COVID-19

Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee and Orleans counties, is determined to look beyond the rumors and posturing to make sure his department is ready when federal and state governments roll out the first phase of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“There’s a lot of chatter out there … locally, we’ll have our plan ready,” Pettit said on Monday afternoon as he advised the Genesee County Legislature’s Human Services Committee of the importance of three resolutions pertaining to the health department’s readiness to administer a vaccine.

The first resolution renews the county’s agreement with Genesee Community College to use the campus – at no charge -- as a Point of Dispensing Clinic during an emergency for the period of Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2023.

Pettit said GCC (possibly the new athletic facility) is an ideal site for distributing the vaccine, which he said likely will be made available in phases – first to elder care facilities such as nursing homes and then to healthier adults and children.

He mentioned that there could be up to 30 million doses by the end of the year, but didn’t know how many the county would get, speculating maybe 50 to 100 doses of the initial outlay. He noted that as the number of public vaccinations increase, private providers and pharmacies would be enlisted to support the health department’s efforts.

For smaller clinics, Pettit said the county already has the use of the fairgrounds and County Building II.

Pettit also responded to Legislator John Deleo’s comments about New York State wanting to review any federally approved vaccine before allowing it to be dispensed to its residents and about talk that the proposed vaccines are not sufficient for minorities.

That’s when he said he and his staff are focused not on the “chatter” but on making sure they are prepared when the time comes.

A second resolution was an agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for the CDC to provide vaccine to the Genesee County Health Department at no cost to the county.

“This is the first step for us to receive the vaccine when it becomes available,” Pettit said, adding that he hasn’t heard of any vaccines that have cleared phase three of their trials yet.

A third resolution was a request to create a full-time COVID-19 Response Specialist, a Civil Service position, effective Nov. 12, 2020. The position would be funded by COVID-19 monies until June 30, 2022, at no cost to the county.

Pettit said coronavirus funding previously created one job and now the department needs this one, borrowing the title from a similar position in Wyoming County.

He said he wasn’t sure of the pay rate, thinking it was around $17 to $18 per hour, and noted that the job is tied to Orleans County and could lead to a full-time position.

Responsibilities of the Response Specialist would be to assist with contact tracing, testing and – eventually – vaccination. Pettit said the county continues to utilize the services of contact tracers employed by the state.

The Human Services Committee approved all three resolutions, which now will be forwarded to the Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday.

In a related development, the committee approved a contract renewal with Mary Younge of Rochester to provide nursing services on an as-needed basis for 2021. Pettit said Younge provided support to the county at the outset of the coronavirus outbreak in March, April and May.

Press release:

Due to Election Day, there will be no press briefing, no update on the map, nor on the respective county websites. Updates will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

New Cases: As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Batavia, Bergen, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield and Pavilion.
  • The individual are in their 30s, 50s, and 60s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Sixteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  •  
  • Orleans County received three new positives case of COVID-19.
  •  
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s and 60s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Seven new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Twenty-five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers announces the cancellation of the fall “Great Batavia Train Show” that was scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15^th, at the Call Arena, Genesee Community College, Batavia.

The show that typically attracts 1,200 to 1,500 model railroad enthusiasts and railfans from across Western and Central New York, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario, Canada is the latest club event to become a casualty of COVID-19 restrictions.

 “The GSME appreciates the efforts of the GCC administration in trying to get the event approved,” said Mike Pyszczek, show chairman. “Unfortunately, like so many other gatherings, we will have to wait for our next opportunity to meet.”

 The next “Great Batavia Train Show” is scheduled for April 11.

Press release:

Rochester Regional Health opened three COVID-19 collection sites as an extension of RRH (and Greater Rochester Independent Practice Association (GRIPA)) primary care practices to ensure patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 are properly tested while limiting exposure to other patients and staff.

These trailers are NOT open to everyone, nor are they drive-through sites.

Patients must have a lab testing order from their provider, which means they must have been evaluated by their provider via either telemedicine or an in-office visit before coming to our sites. Patients will be billed for testing, but not charged for the trailer visit. 

Locations

• Wilson Immediate Care parking lot on the Rochester General Hospital (1425 Portland Ave. Rochester, NY 14621) campus (Monroe County)
• Geneva Medical Campus (Ontario County) - 875 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456
• Jerome Center (Genesee County) – 16 Bank St., Batavia

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

A global pandemic didn't dampen Halloween spirits in Batavia though many people took care to keep their distance and wear masks as trick-or-treaters descended on area homes.

These photos were taken on Redfield Parkway and Ellicott Avenue.

A local pediatrician is expressing his concern regarding the upcoming flu season and some parents’ decision not to have their children vaccinated.

Dr. Khurrum Sanaullah joined Rochester Regional Health in April and is affiliated with United Memorial Medical Center and Orleans Community Health, offering pediatric services at Batavia Pediatrics and Medina Family Medicine.

Last week Dr. Sanaullah gave a Zoom videoconference on his concern about a recent poll which found that one out of three parents do not plan to have their child vaccinated for the flu. Furthermore, the poll revealed that only one out of three parents believe it is more important for their child to get the flu vaccine this year, compared to past years.

The two major contributing reasons revealed in the study indicate parents are keeping their kids away from health care sites during COVID-19; and parents are concerned due to misinformation about side effects and the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.

Dr. Sanaullah states it is even more important this year for children to get a flu shot because of the coronavirus pandemic. He adds, the best time to have the flu shot is now.

He said the flu vaccine does not cause any serious side effects, and it is much better to get sick from the vaccine than from the flu itself. 

“Your symptoms will be much milder,” he said. “The medical profession has never showed that the flu vaccine causes serious side effects.”

The doctor also said symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are very similar – chills, fever, body aches, cough, headache, vomiting and diarrhea, and if a person developed both, it could be a big problem.

“It’s a very smart idea to get your children vaccinated,” the doctor said. 

He said all children between the ages of 6 months and 21 years should have the flu vaccine. The vaccine can be administered at a local pharmacy, although many pharmacies won’t vaccinate a child under 6.

Dr. Sanaullah said the flu season is typically from September through April and the earlier the flu vaccine is administered, the better. But it is never too late. 

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Pembroke.
  • The individual is in their 60s.
  • The individual was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized. 
  • Genesee County was informed yesterday, Oct. 29, that a student at the Le Roy Junior/Senior High School has tested positive for COVID-19. Last day the student was in the school was Tuesday, Oct. 27. All contacts have been identified and have been placed under mandatory quarantine.

   

  • Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.

   

  • The new positive case resides in Gaines.
  • The individual is in their 50s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) announces that it will also adopt the newly added New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) veteran and active military waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Nov. 14.

This hunt will operate similar to the regular season waterfowl hunt in that individual hunting stands will be decided at 5 a.m. on the morning of the hunt through a random drawing.

The draw will be held at the Refuge Shop at 1101 Casey Road, Basom to ensure the safety of staff and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mapping applications may try to take you to Sour Springs Road, so ensure it is directing you to the Iroquois NWR Admin Building at the above address. 

This is a free hunt for veteran and active military personnel.

State regulations apply including required documentation, which can be found on the DEC website. Refuge specific regulations also apply. Please visit the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.

Second Session of Waterfowl Hunting Season

Iroquois NWR will also be open for the second session of the waterfowl hunting season beginning on Nov. 28. Permits will be available online for all blinds on a first come, first serve basis.

Permits will be made available two days prior to the hunt day at 6 p.m. and close at 5 a.m. the morning of the hunt. You will receive your permit for your blind immediately via RecAccess. Since you will select your blind at check out, there will be no morning blind draw.

All other rules and regulations apply.  

For further information please see visit the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge website or contact Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge by email at Iroquois@fws.gov or Visitor Services Specialist Eric Schaertl at (585) 948-5445, ext. 7036.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) held a press conference this morning to highlight the critical need for additional state and local COVID-19 relief funding. He was joined by NYS Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Mike Norris, Niagara County Legislature Chair Rebecca Wydysh, and Orleans County Legislature Chair Lynne Johnston. 

"Our small rural governments are struggling and facing severe cuts to first responders, education, hospitals, and other critical services unless additional aid is provided to them," Jacobs said.

"I am working tirelessly to ensure they are supported, and that is why I proudly cosponsored the SMART Act to deliver $500 billion in relief, specifically $161 billion to county and municipal governments that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 revenue loss and expenses."

"The state's Division of Budget is currently withholding 3 billion dollars in COVID-19 recovery funds, a third of which could be immediately distributed to the smaller counties of our state that did not receive assistance previously," Ortt said.

"By releasing this funding, the Governor could provide much-needed support to our counties, towns, villages, and cities, these counties and municipalities that are struggling to maintain vital services due to the economic impacts of the COVID pandemic." 

“I commend Congressman Jacobs for supporting the SMART Act to assist municipalities recover during COVID-19," Assemblyman Norris said. "It is very important that this proposal gets enacted to assist counties like Niagara and Orleans to directly receive funding to help taxpayers and small businesses rebuild."

"The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the local economies of all counties across New York State, large and small, and as such, all counties should have received a share of CARES Act dollars,” Wydysh said. "We do not begrudge the fact that Erie County received funding, and quite frankly, they have done some great things like grants to small businesses that we would emulate.

"That is why I join with Congressman Jacobs and my colleagues in calling on New York State to release CARES dollars that are still sitting in Albany to counties like Niagara that so far have received nothing."

"I am calling on Governor Cuomo to release CARES Act funds to our rural counties. Each day that he stalls forces smaller counties to make difficult decisions," Johnson said.

In NY-27, Monroe County and Erie County received CARES Act funding because they met the population threshold of over 500,000 residents. With this funding these counties were able to launch programs to aid towns and small businesses.

Meanwhile, smaller counties, including Orleans and Niagara, have received little to no funding. The SMART Act would send one-third of the $500 billion ($161 billion) directly to local governments based on revenue loss, population size, and COVID-19 caseload.

There are now 30 active cases in Genesee County. The highest recorded total since April 15, when there were 32 active cases.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received 12 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Pavilion, and Oakfield.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s (1), 20s (4), 30s (2), 40s (1), 50s (3), and 60s (1).
  • Five of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Three of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Yates.
  • The individuals are in their 60s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Eighteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • Orleans County was informed today, Oct. 28, that a staff member of Lyndonville Central School District has tested positive for COVID-19. Last day the staff member was in the school was Friday, Oct. 23. All contacts have been identified and have been placed under mandatory quarantine.

Press release:

On Oct. 6, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new cluster action initiative to address COVID-19 hotspots that have or may be identified in certain areas of New York.

“Under the Governor’s initiative to prevent cluster activity it is important to understand the detrimental impact having a cluster can have on our counties,” said Rochelle Stein, Genesee County Legislative Chair. “Currently, neither Genesee nor Orleans counties have any such clusters/hotspots.”

We can take simple steps to continue our low positivity rates going forward.

According to the Governor’s release, the State has developed a science-based approach to contain these clusters and contain any further spread of the virus, including new rules and restrictions directly targeted to areas with the highest concentration of COVID-19 cases and the surrounding areas.

• Under Executive Order 202.68, certain actives in cluster zones are restricted, and any permitted activities in such zones (Red, Orange, Yellow), must be conducted in strict adherence to Department of Health guidance.
• For more information go to the Empire State Development guidance and the New York Forward website for updated information on locations of and operating restrictions within the clusters.

The Cluster Initiative will take the most significant action within the cluster (Red Zone), moderate action in the area surrounding the cluster to stop the spread (Orange Zone), and precautionary action in the outlying communities (Yellow Zone). Fines for the sponsors of mass gatherings in violation of state public health rules will be increased to $15,000. To see the restrictions within the clusters click here.

“As we continue to move forward through this pandemic and begin to see an increase in both testing and positive cases, we can expect to see changes in the cluster hotspots. Generally the zones are identified as a hotspot for a period of 14 days, but that is also subject to change if the hotspot doesn’t show improvement during that time,” said Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health departments.

GO Health continues to remind our residents of the relevant Executive Orders and Public Health Laws to:

• Limit gatherings, (the state maintains no more than 50 at any nonessential gatherings, fines may be levied to those ignoring this order);
• Properly wearing mask/face coverings (nose and mouth covered) whenever in public indoors and outdoors, especially when physical distancing is difficult to maintain;
• Frequently wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (that contains at least 60 percent alcohol) if soap and water are not readily available;
• Consider alternatives to family and friend gatherings to decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
• With the impending flu season, it is also important to get this year’s flu vaccine to help lower the risk of being hospitalized with serious complications of the flu.
• As always, if you are experiencing any COVID-19 or flu symptoms – STAY HOME!

Symptoms for both COVID-19 (may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus) and the flu (generally sudden onset) can be similar and may include any of the following: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell (COVID-19); sore throat; congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Talk with your primary care provider before going to the office.

If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and/or have bluish lips or face, seek emergency care immediately.

“We all want this to be over, but it will take time,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County legislative chair. “We can get through this together if we take care of our health, limit contact with nonhousehold members and be respectful and wear a mask/face covering when in public.”

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received four new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia, Bergen, Darien, and Le Roy. 
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 40s, 60s, and 70s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Thirteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Three of the positive individuals are hospitalized. 
  • Genesee County Health Department received one of Elba elementary students has a confirmed case of COVID-19. The last date the student was in school was Oct. 23. The Genesee County Health Department will be in touch with the students that were identified in our contract tracing efforts. Elba’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program will be going to a 100-percent distance learning model until Nov. 9.  

• Orleans County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The new positive cases reside in Carlton, Barre, Shelby and Murray.
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 40s, 60s and 70s.
• None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
• Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Orleans County was informed today, Oct. 28, that one of the Albion students has tested positive for COVID-19. The student is a hybrid learner in the Albion Middle School. Last day the student was in the school was Thursday, Oct. 22, all contacts have been identified and have been placed under mandatory quarantine.

Press release:

• Genesee County received four new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia, LeRoy, and Pavilion.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s, and 60s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-five new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Carlton, Clarendon and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and 80s.
  • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Four new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Nine of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.

Also, the Health Department released the following health alert:

Photos and information from Heather Klein, 400 Towers case manager.

Some of our residents at 400 Towers in Batavia painted pumpkins. It was a fun way to have some activity for our residents during times of COVID-19.

One that stands out in particular (top photo) was made by a resident who painted a pumpkin the colors of candy corn and added a mask. 

Another resident thought it was a great reminder to the community to wear masks and suggested that we contact The Batavian.

The pumpkin painter of the top photo is Pauline Hensel.

Below, the top left and bottom right pumpkins were done by AJ Taylor. The top right and bottom left were done by Patricia (Pat) Larson.

Press release:

• Genesee County received five new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Bergen, Bethany and Le Roy.
  • The individuals are in their 20s and 60s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Thirteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Two of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • The Genesee County Health Department received notification from the State that the individual previously reported as positive at Premier Genesee has been identified as a negative COVID patient; therefore the individual has been removed from our numbers.
     
• Orleans County received 19 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and 80s.
  • Two of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • Five of the new positive individuals are students at Albion Central School District, which include the elementary, the middle and the high schools. Four of the students had not been in school for the week prior to testing positive. The Health Department determined there is no need to do further contact tracing in the school for those students. Contact tracing regarding the fifth student has been completed. Staff members and parents of any students who were identified as being close contacts have been notified by the Health Department. The individuals are under mandatory isolation and will remain there until fully recovered. Contact tracing is in process. Individuals identified by the health department as being close contacts have been and/or will be contacted by the health department contact tracers and placed under mandatory quarantine. Individuals identified by the health department as being a close contact will be expected to follow the New York State Department of Health quarantine guidelines.

Press release:

When Royalty Free Radio Hour first envisioned “The Brain of Dr. Delgado,” the inaugural episode of their "In the Dark" series, it would have incorporated suggestions and participation from a live audience. Then came COVID-19.

The all-improvised original radio play was written by members of Defiant Monkey Improv, Karen Eichler and Andrew Spragge.

“The program came to life through a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts administered by the Arts Service Initiative of Western New York,” Eichler said, “but without a live audience we needed to improvise – which is of course what we’re great at!”

Spragge added, “A friend volunteers at the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service and recommended we talk with them. They had just added the internet to their broadcast platform, enabling listeners who are blind or have a print disability to access their programs online as well as on-air.”

“So not only do we get to share this suspense thriller with a wonderful audience, we get to take advantage of the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service’s technology to make the program available to thousands of people, wherever they may be!”

Michael Benzin, executive director of the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service, likes both the change of pace and the local impact of the partnership.

“Nearly all our programs feature newspapers, magazines, books and other printed publications being read by volunteers," Benzin said. "We know our listeners value this service, but the inclusion of a new radio play on our playlist will bring them something exciting and a little different.

"It also allows us to show off our new live streaming and podcasting capabilities and introduce new listeners to our service.”

The nonprofit Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service has been serving people who are blind, have low vision, or have other print disabilities that make holding a book or turning a page difficult for more than 30 years.

Defiant Monkey Improv is a two-person improvisational group that creates on-the-spot theatre based on audience suggestions and participation. Performers Karen Eichler and Andrew Spragge are experienced improvisers, actors, professional development specialists, and teaching artists who love to have as much fun as possible. They are the authors of the book "The 5 Elements of Improv: How to Take Your Improv to the Next Level."

“The Brain of Dr. Delgado” will air live several times next week, including Halloween.

• Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 26 & 27 at 8 a.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 & 30 at 11 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.

A livestream will be available through the agency’s website, www.nfradioreading.org, for listeners without the special reading radio.

For those that can’t wait or want to listen on their own schedule, a podcast of the show is available on-demandthrough both the website and many popular podcast players like Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher. The service is also available on smart phones through the Seros or Zeno apps as well as through Amazon and Google smart speakers.

Biographies

Karen Eichler began performing improvisation with ComedySportz in 1997, graduated from The Second City Toronto and has performed on stages across the country. She has also performed with a script in shows such as Annie the Musical, and as Madame Thenardier in "Les Miserables" and has been a children’s show performer and storyteller since 2000. Eichler has a master’s degree in Education and has been a university professor since 1997, most recently teaching Public Speaking and College Writing.

Andrew Spragge began improvising in 2005 with ComedySportz, and has been acting and directing since 1982. He has been seen in various productions over the years including as Daddy Warbucks in "Annie," and Monsieur Thenardier in "Les Miserables." An accomplished actor, director, children’s show performer and corporate trainer, Spragge is also a graphic designer and worked as a middle school Science and Math teacher. Currently, he is a Mission Commander at the Challenger Learning Center in Lockport.

Press release:

• Genesee County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Darien and Oakfield.
  • The individuals are in their 20s and 60s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Five new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • Five of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received three new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Carlton and Murray.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s and 40s.
  • Two of the individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fourteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the new positive individuals is a student at Holley Jr. Sr. High School. The individual was under mandatory quarantine at the time they tested positive. The individual is under mandatory isolation and will remain there until fully recovered. Contact tracing is in process. Individuals identified by the health department as being close contacts have been and/or will be contacted by the health department contact tracers and placed under mandatory quarantine. Individuals identified by the health department as being a close contact will be expected to follow the New York State Department of Health quarantine guidelines.

Press release:

New York State hosts 3,500 miles of railroad track, with over 2,700 at-grade railroad crossings. Twenty-two people were killed in New York during 2019 due to train collisions, but nearly every collision occurring at railroad crossings could have been prevented if drivers followed safety procedures.

In an effort to save lives, New York Operation Lifesaver and TravelCenters of America have teamed up to educate professional drivers about a little-known part of railroad safety operation in the United States, the Emergency Notification System.

Every public railroad crossing in the United States has a blue and white an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, but very few drivers, be they members of the general public or trained professional drivers, are aware of the existence of the ENS sign.

The signs instructs you about what to do if your vehicle is stuck on the tracks: Get out of the vehicle; move away from the tracks; and call the number on the Emergency Notification System sign.

The sign also says: "Freight trains take a mile or more to stop. Don't put yourself and others in danger. Call the ENS number. Only they can stop the train!"

Trucks hauling large loads often use trailers with low clearance. Due to the low clearance, these types of trailers can and do get hung up at raised railroad crossings.

The ENS sign provides information about who to call when stuck on or near the tracks, and the crossing’s location. With the information on the ENS sign, railroads can avert a tragedy.

New York Operation Lifesaver’s multifaceted public safety campaign targets professional drivers with public service announcements at gas stations and at rest areas, as well as using Geofence advertising techniques to send ads and videos to this target audience.

The campaign will use these geofence techniques at all TravelCenters of America locations in New York, while also employing posters and hand cards to reinforce the message. Several locations in Western NY will be used in this campaign, including the TravelCenters of America Corfu location at 8420 Alleghany Road, and NYS Thruway service areas Angola and Clarence. 

“We want to show all drivers that the ENS system can stave off tragedies,” said Phil Merens, state coordinator of New York Operation Lifesaver. “It’s a shame that so few people know about the blue and white ENS sign at every at-grade railroad crossing.

"We’re extremely excited to be working with TravelCenters of America on this campaign. They’re one of the largest and best run truck stop operators in the U.S., and their participation in this campaign will help us reach an enormous number of professional drivers across New York.”

“When New York Operation Lifesaver approached us about partnering on this safety campaign, we realized this outreach effort could save the lives of some of the hardest working people in America, professional drivers,” said Barry Richards, president of TravelCenters of America.

“These heroic men and women have kept this country moving through COVID-19 and we’re happy to do anything to help keep these professional drivers safe while working so hard for everyone in this nation.”

During the course of New York Operation Lifesaver’s safety campaign, the ENS message has been seen over a million times, with millions of on-line ads and video plays still to come as the campaign continues through October. It is estimated that due to TravelCenters of America’s partnership in this campaign, that every day nearly a thousand New Yorkers will see the ENS posters or receive a hand card educating them about ENS basics.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have the access to professional drivers where they work. Our partnership with TravelCenters of America is an example of corporate community engagement for a great cause; saving lives,” Merens said.