COVID-19 Blog: Counties Innovating In Response To COVID-19 Vol. 5
NEW YORK CITY
On Sunday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio provided a live update to residents on the City's COVID-19 response. In his remarks, de Blasio called on Congress to replace lost revenue for states and cities, as well as provide additional support to combat COVID-19. He also thanked New Yorkers for practicing social distancing. “We will get through this together,” said the Mayor. “It will not be easy, but we will get through this together.”
On Twitter, Council Speaker Corey Johnson shared a publication from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) that outlines employment protections and obligations during COVID-19. This publication also includes important information about City and state resources for businesses and workers.
LONG ISLAND
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran explained to residents that nonprofits across the county are still providing meals, counseling and other services to those who need them. “This is a good opportunity to remind you that everyone could play a part in this,” Curran said. “This is a good time as any to remind everyone that kindness and reassurance is just as important right now as everything else going on.”
Last week, Suffolk County emergency services personnel constructed a blue tent at Stony Brook University to help with the drive-through #COVID19 testing site. The site can house 20 patients. Testing is available by appointment only.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced on Friday the launch of the Suffolk Childcare Consortium, a free childcare program for first responders, medical professionals and essential workers. The new program will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
HUDSON VALLEY
The resolution calls on residents to support local businesses online and purchase a gift card from one of our many great local stores, shops and restaurants and then use that card later in the year or give away as a gift for a birthday, anniversary or even during the holidays.
The most recent Town Hall featured Director of Emergency Services Steve Peterson where they discussed Ulster's efforts to stand up a team to develop detailed plans for increasing hospital and treatment capacity in Ulster County.
CAPITAL REGION
McCoy vows to 'embarass' restaurant/bars still open
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy had strong words for restaurant and bar owners, some of whom are apparently still serving people in violation of the state's stay-at-home law.
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy shared this story on his Facebook page about a Cohoes-based company said it's in talks to potentially build thousands of ventilators for New York State.
MOHAWK VALLEY
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente continues to ask the community to leave a light on as a tribute to healthcare workers who are giving their all at this time of crisis. The County Executive wrote on Facebook, “No one should feel alone during the #COVID19 pandemic. Together we will light the path to the other side of this crisis.”
NORTH COUNTRY
Town of Franklin Makes Free Wi Fi Available at the Town Hall from Your Car
Franklin County is advertising on their Facebook page that residents can utilize free WiFi from their cars
Lewis County Public Health department hosted a Facebook Live Q&A about COVID-19 with a health department doctor.
SOUTHERN TIER
In order to accommodate the drastic local uptick in demand for virus testing, the county will open a new, expanded sampling location in Ithaca. At the testing site, residents will be directed by a combination of signs at the testing center and instructions made available via radio at FM 96.3. Following testing, individuals are mandated to enter home isolation as they await test results, which will take approximately a week.
Broome County Humane Society setting up ‘animal food bank'
The Broome County Humane Society is creating its own "animal food bank", which kicked off Thursday. Volunteers are collecting food and taking donations from the community.
The release provides an update on COVID-19 and a reminder of the importance of social distancing.
Schuyler County Helping People to Find Food Banks
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier has created an online tool to help residents in need access food banks and pantries. Residents can also call 2-1-1 to find a food pantry or program near them.
Delaware County Department of Emergency Services posts COVID-19 Viability From the New England Journal of Medicine.
This helpful infographic gives information about how long the virus can remain dangerous on various surfaces.
CENTRAL NEW YORK
Additionally, a new website with on-line registration is available at www.cayugahealth.org for patients to review the screening criteria and pre-register before their arrival, allowing greater efficiencies with patient volume and decreased wait times. In addition, a call center has been set up for patients who may not have access to Internet, need assistance registering, or have questions.
Oswego County Posted Guidance from NYS Parks on Responsible Recreation on their Facebook Page
Click here for a link to the guidance from NYS Parks.
FINGER LAKES
For a list of Food Assistance Resources that are available during the Coronavirus pandemic please visit our website. Contact the office if you need additional information.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and health officials in the community announced the detailed of the “Surge Capacity Plan” for local hospitals on Friday.
Sheriff Henderson encourages you to donate as well to help those in your community or the country! Here is a link to find a location to donate near you. www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive
Specific needs are N-95 or procedure-style masks and respirators, protective gowns, goggles and Tyvek suits or similar suits with liquid splach protection” said Chairman Jerry Davis of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors.
WESTERN NEW YORK
The Erie County website has a page listing job openings.
Erie County's Department of Environment and Planning created a heat map to provide up-to-date information about the location of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the county. County Executive Mark Poloncarz cautioned that the virus is much more widespread than the number of confirmed cases suggest.
The Erie County DOH is linking to the Western NY Council on Occupational Health and Safety page that provides COVID-19 information in over 40 languages.
Overall, 22,000 pairs of gloves, 500 masks, and 100 gowns were sent to Roswell Park and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
Acting Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti and Captain Jill Herrington continued the Sheriff's Office outreach efforts. They delivered sheets of pizza to healthcare professionals at Elderwood at Lockport and Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center.
Contact Us
New York State Association of Counties
515 Broadway, Suite 402
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 465-1473
Fax: (518) 465-0506