COVID-19 Daily Update, April 29, 2020

SITUATIONAL UPDATE

April 29, 2020

New Cases

·         As of 2:00 p.m.

o   Genesee County received 1 new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 149 positive cases

§  The individual resides in Batavia.

§  The individual is under the age of 20.

§  The newly positive individual was on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.

§  1 of the previous positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.

§  3 of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. 

§  1 of the total active positive cases is at a non-hospital regulated facility.

o   Orleans County received 4 new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 90 positive cases

§  One of the individuals resides in Murray.

§  Three of the positive cases were from The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab Facility.

§  One individual is in their 20’s, one individual is in their 60’s, one individual is in their 70’s, and one individual is in their 80’s.

§  One of the newly positive individuals was on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.

§  4 of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.

§  5 of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.

 Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans County online map of confirmed cases

 ·         The NYS Health Department will partner with the State’s Attorney General to investigate nursing home violations.  A hotline or online form can be submitted where residents, families, or members of the public can share complaints about nursing homes that have not provided required communications with families about COVID-19 diagnoses or fatalities, nursing home abuse, and neglect including failure to follow rules to keep residents safe.  The hotline number is 833-249-8499 or click the link for the online form:  https://ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes

·         Swabbing and antibody testing is becoming increasingly available in the WNY region.   If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your primary care provider and they will determine if testing is right for you.  If the counties receive an increase in swabbing supplies and the protocol for testing is changed, we will notify the public.  The Health Departments are not providing public swabbing due to lack of supplies.  For more information on testing click here.

·         There is still no cure or vaccination available for COVID-19.  Be alert to scams or home remedies.  Contact your primary care provider if you have any symptoms and follow his/her instructions.

Mental Health

·         Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult. Below are resources that can help you connect to a professional that can help you through these challenging times:

o   Care + Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text  ‘Talk’ to 741741

o   New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling

·         Domestic Violence:  For New Yorkers in need of help or assistance, they can text 844-997-2121 or can go to the new confidential online site to reach a professional at www.opdv.ny.gov The new text program and confidential online service will make it easier for victims who are isolated with their abusers to get help.  Both the text and online service are staffed 24/7 by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Staff who are experts in the area of domestic violence.

·         Phase Two of the State’s Antibody Testing Survey:  Preliminary results show 14.9% of the population have COVID-19

·         New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate blood. Here’s information on how to donate or for the American Red Cross Donation Program, click here.

·         Complaints regarding businesses are being referred to the State Department of Labor via online form https://labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/coronavirus-complaints.shtm or phone:  1-822-789-0470.

·         New York State on PAUSE: To assist local authorities with enforcement of these orders, the Governor established the New York State PAUSE Enforcement Assistance Task Force where individuals can file complaints regarding the operation of non-essential businesses or gatherings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here to file a complaint online. You may also call 1-833-789-0470. Businesses that are not in compliance with the Governor’s executive order may be penalized.