Morning News Briefing

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed an executive order directing all schools in New York to close by Wednesday, March 18th for two weeks ending April 1st.
At that time, the state will reassess whether to extend the school closures further and continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement.
Schools that exceed the closure period without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule.
According to the Governor this action will ensure consistency and uniformity across the state in instructional time for this extraordinary school year.
School districts will also be required to develop a plan for alternative instructional options, including distance learning; distribution and availability of meals; and daycare, with an emphasis on children of parents of first responders and healthcare workers.

Governor Cuomo issued another executive order Monday evening delaying village elections statewide until the April 28th primary election.

The City of Batavia has closed the Clerk’s Office to the public until further notice.
Residents can contact the Clerk’s Office via phone and/or email if you have any questions by calling 345-6305, opt 5, opt 1.
Residents who need to make a payment to the City can use the dropbox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card numbers, and have the option to mail checks.
Anyone looking to contact the City Manager’s Office and the Office of Public Works are asked to call in advance before visiting the facility.

The Batavia Ice Rink will also close until further notice, effective this morning.

All visitation has been suspended at the VA Clinic in Batavia and Volunteers should not report unless otherwise directed.
Veterans who have a scheduled appointment should keep their appointment however If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please stay home and contact your primary care provider.
If a Veteran is in need of a walk-in clinic appointment, they are asked to please contact the clinic ahead of coming in.
The Primary Care Call Center number is 716-862-8567.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases is closing in on one-thousand in New York State.
There are over 900 Empire State residents being treated right now and the number of coronavirus-related deaths is also increasing.
To try and keep the disease from spreading, Governor Cuomo has signed an executive order allowing the state to increase hospital capacity to deal with the potential influx of coronavirus cases.

The State Legislature has shut down temporarily but lawmakers could reconvene at the Capitol tomorrow.
Officials say the decision to scrap yesterday’s Senate and Assembly sessions was made in the interest of efficiency and protecting the health of lawmakers and staff.
Both chambers were supposed to vote on a package of bills involving the coronavirus, including paid sick leave for private-sector employees.
Lawmakers and Governor Cuomo say they’re also trying to hammer out a state budget before the April 1st deadline.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will have a new top wide receiver to throw to this season.
The Bills have acquired Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for several draft picks.
The 26 year old will join a receiving corps that also includes John Brown and Cole Beasley.
Last season, Diggs caught 63 passes for over 11-hundred yards and six touchdowns.