Midday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on February 18, 2021
Coronavirus numbers are improving in Genesee and Orleans Counties.
Public Health Director Paul Pettit reported on the local situation this morning. He cited statistics from just five weeks ago
Paul Pettit, Public Health Director
Similar improvements were shown in Orleans County. Pettit also said about 11 percent of Genesee County’s population has received at least the first dose of COVID vaccine.
State Police are continuing to investigate a crash in Orleans County that left one person dead.
Troopers say the two-vehicle collision happened yesterday on West County House Road in Albion. Police haven’t released the name of the person who was killed or said if anyone else was hurt.
They’re asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call them immediately.
As the state’s COVID-19 infection rate falls, more entertainment options will soon be open to all New Yorkers. Officials say indoor family entertainment centers can open March 26th, followed by amusement parks on April 9th. Capacity will be limited to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other health and safety guidelines are also going to be in place.
Day and overnight summer camps can also start making plans to reopen, but no specific date has been announced.
New York State has announced reopening dates for amusement parks and other similar venues in New York. Governor Cuomo said outdoor parks will be able to reopen on April 9, while indoor family entertainment centers will be able to reopen March 26. For any such venue, masking, temperature checks and distancing will be mandatory. Outdoor parks will be limited to 33% capacity, while indoor centers will be limited to 25% capacity. It was also that overnight summer camps, for now, will open in June.
The Buffalo Sabres will be taking the ice again tonight, and for the first time in weeks, no players are on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. After dropping two games at home this week, they’ll be in Washington, DC to take on the Washington Capitals. Face-off for tonight’s contest is set for seven p-m.
The Buffalo Bills are among one of several teams in contention to sign one of the top players in NFL history. The Buffalo News and ESPN report the Bills have reached out to free-agent J.J. Watt and that there is mutual interest between both sides about potentially reaching a deal. Watt, a three-time defensive player of the year, was released by the Houston Texans last week. He’s reportedly looking to sign with a team that’s close to reaching the Super Bowl and who also has a top-level quarterback.
