Morning News Brief
Written by Michael Baldwin on June 4, 2021
New York has a new record-low for single-day and 7-day average COVID positivity rate. The statewide rate had dropped to 0.44% with the 7-Day average has been lowered to 0.60%. New York has had 59 consecutive days of decline. Hospitalizations have also dropped to under 1,000 for the first time since October 21st.
United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee County Parks Department are partnering to prevent park visitors from skin cancer. Through a grant provided to the Medical Center’s Healthy Living Program, five sunscreen dispensers have been installed throughout DeWitt Recreation Area for the 50,000 people who frequent it each year. This project is supported by Health Research, Inc. and the New York State Department of Health with funds from the CDC.
The New York State of Health – the state’s official health plan Marketplace – has reached a record-breaking enrollment total of 6 million New Yorkers who have signed up for health insurance through the Marketplace across Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans. This coincides with the new and increased financial assistance now available to New Yorkers through the American Rescue Plan for consumers enrolling in commercial coverage.
Field trip dates at the Genesee Park & Forest are open for schools, youth groups, scouts and more for June and throughout the rest of the year. This summer the parks are offering The Great Escape, a grant-funded program that provides outdoor recreation for youth groups in Genesee County. Activities include fishing, kayaking and hiking. School field trips at the Genesee County Parks are designed to support state learning standards for STEM, grades pre-K through 12. In addition to field trips at county parks, you can book a visit to your facility year-round.
New York State Senate Republican Rob Ortt has penned a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to ease mask mandates in schools, particularly as new COVID cases are at record lows and temperatures are expected to increase dramatically next week. According to Ortt, we are heading into the summer months, and with temperatures expected to soar into the 90s throughout New York State next week, it’s time to ease the mask mandate in our schools. He added many school buildings do not have air conditioning, so to require face coverings in dangerous temperatures will be detrimental not only to their physical health, but also to their ability to focus and learn.”
A murder suspect has been apprehended in Wyoming County. An alert sheriff’s investigator spotted 35-year-old Matthew Figura Jr. Thursday. Once backup arrived, police swarmed around the man. He was taken into custody without incident. He is accused of shooting a co-worker at Niagara Metals.
A new trial to test the effectiveness of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children will be starting this month in Rochester. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are enrolling participants in pediatric trials starting on Monday.
Veterinarians can now allow owners inside with their pets with no masks if they are vaccinated. Previously the restriction that made vets have to do curbside service were in effect but the new guidelines allow vets to operate as any other business.
