Morning News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on March 18, 2020
One resident in Genesee County has tested positive for COVID-19 also known as novel coronavirus according to the director of Genesee and Orleans Counties Health Departments Paul Pettit.
The individual who was confirmed through testing at the Erie County Health Lab yesterday afternoon is said to be over 65 years old with no recent travel out of the county and is in mandatory isolation at home.
According to the Health Department they are now “recovering nicely”.
Investigation to identify potential close contacts of the individual remains on-going and once identified, any close contacts will be notified by the Health Department of their potential exposure to COVID-19 and placed under mandatory quarantine to monitor for symptoms.
The Health Department recommends residents practice social distancing and proper germ prevention practices in order to hamper the spread of the virus.
Anyone with questions regarding COVID-19 are encouraged to call the NYSDOH Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Western New York reports it’s first coronavirus-related death.
A patient at Rochester General Hospital passed away from the virus according to the Monroe County Health Department.
The man has been identified by family members as 54-year-old Alvin Simmons.
The county says several of the 14 people who have been infected, are currently in the hospital.
Coronavirus cases have also now been confirmed in Niagara and Wyoming Counties.
The City of Batavia has declared a State of Emergency continuing in effect for no more than five 5 days in anticipation for the arrival of the Covid-19 New Coronavirus in the City.
Along with the State of Emergency the Liberty Center for Youth remains closed until further notice while all City offices are closed to the public.
The City will conduct business with the public remotely with the drop box at the front of City Hall for making bill paymens.
City Council meetings will be closed to the public until further notice as well as all other regularly scheduled board, committee, task force, or other official City of Batavia meetings.
The State Legislature is expected to be back in session today, and one order of business will be to help employees affected by coronavirus.
They’re set to approve a paid sick leave package that will give relief to those quarantined due to the disease.
It will guarantee at least two weeks of paid leave and protect the jobs of all private sector employees.
Public employees who work for companies that employ 100 or more people will get the same coverage.
All employees of smaller companies will receive job protection and have access to disability and family leave benefits while some will also get paid sick days.
