday... and, found both occupants inside the vehicle. Officers and local rescue crews freed the pair from the vehicle, and they were evaluated at the scene. Deputies say both signed off on any further treatment. Neither occupant was identified, and no charges were filed.
