Morning News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on July 7, 2020
New York State’s Health Commissioner deflecting blame away from his boss for contributing to the high number of coronavirus deaths in New York State nursing homes.
Dr. Howard Zucker says Governor Cuomo’s executive order requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients was not a significant factor in the deaths. Rather, Zucker says, it was nursing home staff and visitors that caused the increase.
In Orleans County alone, 53 residents of two nursing homes – one in Albion and one in Medina – died from COVID-19 related illness.
Governor Cuomo says while the state’s COVID-19 numbers continue in a positive direction, he’s continuing to raise the alarm about case totals in other states. He called it “frightening” that other regions are reporting increased numbers, saying an outbreak anywhere means a potential outbreak everywhere.
That said, in New York indicators are positive, including the lowest number of new hospitalizations since March 18th.
Cuomo maintains that recent cases in New York have been tracked back to people traveling from out of state.
Genesee Community College has announced plans to bring students back to campus in a limited capacity.
GCC has outlined a series of COVID-19 safety measures for in-person classes.
All classrooms and labs have been measured to determine maximum capacity, all College Village residence bedrooms will be converted to singles and dining services will be limited to single-serve or take out items.
There are a number of other measures, all are available on our website.
A Heat Advisory officially takes effect today for Genesee County and all of Western New York.
Expect heat Index values in the mid 90’s for today and tomorrow and near 100 Thursday and Friday.
For the first time in over 70 years, thousands of people will not be heading to Syracuse for the New York State Fair. Governor Cuomo announced yesterday the popular event has been canceled as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
