The total number of Coronavirus cases in New York State jumped up by another 5700 since Sunday, bringing the total above 20,800.  Governor Cuomo will sign an executive order to mandate that hospitals increase capacity by 50%, and he is still asking the federal Government to invoke a wartime law to mandate that companies make needed healthcare items like masks, scrubs & ventilators, to stop the bidding war between the states that are trying to acquire these items:

(Cuomo 3-23-20)

Tomorrow, testing will begin on anti-malaria drugs to see if they can help lower the number of Coronavirus cases across the state.

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Otsego County Health Department announced that they have had their first positive Coronavirus test.  The individual was in close contact with another person who had tested positive in another county, that person is quarantined & close contacts have been notified.

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The New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced today that they are officially cancelling the 2020 winter state championships. The sports that were still left to play were boys and girls basketball, bowling and ice hockey. Plans are being developed to honor and formally recognize the students and teams who qualified to participate in these championship events. The status of the spring state championships will be determined on or prior to Monday, April 27th.

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The New York State Academy of Family Physicians has released a new statement linking Tobacco use and Covid-19.  New Research indicates that Patients who use tobacco are 14 times more likely to have Covid-19 progression; they support the total ban for Tobacco products due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Those thinking about quitting can call the Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-697-8487

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Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tina Mole is asking people from outside of the county, to not visit here at this time.  Mole also reminded residents that Congregations of more than 50 persons are a direct violation of the Governor’s Executive Order & it could quickly overwhelm the County healthcare system if there is a large influx of coronavirus cases.

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New York State put out a call for retired healthcare professionals to enlist in the state’s Coronavirus response & they also called on qualified medical & nursing school students to enlist.  Governor Cuomo stated that 30,000 people have responded, but more are needed, they can enlist health.ny.gov/assistance

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State Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch are not happy with a mailing sent out by Republican Assembly Candidate Nick Libous, Assemblyman Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 3-23-20)

Assemblyman Crouch announced that he would not seek re-election after 25 years in the State Assembly, leading to a number of candidates coming forward to replace him, & he promptly endorsed former Norwich police chief, Fireman & Military combat veteran Joe Angelino for his Assembly Seat.

President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for New York due to the coronavirus outbreak.  The FEMA announced federal disaster assistance is available to New York to supplement coronavirus recovery efforts.  The move makes federal crisis counseling funds available to affected individuals in all areas of the state.

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Delaware County received 2 new positive reports Saturday, 1 positive case do not reside in Delaware County; the case was transferred to New York City Health Department. Currently, Delaware County has 2 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, they are unrelated. Delaware County Public Health Services in partnership with the New York State Department of Health, local hospitals and healthcare providers is actively investigating these cases and providing guidance on reducing the spread (i.e., quarantine, cleaning and other recommendations) as appropriate.

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Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced Saturday that the 1st person in Broome County has died from the coronavirus in Lourdes Hospital. The individual was a new case in addition to those 2 previously announced late last week; the Broome County Health Department is trying to locate all those who came in contact with the deceased for testing & possible quarantine.

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The Bainbridge Guilford Central School district announced that 1 member of their staff has tested positive for the Coronavirus, they do not believe that there was any contact at the school & there should be no risk to staff or students at this time.  The investigation is ongoing.

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The Delaware County Clerk has announced that All Department of Motor Vehicles Offices will be closed as of Monday March 23, 2020 until further notice.  This is in compliance with the Executive Order of Governor Cuomo on March 20, 2020.  This order supersedes the previous posting of reduced hours for Department of Motor Vehicle Offices in Delaware County.

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Governor Cuomo announced that those who run a New York State business that collects sales tax, that were supposed to file Quarterly tax return on Friday,  will not be penalized if they didn’t pay, due to the COVID-19 crisis, which led to layoffs, & business closures.

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Delaware County officials announced that due to the Coronavirus situation, they will not be requiring businesses to pay for occupancy tax at this time.

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There will be an emergency Red Cross Blood Drive at the Sidney Fireman’s Training Center on River Street in Sidney Today, from 10:00 Am to 3:00 PM.

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The Sidney Village Board will meet Monday at 7:00 PM; the meeting is closed to the public but will be streamed live on Facebook.

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