Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

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NORWICH- Chenango County officials confirmed 33 positive case of COVID-19 Friday.

The positive cases jumped by 21 since Sunday.

Officials said 101 people remain in precautionary quarantine and 218 are under mandatory quarantine.

The Chenango County Health Department said testing has been limited due to lack of available kits in local hospitals. The recommended 14-day isolation is for out-of-county travelers to limit the spread of the virus.

The Chenango County Health Department said people traveling to the county from New York City and other areas hard-hit by COVID-19 should notify health officials by phone and self-isolate for 14 days.

COVID-19 death in Delaware County

Delaware County confirmed the first COVID-19 death in Delaware County Thursday.

The person died Wednesday, the county said. Other details such as the person's age, gender, length of illness and whether they had a contributing underlying condition will not be released.

As of Thursday afternoon there are 19 positive COVID-19 cases in Delaware County. Six people are in the hospital, 10 are at home and two people have recovered.

Broome County updates active cases

BINGHAMTON - As of Thursday, Broome County reported 33 active COVID-19 cases, two more than Wednesday.

Thirteen of those patients are hospitalized and 20 are at home, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said Thursday. Seven people have recovered.

According to Broome's online map, the municipalities with cumulative confirmed COVID-19 patients as of Thursday are:

Johnson City: 16

16 Binghamton: 15

15 Vestal: 7

7 Endicott: 3

3 Colesville: 1

1 Union: 1

1 Windsor: 1

New York's ventilator supply could run out in 6 days

ALBANY - New York might run out of its ventilator supply in six days based on current projections, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned Thursday.

The state has estimated it could need as many as 30,000 ventilators as the number of coronavirus deaths in New York hit 2,373 on Thursday, up from about 1,900 on Thursday, and as the number of positive cases jumped to 92,000.

Cuomo said the state, which has received 4,400 ventilators from the federal government in addition to its own stockpile, will procure as many new machines as possible and direct those to the hospitals that need them the most.

The state will also take a variety of steps if it runs out of ventilators, including ending elective surgeries where a ventilator is needed, using anesthesia machine ventilators and splitting ventilator tubes so two patients can be on one machine, and converting BiPAP machines into ventilators.

Broome landfill not accepting waste

BINGHAMTON - Household hazardous waste and electronics recycling drop-off days at the Broome County landfill are temporarily suspended.

Residents are asked to hold onto any materials they may have until the program is able to resume and are asked not to throw such materials in the garbage.

Fourth COVID-19 death in Broome

BINGHAMTON - A man in his 70s who died at Lourdes Hospital was the fourth person to die in Broome County as a result of COVID-19, the Broome County Health Department announced Wednesday.

Owego closes town playgrounds

Playgrounds at all Town of Owego parks were closed Wednesday, but parks will remain open for other activities, such as walking, biking and running.

The camping season is tentatively scheduled to begin May 1, and pavilions can be reserved in advance. The dog park remains open, and town officials said its status will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Tioga County updates on cases

OWEGO – Tioga County, New York, announced its eighth case of coronavirus Monday.

Tioga County said 35 people are in mandatory quarantine and another 10 are in precautionary quarantine.

The results of five COVID-19 tests are still pending.

NY Sen. James Seward has COVID-19

ONEONTA - New York State Sen. James Seward announced Monday he and his wife, Cindy, tested positive for COVID-19.

The Republican senator, whose district includes Cortland, Tompkins and Chenango counties, said he was diagnosed with a mild case of COVID-19 and is expected to make a complete recovery. He will be released from the hospital soon and will remain quarantined at home.

Seward's office said his wife was tested at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and is also under home quarantine with a mild case of the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Fund will help residents in need:Nonprofit trio launches fund to support residents

Social distancing at Binghamton parks

BINGHAMTON - The City of Binghamton has temporarily removed basketball hoop rims, posted signs and brought in personnel to prevent gatherings at parks to encourage social distancing in response to coronavirus.

The announcement Monday by Mayor Richard David added that public bathrooms at city parks are also closed and signs remind park visitors to stay at least 6 feet apart and refrain from group gatherings. Park rangers, who normally begin Memorial Day weekend, will be at parks starting next week to monitor compliance.

Akshar, Garnar, David urge Cuomo to give local authority to limit travel to upstate

ALBANY - State Sen. Fred Akshar (R-Endwell), along with Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Binghamton Mayor Richard David and Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo urging him to allow localities to limit travel to the region.

According to the letter: "We have heard from many of our constituents that there’s been a disproportionate amount of travel from areas severely impacted by COVID-19 to our upstate communities."

The leaders said they also want the power to stop hospitality bookings, such as hotel stays.

Garnar has already shut down the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center. City buses are still in operation.

"This isn’t about shuttering our communities to our fellow New Yorkers, this is about stopping the spread of a highly communicable disease beyond the most severely affected areas," the letter states. "It’s about preventing our health care systems from being overwhelmed with cases."

Pennsylvania schools closed indefinitely

Pennsylvania school closures now are extended indefinitely because of the novel coronavirus, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered Monday.

Schools have been closed for more than two weeks because of the virus. Until Monday, the closures had been extended through April 6.

"The Department of Education will be providing updated guidance and resources on the continuity of education for students to schools in the coming days," the release states.

First responders get discount at Dollar General stores

BINGHAMTON - Beginning Monday, first responders will get a 10% discount on certain items when shopping at Dollar General stores.

To receive the discount, the employee needs to show the store clerk their badge at checkout.

This will be offered until April 30, and may be extended, depending on conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Vehicle inspection expiration dates lifted

In a reversal, New York motorists with expiring vehicle safety inspections will be given extensions through the remainder of the novel coronavirus health emergency.

Owners will not be ticketed for failing to replace stickers expiring in March and extending into April.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed further leeway as part of a series of executive orders affecting everything from deadline requirements for continuing education credits for licensed professionals to temporarily rescinding provisions that municipal contract bids be opened in a public session, though live-streaming those events is encouraged.

New rules extend through April 26, and there is no indication how long the extensions will be granted following the lapsing of the executive order.

Otsego County reports first death

The Otsego County Department of Health reported its first coronavirus death Friday afternoon.

No other details were released.

According to a news release, the county has six confirmed cases.

Sherburne-Earlville school employee tests positive

SHERBURNE - An employee at the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District tested positive for coronavirus Friday, superintendent Eric Schnabl announced.

“We have been in contact with the Chenango County Health Department to conduct an investigation and contact any staff or community members who may have been exposed,” Schnabl wrote to school district employees.

Broome Arena to be used for COVID-19 related patient overflow

BINGHAMTON - Broome County officials are opening up the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton as an EMS triage and holding area.

In an effort to preserve hospital capacity for the most critical patients, about 50 beds will be available in the arena space, staffed by EMS, to hold patients who are suspected or have tested positive for COVID-19.

The arena beds will be used if capacity at Lourdes and UHS hospitals is overwhelmed.

Hospital limits testing

BINGHAMTON - Due to limited COVID-19 testing supplies, Ascension Lourdes Hospital and the Broome County Health Department said only the most acutely ill patients will be tested.

Those patients include people with significant respiratory issues or serious pre-existing conditions, as well as health workers, according to a statement Friday.

Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Testing results may be helpful to inform decision-making about who a patient came in contact with and provide data to health officials to help monitor community spread, but it will not change a person’s treatment protocol, Lourdes Hospital said in Friday's statement.

'It hits home': Daughter raises funds for those 'on front lines' after mom dies of COVID-19

Cuomo extends school closures

ALBANY - New York will keep all schools closed through at least April 15 as the state continues to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

Previously, Cuomo had shuttered schools until April 1.

“I believe the schools should remain closed," Cuomo said Friday at the Javits Center in Manhattan. "I don’t do this joyfully, but I think if you look at where we are and the number of cases increasing, it only makes sense.”

Most Broome County and Tioga County schools announced previous plans to re-open on or about April 13, after spring break.

BU postpones commencement

VESTAL - Binghamton University announced it will postpone its May commencement.

According to a statement from BU President Harvey Stenger on the university's website, students who are eligible to graduate will be surveyed in the near future to help the university select a new date or dates in the summer and/or fall.

"In the meantime, I hope that everyone will understand our reasons for postponing this year’s Commencement and will take time to reach out to congratulate and recognize our graduating seniors," Stenger wrote.

Stenger's remarks are also available in a YouTube video.

Unemployment insurance claims

ENDICOTT - The New York Department of Labor received more than 80,500 unemployment insurance claims in one week in mid-March as New York workers were hit by a coronavirus-fueled economic shutdown.

Last week, the department received more than 1,734,100 calls and 2,270,300 website visits. It is experiencing a 1000% increase in claims in some areas of the state, spokesperson Deanna Cohen said.

It attempted to spread out the amount of online unemployment filings by organizing filing days around an alphabetical system, using filers’ last names.

The department posted to Twitter on Thursday, saying it is looking to hire about 200 people to help process claims at centers in Albany and Endicott.

Binghamton bus station closed

BINGHAMTON - The Greater Binghamton Transportation Center bus station is now closed as of midnight Friday, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced Thursday, as part of local efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Boarding, departing, stops and transfers of commercial bus traffic are now suspended. BC Transit will continue to operate as scheduled.

The bus station closure was announced as part of efforts to prevent unnecessary travel from outside the county, Garnar said, unless it's for essential needs.

Garnar also announced an emergency order asking local hotel, motel operators and landlords to verify whether any new occupants are complying with the county and state orders prohibiting unnecessary travel.

Support small businesses

The Press & Sun-Bulletin and more than 260 daily local media companies are compiling a list of small businesses in our communities, helping people to connect with and support them during the coronavirus crisis.

Gannett, the owner of USA TODAY and the Press & Sun-Bulletin / pressconnects.com, has launched a new website, supportlocal.usatoday.com, which will allow users to select local businesses in their community to support by buying gift cards for use at a later time. Or, they can find links for delivery or to order food.

Support Local:Add your favorite local business here

Broome accepting medical supply donations

BINGHAMTON - Broome County will begin collecting medical supply donations Tuesday at the former Macy's building in the Oakdale Mall to help local hospital workers treat patients with coronavirus.

The following supplies are being accepted for donation by county residents and businesses:

Unused personal protective equipment, such as N95 and surgical masks.

Medical gowns.

Medical plastic face shields.

Medical gloves.

Medical shoe covers.

Donations can be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the former Macy's entrance across from Wegmans, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said.

BU community member has COVID-19

VESTAL - A member of Binghamton University's community has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

According to a tweet by Binghamton University, the Broome County Health Department notified the university Monday that a member of the school community was diagnosed with COVID-19.

This person is living off campus, has been in isolation and is receiving care, a note from President Harvey Stenger posted on the university's website states. Those who may have come into contact with this person will be notified.

All news and information will be posted to the Dateline and B-Line announcements on the university's website.

Binghamton mayor suspends parking fees, blue bags not required

BINGHAMTON - The City of Binghamton has suspended its blue bag refuse collection requirements along with parking meter enforcement as part of its COVID-19 response. The measures continue through May 1.

Parking fees are also waived at the city's Collier Street surface lot and the two parking garages on Water and State streets. Pre-paid monthly parking payment plans will receive an automatic one month extension at no cost, and the city will also temporarily suspend booting vehicles for unpaid parking tickets.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David said parking tickets will still be issued for violations that affect road and pedestrian safety: parking in handicap spaces without a handicapped tag, blocking a fire hydrant, no-parking areas, official vehicles only and blocking driveways.

The suspended parking meter enforcement means on-street parking will temporarily be free, David said, and residents or visitors to the city will not have to use the parking kiosks during the time period.

For garbage disposal, city residents can use standard garbage bags instead of the required blue bags that are purchased. It's expected this will save residents about $130,000 total during the six-week suspension, David said.

The city has instituted a hiring freeze for non-essential personnel, David said Monday, and deferring raises for union and non-union employees is one of several steps being considered.

The City of Binghamton’s 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, implemented March 17, is still in effect.

No more visitors at Broome jail

DICKINSON - Visitation to the Broome County jail has been suspended until further notice, the sheriff's office announced Monday.

Attorneys were asked to contact the jail's visitation office for assistance, if needed.

The sheriff's pistol permit office will close at 4 p.m. Monday until further notice.

New York suspends tests for grades 3-8 for school year

ALBANY - The New York State Education Department on Friday suspended its annual standardized tests for grades 3 to 8 for the rest of the school year because of disruptions caused by the coronavirus.

Tests that have been suspended include:

ELA and math tests for grades 3-8

Science tests for grades 4 and 8

Second Language Achievement Test in grades K-12

Alternate Assessment for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school.

All schools in New York are closed through March.

Schools districts have been quickly transitioning to online instruction as they prepare for the possibility that schools will have to remain closed into April.

B-G school member has COVID-19

BAINBRIDGE - A member of the Bainbridge-Guilford School District has tested positive for COVID-19, school officials said Friday.

Superintendent Timothy Ryan said he was made aware of the positive case around 8 a.m. Thursday and first notified the school's attorney and the Chenango County Health Department. He was then referred to the Broome County Health Department because the infected person resides in Broome County.

Ryan did not identify the person as a faculty member, staff member or student.

Officials with the Broome County Health Department told Ryan there was no risk of exposure to staff or students. That information was shared on the call made to families.

NY bans non-essential travel, gatherings, work

New York is banning all non-essential travel, mandating everyone not critical to their workplace to stay at home and requiring all businesses to shutter if they do not fit specific criteria. It takes effect Sunday evening.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the sweeping ramp up of restrictions on movement as the novel coronavirus spread through the state, with New York having the highest number of confirmed cases in the nation.

Are you an essential employee?Here is the list from New York State.

The decision came as the number of confirmed cases soared to 7,100 in New York, up 2,950 in the past day.

Mass transit will stay operational; food delivery services will stay open.

100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.

The state is also ordering people to stay off the streets as much as possible, and ordering non-essential business to shutter. There could be civil fines and mandatory closure if people do not comply.

He also put a moratorium on any evictions from apartments or homes for 90 days.

Free rides on BC Transit buses

Broome County Transit began offering free rides Thursday to all passengers. There is no need for anyone to pay a fare, touch cash or a fare box.

The following other changes with BC Transit were announced as part of Broome County's coronavirus response:

New partitioning added between interior seating and the drivers’ compartment to help with following social distancing guidelines.

Limited seating per bus to reduce virus transmission.

All access to the buses will be through the rear doors, expect for people using wheelchairs or who have impaired mobility.

In addition to elevated daily cleaning and disinfecting, throughout the day, staff will spot disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as handrails, seat backs and doors.

Local emergency orders in Broome

BINGHAMTON - Garnar also announced a new emergency order he has signed to help prevent the spread of the virus, prohibiting unnecessary travel and asking residents to avoid group settings and to follow social distancing guidelines.

"In short, stay home and stay healthy," Garnar said. "Period."

Binghamton Mayor Richard David also declared a local state of emergency Tuesday afternoon and imposed a nightly curfew for Binghamton residents, requiring all residents to remain in their homes from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. except for emergencies, essential travel or work.

New UHS, Lourdes hospital precautions

BINGHAMTON - In the coming days, Lourdes and UHS facilities will be prohibiting all visitors except those related to beginning of life, end of life and pediatric care. Elective surgeries and other elective procedures will be limited and postponed, then reevaluated weekly.

COVID-19 testing will also be limited to only "the most acutely ill patients," said Lourdes CEO Kathy Connerton, such as those with significant respiratory illness or serious preexisting conditions.

"Regardless of testing, the treatment is the same," Connerton said.

UHS, Lourdes offers virtual COVID-19 screenings

BINGHAMTON - United Health Services and Ascension Lourdes have developed online COVID-19 screening to be accessed through their virtual walk-in centers.

At UHS, if the results of the questionnaire suggest further treatment, cost of a virtual visit with a healthcare provider is $39. The cost may be less depending on your insurance provider.

To access the screening, an account must be set up at nyuhs.zipnosis.com.

The screening will direct you to answer questions including:

Do you have a cough, fever or shortness of breath?

Are you over the age of 65?

Did you travel internationally or to the areas where COVID-19 is widespread in the last 14 days?

Before the start of symptoms, did you have close contact with a suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient?

A question pertaining to underlying medical issues.

Following the questionnaire, the service will either suggest a virtual visit with a provider or no follow-up is needed.

At this time, according to the website, the limited number of tests available are controlled by the state and local health departments and are being reserved for more seriously ill patients, those with known exposure to confirmed patients, and those with travel within the last two weeks to countries with high rates of COVID-19.

Decisions on which patients receive testing will be based on the local spread of COVID-19, as well as the symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will make the final decision on whether you should be tested.

BINGHAMTON - More than a dozen area eateries stepped up to offer free meals for children in Broome County after officials announced all public schools would be closed until mid-April in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I wanted to do whatever we could for our community through our restaurant," said Adam Tuttle, owner of Craft Bar and Kitchen. "I have lived here my entire life and believe in a sense of community."

Tuttle, a father of two young children, thought the best way he could help after learning of the school closure was with food. He said parents will be facing challenging times with child care, broken routines and a feeling of uncertainty.

Click here to see a list of restaurants who are offering meals for kids.