Afternoon News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on October 9, 2020
Governor Cuomo announced new restrictions for COVID hotspots in the Empire state closing schools imposing a max limit of 10 people in synagogues and churches and imposing restrictions on businesses. Genesee county is not one of these hotspots and the finger lakes region is still under 1 percent infection. The counties and communities having to face these restrictions are all in or near New York City at this time. Officials are warning that schools being open and the flu season may cause increased spread in all areas. New York state had over 1800 new cases yesterday and 9 deaths. The united States continues to have from 30 to 50 thousand cases daily although the number of deaths compared to cases has been dropping since June.
Congressman Brian Higgins is asking the federal government to meet Canadian officials halfway with opening up the border between the US and Canada at least to family members and those who own property on the other side. Earlier this week Canadian officials announced that they wanted to open the border to extended family members including long term dating relationships before the Canadian thanksgiving. Higgins also sent a letter to President Trump asking for some leniency in the border restrictions.
COVID Update: Case numbers in Genesee county continue to rise with 8 new cases in Alabama, Batavia, Elba and Stafford. 21 new people are on travel quarantine. One of the new cases is a resident of the veterans home. In Orleans county there are 2 new cases and 7 new people are on travel quarantine. There are a total of 26 active cases in Genesee county and 8 in Orleans.
Genesee community college is offering new fast paced classes starting October 26th. These classes cover everything from College composition to textiles and will take only 7 weeks. The courses are meant to help students meet their general education and program course requirements and are able to be completed entirely online.
Independent living of the Genesee region is running its walk run and roll 5K or 10K race and fundraiser from October 18th to 31st. It is completely virtual so participants can choose their own route. There is also a scavenger hunt involved where participants are challenged to locate particular sights and sounds of nature, city life, and Halloween decorations in a unique feature to the “race.” The entrance fee is 25 dollars and participants get a t shirt. You can sign up on the independent living Facebook page or by calling independent living at 585 815 8501 extension 411.
Congressman Christ Jacobs dropped a press release criticizing his opponent Nate McMurray for supporting packing the supreme court. McMurray tweeted on Monday that he would pack the courts to save choice, marriage equality and preexisting conditions and Jacobs responded by saying that this would be very dangerous for the future of our democracy, undermining the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary. Jacobs called on all people to denounce the radical and destructive agenda championed by McMurray. Vice President Biden and Kamala Harris have refused to say whether they would or would not pack the supreme court if elected.
