Government
Face-To-Face Nursing Home Visits Bring Relief To Caregivers
|
Caregivers react to a update of state restrictions that will allow visitations in long-term care facilities.
App NEWS
Poll Documents Cuomo’s Turn Of Fortune
|
Cuomo’s job approval ratings, which were high in the summer and fall of 2020, have now dropped back to pre-pandemic levels, with 49% saying that he’s doing a good job in office.
Health
2020 Calls To Upstate Poison Control Involved Cleaning Products, Hand Sanitizer, Drug Overdoses
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“We had an increase in cleaning product exposures, and the difference was it wasn’t the little child getting into it at home, it was the adults at home perhaps misusing or overusing cleaning products.”
App NEWS
Veterans Administration Vaccinates 6,000 Patients In 14 New York Counties
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“By and large, the veterans are coming through and saying this is much easier, a much simpler process and very well organized.”
Government
Cuomo: New Rules for Nursing Home Visits Begin Friday
|
Visitors to nursing homes will continue to be banned in counties where the virus rate is 10% or higher, or in any facility where someone has contracted COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
Government
State Senate Approves Package of Bills Related to Nursing Homes
|
“The tragic situation in our nursing homes remains a heartbreaking reminder of the toll this pandemic has taken and has made it clear that real reforms are needed.”
Government
‘Don’t Hold Back Any Doses’: How A Conference Call With The PA Health Department Led To Vaccine Delays
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Health systems believed they were following state orders when they used vaccines that were supposed to be set aside for people awaiting their second doses.
Health
What To Know If You Get COVID Inoculation And A Mammogram
|
Experts are urging women to separate their routine annual mammogram and any scheduled COVID-19 vaccination by several weeks.
Education
PA Dems Push School Infrastructure As A Priority In Next Federal Stimulus
|
“For generations, our teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, students, and school staff have been sent into buildings where they can get brain damage because of chipped paint, or cancer because of asbestos.”
App NEWS
Doctors Tackle Vaccine Mistrust Through Outreach
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“Not everyone’s going to have that primary care person to go to for any of their health care needs.”
App NEWS
New York’s Health Departments Can Now Determine Spacing Of Student Desks
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“If you change the six-foot rule and it was only three feet with distancing, or four feet, we could bring back more in-person learning, because of the physical space.”
Nursing Home Employees Stage Pickets, Seek State Reforms At Facilities
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“We want to provide a system in New York State that holds owners accountable, that makes sure we have the care hours that residents need to feel at home.”
Government
New York Senate Poised To Limit Governor’s Emergency Powers
|
The legislature gave Cuomo the powers nearly a year ago, in early March of 2020. But now, many say, it’s time to end them.
Arcades, Amusement Parks, Campgrounds Can Begin Reopening In March
|
Arcades and other indoor family entertainment centers can open with 25% capacity starting March 26.
Government
Four New Mass Vaccination Sites to Open Upstate
|
“This is a very big and aggressive effort to address vaccine hesitancy in the Black community.”
App NEWS
First Case Of U.K. Variant Confirmed In Broome County
|
Cases of the variant were reported in Tompkins County in January and earlier this month.
App NEWS
Governor Turns The Tables, Attacks Critic Of COVID Nursing Home Policies
|
Governor Cuomo says he’s making his accusations against Assemblyman Kim because Kim attacked him first.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Say It’s Time To Fund A Veterans Support Program Differently
|
“I, too, have lost more friends due to post-traumatic stress than I have lost friends who have died overseas in combat.”
New York Sues Amazon Over COVID-19 Workplace Safety Failures
|
New York Attorney General Letitia James said Amazon refused to obey coronavirus guidelines that would protect its warehouse employees from infection.
Clamor Grows, As Some New Yorkers Travel Hours For A Dose Of COVID Vaccine
|
“What if they have some type of reaction while they’re in Binghamton or driving home, or if it’s a resident in our community who has no access to transportation?”
Health
There’s A Safe Way To Get A 2nd COVID Vaccine Dose Following A Rare Allergic Reaction
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True allergic reactions to vaccinations are extremely rare, but two New York women did experience this after receiving their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Allergists were able to safely administer their second vaccine doses by following a special procedure.
addiction treatment
Telemedicine Brings Treatment Closer To Rural Patients In Recovery
|
“If we can make it easy instead of more difficult, we might be able to address what’s happening with the overdose rate.”
App NEWS
Schumer Unveils $25 Billion COVID-Relief Fund To Help Restaurants
|
“Thousands of restaurants throughout New York state will close if we don’t get them some immediate relief.”
Government
Cuomo Concedes on Nursing Homes: ‘We Should Have Provided More Information Faster’
|
In a rare concession, Cuomo said the state was wrong to stonewall lawmakers and members of the media on that data, saying it created a void for disinformation and “conspiracy theories.”
Arts & Culture
Lunar New Year Brings Smiles And Hope Amid Hardships For New York’s Chinatown
|
Chinatown has faced both a spike in anti-Asian violence during the pandemic and mounting economic challenges. One of those challenges is the smaller celebrations for the 15-day Lunar New Year festival which began last Friday and usually brings lots of visitors and revenue.
Economy
New York Expands List Of Late Closing Establishments
|
“With the holiday surge now in our rear-view mirror, we must keep taking steps to further re-open the economy safely and responsibly.”
Featured in Category
Possible Cover-Up Of Nursing Home Deaths Provokes Calls For Probes Of Cuomo, Aides
|
“Even just the appearance of being not being forthcoming with information is a liability in this case, and honestly I don’t understand why.”
Government
Forced To Compete For COVID-19 Vaccines, Some Older Pennsylvanians Struggle To Book Appointments
|
Social media networks and online research skills give some younger people an edge, even as older people overall face higher risk of hospitalization and death.
App NEWS
Binghamton Pantry Expands Outreach Amid Winter Obstacles
|
“Transportation’s a huge problem for them to get here. The winter’s been harder.”
App NEWS
Cayuga Health Temporarily Suspends Ithaca Urgent Care Services
|
Other clinical service at the East Campus will remain open—including Surgicare, Imaging and Cayuga Hematology Oncology Associates (CHOA).
App NEWS
After New Revelations, Support For Ending Cuomo’s Emergency Powers Grows
|
“Crucial information should never be withheld from entities that are empowered to pursue oversight. This was always about getting the truth and allowing information to guide our response.”
Does New York’s Latino Community Distrust The COVID Vaccine?
|
“If you look at the data, the whole issue of vaccine, equity… the vaccine isn’t at this point, really, getting to the most vulnerable in an equitable fashion.”
App NEWS
Broome County Sees Lowest COVID-19 Rates Since November
|
“We speak with our healthcare partners weekly and we all are seeing a decrease in demand for testing, which is a really good sign.”
Government
In Partnership With Feds, New York Opens Vaccination Sites In Underserved Communities
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“Everyone should take it when it’s their turn, because that’s how we get everyone back to work and see our families and friends safely together.”
Government
Problematic Pandemic Response At Nursing Homes Prompts Action By New York’s Senate
|
“If there’s things need to be codified in law, mandated in law that actually secure people’s safety and well being, that’s what we want to do.”
23rd Congressional District
Rep. Reed Calls For DOJ Investigation Into NY Nursing Home Deaths
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“The sooner we get this investigation started, the sooner we can get justice and the sooner we can get information to make sure that this never happens again.”
Government
Another Boost In Vaccine Doses Headed For New York
|
Cuomo, who was on a call with the Biden administration Tuesday morning, said the federal government is planning to boost the state’s vaccine supply by 5% over the next three weeks.
App NEWS
New Data Show COVID Killed Nearly 15,000 Nursing Home And Adult Care Residents In New York
|
The numbers confirm a report by State Attorney General Tish James, who said the state undercounted nursing home hospital deaths by 50%.
Government
Chronically Ill New Yorkers Can Sign Up At State Vaccination Sites On Valentine’s Day
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They include cancer, heart conditions, COPD, chronic kidney disease, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, moderate to severe asthma, and people with intellectual and development disabilities, organ transplant recipients, and people who are morbidly obese.
Health
COVID-19 Shakes Up The Fitness Industry, Perhaps For Good
|
“We used to have 10-17 people in a class and now we still struggle to get 6-8 people in each class.”
Government
New Yorkers With Underlying Conditions Qualify For Vaccine Starting February 15th
|
Only county health departments will administer vaccines for those with underlying conditions, they won’t be available at several large state run sites.
Mother of Pepper-Sprayed Girl Says Rochester Police Denied Mental Health Help
|
“Her understanding is that the officer basically told her ‘I can’t do that. I can’t call anyone else,’ ” family attorney Lorenzo Napolitano told NPR Thursday.
App NEWS
Despite Shortages, Syringe Exchanges Continue To Get Safe Supplies To Participants
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“It got to the point that we realized we were going to have to cut back on the amount that we give to people and we really had to ration our supplies.”
App NEWS
Relatives Of Nursing Home Residents Killed By COVID Seek Accountability From New York State
|
The attorney general’s report, released on January 28, found that the health department was undercounting the number of nursing home residents who died by 50%.
App NEWS
Using Drones To Distribute COVID Test Kits
|
“This is the future that you’re seeing, in how packages are going to be delivered both business to business and have packages going from businesses to consumers.”
Government
New York Republicans Draft Subpoena On Nursing Homes, Urge Dems To Move Forward
|
“You have to know where you went wrong in order to correct things.”
Economy
Closer Analysis Of December Finds 100% Of Net Jobs Lost Were Held By Women
|
The latest government figures show a net loss of 140,000 jobs in December. What may be surprising is that all those jobs were held by women, especially women of color.
App NEWS
Vaccine Acceptance Challenged By Long History Of Injustice, Conspiracy Theories
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“We have to recognize the very long history of injustice and misuse that really sets the context for why community members feel the way that they do.”
Government
New York Democrats Block Attempt To Subpoena Health Commissioner Over Nursing Home Deaths
|
A state probe last week found that Zucker could have underreported these deaths by up to 50%.
Economy
As COVID-19 Raged On, State Sales Tax Collections Last Year Took A Dive
|
The steepest decline in sales tax collections happened during the peak of the pandemic, when sales tax collections dropped by about 27% statewide.
Government
Local Governments Will Decide if Restaurant Workers, Others Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
|
Governor Cuomo received word from the Biden administration that New York would receive an additional 5% of vaccine doses over the next three weeks.
Government
Winter Storm Prompts Delays, Closures At State-Run COVID-19 Vaccinations Sites
|
New Yorkers who have appointments at centers that closed because of the storm will receive new appointments by email or text.
Got The COVID Vaccine? Don’t Show Your Card Online, BBB Warns
|
“There’s a lot of ways that scammers can use this information.”
Government
In Vaccine Roll Out, Governor Says Trust Still An Issue Among Black New Yorkers
|
“The declination rate among blacks in hospital settings where they are hospital workers, is much, much higher than it is among whites or Latinos or Asians.”
App NEWS
Analysis Finds Southern Tier Food Insecurity Grew Nearly 5% In 2020
|
According to Feeding America, 50 million people nationally may experience food insecurity because of COVID-19.
App NEWS
Schumer, Gillibrand Want Potential Risks Evaluated At Proposed Schuyler Co. Waste Facility
|
“We have already seen the terrible consequences of poor water quality on communities across New York and we can’t afford to repeat our mistakes.”
Government
Governor Allows Weddings Next Month, New York City Reopens Dining On Valentine’s Day
|
If you’re lucky enough to get engaged over a COVID-era dinner date, you’ll be able to get married as early as March 15.
App NEWS
Cuomo Deflects Blame From Attorney General’s Nursing Home Report
|
“I believe everybody did the best they could. I believe the state department of health, they gave their best guidance and made the best decisions on the facts that they had.”
Government
Data Shows Racial Gap in COVID-19 Vaccine in New York
|
The state will be launching a new advertising campaign targeted at communities of color with the intention of boosting vaccine recipients among those populations.
New Yorkers Lunge, Twist And Zumba Their Way Through The Pandemic Together
|
The pandemic has left many Americans craving safe social interaction. For one group of New Yorkers, outdoor Zumba classes bring a little joy.
Featured in Category
Delgado and Gillibrand Push For $50B In Rural Funding In Next COVID-19 Relief Package
|
“The Rebuild Rural America Act would transform the federal government away from being a complicated, siloed and top-down enterprise or bureaucracy, into a more responsive, effective partner for our rural communities.”
App NEWS
New York May Have Undercounted Nursing Home Deaths By 50%, State Attorney General Says
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“Clearly, some facilities were not prepared to handle outbreaks through early and effective training or staffing.”
App NEWS
30 Years After Americans With Disabilities Act, Accessible Housing Still Tough To Find
|
“If I can’t maneuver the bathroom, that deems the entire apartment unlivable.”
App NEWS
Through Education, Anti-Trafficking Task Force Casts A Wide Net In Support Of Survivors
|
“This is not any one person’s battle. This is such a huge undertaking and it really takes a community to encircle these survivors, to empower them.”
Government
Cuomo: Zone Restrictions Lifted, New York City Restaurants Plan Coming
|
Residential gatherings will still be capped at 10 people, and certain restrictions on restaurants, like a capacity limit and 10 p.m. curfew, will also remain in effect statewide.
New Report On Tobacco Prevention Gives New York State Mixed Grades
|
“Now is as good a time as any to make a plan to quit smoking. Because the last thing you’d want to see is complications from COVID-19.”
App NEWS
New York Will Receive Boost In Vaccine Supply, Governor Says
|
“Now, the states will know what they’re getting every week for the next three weeks, and we’re getting 16-17% more.”
App NEWS
Senate Republicans Propose COVID-19 Relief Package for New York Restaurants
|
“The state needs to step up and help us ensure that this industry is able to continue on and prosper. It is the lifeblood of New York state.”
Elective Surgeries Can Resume, State Unveils New Online COVID Vaccine Tracker
|
Governor Cuomo said the big problem across New York now is that hospitals can’t seem to vaccinate its own workers.
Government
Senator Hints At Subpoenas If New York Doesn’t Supply Key Nursing Home Death Numbers
|
The Cuomo Administration issued a controversial order on March 25th 2020, that required nursing homes to allow hospitalized residents sick with COVID re-entry into the homes.
Government
Cuomo Announces Effort To Strengthen Fairness And Equity In Vaccine Distribution
|
Polls have shown that vaccine skepticism is relatively high in Black communities.
App NEWS
New York Allows Resumption Of Riskier High School Sports
|
The state says local health officials should consider whether there has been a more transmissible variant of COVID-19 identified in the area, and local rates of COVID-19 transmission.
App NEWS
New York’s COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate Drops
|
“We just need to keep the arrows pointed down, but, never get cocky with COVID.”
abortion
Federal Lawsuit Challenges New York’s Abortion Law
|
“The statement that the Biden-Harris administration released about Roe v. Wade shows that there is really no common ground.”
Education
Want Kids Back In School? There’s A PAC For That
|
“I kept seeing these questions over and over: How do I run for school board? How do I help candidates run for school board?””
aids
How Response To COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts AIDS, Drug Epidemics
|
Despite issues with the federal response to COVID, it was much faster than other medical emergencies.
COVID-19
Transportation Program Bridges Gap In Rural Vaccine Distribution
|
“We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure everyone has an opportunity to get a vaccination that is eligible, whether they have transportation or not.”
Employees Are Now The Biggest COVID Spreaders In Nursing Homes
|
State figures report up to half the staff in some areas of New York are refusing the vaccine. That might lead to mandated vaccinations.
Health
Three-Quarters Of New Yorkers Plan To Get COVID Vaccine
|
“New York, and America have more to do in terms of educating the people about the vaccine and doing a campaign to encourage New Yorkers and Americans to get the vaccine.”
App NEWS
Mass Vaccination Site Opens In Johnson City, But Supplies Are Limited
|
“It’s like fighting a battle and knowing that your weapon can help destroy the enemy, but you’re short on the weapons.”
In Historic 1st, Biden Nominates Transgender Pennsylvanian As Assistant Health Secretary
|
Dr. Rachel Levine is currently the secretary of health in Pennsylvania, where she leads the state’s fight against COVID-19.
App NEWS
Checking In With Caregivers Can Make The Difference Between Pandemic Distancing And Isolation
|
It doesn’t take seeing someone in person to have a connection. Video and phone calls can be just as helpful.
Government
Schumer, Gillibrand Optimistic New Congress Will Pass COVID-Relief For States, Cities
|
“We’re going to act swiftly and decisively to provide direct federal aid so state, county and local governments can save tens of thousands of vital public service jobs.”
Government
Cuomo Seeks More COVID-19 Vaccines Through Deal With Pfizer
|
“The federal administration essentially opened up a floodgate while cutting our supply — leading to confusion, frustration, and dashed hopes.”
Funding Hold Up Threatens New York’s Progress Against AIDS
|
Although the trend is heading in the right direction, John Barry, Executive Director of the Southern Tier AIDS Program, said the state’s ballooning budget has impacted some harm reduction programs and resulted in new infections.
Vaccine Sign-Up Confusion Continues, Appointments Booked Through April
|
The Governor’s disclaimer recommends people eligible for the vaccine directly contact their local pharmacies, doctors’ offices and hospitals.
Health
Rollout Of COVID-19 Vaccines In Rural PA Requires Flexibility And Trust From Communities
|
A Kaiser Family Foundation report released last week found rural residents are among the most hesitant about vaccines.
Featured in Category
Rookie Lawmaker Liked New York’s State of State Address, But Wants Details
|
Kelles spoke as Governor Andrew Cuomo lays out his vision for the state this week
App NEWS
Restaurant Owners In Orange Zones Relieved After New York State Allows Indoor Dining
|
“We were waiting for this for a long time and everything. It’s like a big sigh of relief for me.”
Cuomo Says New York Will Follow CDC’s Expanded COVID Vaccination Eligibility
|
“The dose of reality is, ‘great, now we have 7 million people eligible.’ And we still have a drip, drip, from the faucet of federal dosage availability at 300,000.”
App NEWS
Vaccine Rollout Begins For 1B Category With A Long Waitlist
|
First responders, people 75 and older, educators, and grocery store workers can now begin to schedule their vaccine appointments. But the wait to get the shot could take a while.
Government
New York Lawmakers Complain Vaccine Rollout “Extremely Disappointing”
|
Republican state lawmakers were vocal in their criticisms, saying the Cuomo administration was unprepared.
App NEWS
Counties Face Vaccine Shortages As State Expands Eligible Groups
|
“We’re all ready to go, but we can only give out the vaccine that we actually have in our hands.”
Government
After Slow Rollout, New York Will Offer Vaccines At More Sites
|
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, bowing to pressure from local governments, is agreeing to expand the state’s vaccination sites for front-line health care workers.
Vaccinations In Broome Near 5,000, Officials Are Still Building Capacity
|
“The challenge is being able to pivot when we need to pivot.”
New York GOP Lawmakers Push Back Harder On Cuomo’s Emergency Pandemic Powers
|
“It would be one thing if he was making split-second decisions about procurement (of medical supplies), but I think we have moved well beyond the time when that resolution was necessary.”
County Leaders Seek Governor’s Cooperation As They Carry Out Vaccination Plans
|
They said Cuomo and the state health department are not providing data that they need and are leaving them out of key meetings.
Bills’ Parking Lot Becomes Massive COVID Testing Site
|
“You pull up. We verify who you are. You roll down your window. We swab you. Just a little nasal swab, not invasive. We then take that specimen with the requisition and we send it to our laboratory.”
Education
Studies Look For Link Between Vaping And ‘Mental Fog’
|
“Our studies add to growing evidence that vaping should not be considered a safe alternative to tobacco smoking.”
Economy
New Paid Leave Law Could Help New York Slow Spread Of COVID-19
|
“This is really a very important step forward in fighting COVID and in fighting any other kind of illness.’
Government
With Holidays Over, COVID-19 Vaccination Effort Expected To Ramp Up
|
“Our hospitals and health care systems continue to be significantly challenged.”
More Contagious Strain Of COVID-19 Found In New York State
|
The governor said the man, in his 60s, works in a jewelry store, N. Fox Jewelers, in Saratoga Springs and that three other employees have also tested positive for the virus.
Health
Holiday Traffic At Syracuse Airport Down Significantly
|
“It’s nowhere near where we were last year at this time. We’re sitting roughly about 70% off where we were in 2019.”
Education
Thousands Of PA Children With Autism Will Lose Services This Month
|
A change at the state level is blocking funding for a type of one-on-one therapy when conducted at clinics rather than in the home.
AHL
Binghamton Devils Relocate To Newark For 2021
|
Binghamton is the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
Cuomo Won’t Get Vaccine Until His Group’s Turn In Black, Hispanic, Poor Communities
|
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said testing for COVID-19 was more readily available in richer, whiter communities in the state. He added: “This can’t happen again, and it can’t happen with this vaccine.”
Government
If They Don’t Act Faster, Cuomo Threatens To Cut Off Hospitals From Vaccination Program
|
Cuomo says the underperforming hospitals will face sanctions, including a fine of up to $100,000 if they don’t use up all of the vaccine they have in store by the end of the week.
In New York, Waiting For A COVID-19 Test Is A Business Opportunity
|
A business that traditionally provided line standers for Broadway shows and other events, now serves people who don’t want to wait hours outside a health clinic.
App NEWS
COVID-19 Impacts Steuben County Jail
|
During the week of Christmas, four staff members and 21 inmates at the Steuben County Jail tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Economy
Despite Virus Spike, Governor Says 2021 Could Bring Reopenings
|
“2021 is going to be literally what we make of it. We’re coming out of probably the most traumatic year that we’ve had in decades.”
App NEWS
In 2021, New York Workers Will Earn More Sick Leave And A Higher Minimum Wage
|
Large and medium businesses must pay their employees if they are out because of their own illness, or to care for sick family member.
Crime and Justice
Statewide Ban On Prison Visitation In Effect
|
There are currently 3,914 COVID-19 cases among inmates, parolees, and corrections officers at state prisons, while 2,156 people have recovered.
Health
Guilt Complicates Grief After A Fatal Overdose
|
“It just replays in the back of my mind, like, ‘Hey, if I didn’t moved out I could have saved her.'”
Multiple Coronavirus Cases After Republican Christmas Party In New York
|
A video featuring unmasked attendees went viral last week on Twitter. On Wednesday, three individuals who were at the party were reported to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Cancels NYC’s New Year Celebration
|
The virus interfering with end-of-year parties across the country. Even the traditional Times Square ball drop in New York City at midnight will be closed to the public and seen virtually.
Government
In 2020, The Pandemic Was The Only Story
|
“There will be a New Year, I can’t say that it won’t be worse, because now, I don’t know.”
New York Employers Could Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine, According To Updated Federal Guidelines
|
“I don’t think an anti-vaxxer would have a good claim if they were fired for refusing to take a vaccine.”
Prison Visitations Suspended Statewide As COVID Cases Surge
|
“We recognize that visitation is a vital part of family reunification and therefore, we will resume it when safe to do so.
App NEWS
New York State Legislature Approves New Eviction Protections
|
The New York State Legislature places a moratorium on pandemic-related evictions, but admits it’s only a stopgap measure.
Education
Socially-Distant Holidays Tough On Kids
|
While adults can make a distinction that changes in tradition are for the greater good, kids don’t have that level of cognitive awareness.
Government
Cuomo Hopes Virus Spike Is An Aberration
|
New York state’s positivity rate for the coronavirus jumped to 8.3%, according to the latest numbers released Monday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Economy
Unemployment Benefits And One-Time Checks: What To Know About The New Stimulus In PA
|
If you’re wondering when your check will arrive, what’s up with your unemployment, or what else taxpayers should expect from the new program, here’s what you need to know.
ambulance
Pandemic is straining ambulance providers
|
SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The federal government is directing more than $1 billion worth of COVID relief funding passed earlier this year to offset losses incurred by ambulance providers. It’s welcome news in New York. “Emergency medical service providers across the U.S. have been struggling to stay afloat as the COVID-19 health crisis has raged on. Nowhere is that more true than here in New York, one of the hardest-hit states during the pandemic,” said Jeff Endler, a spokesperson for the United New York Ambulance Network. Lon Fricano, director of operations at TLC Emergency Medical Services that covers Auburn and Onondaga and Cortland counties, said every year in this business is tough, but COVID has doubled down on difficulties they face.
alzheimer's
Grief Comes Before Death When Caring For A Loved One With Dementia
|
“Grief isn’t just related to death or the loss of a loved one. It can be loss of independence, loss of a connection, loss of a relationship.”
Featured in Category
Southern Tier Officials Expect Flooding Over Christmas
|
A flood watch is in effect across the region Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.
Andrew Cuomo
Assembly Speaker Says Agreement On Rent Protections Is Close
|
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said it’s still possible that a session will be held before 2020 ends on more substantive issues.
Here Are Four Ways 2020 Will Shape PA Politics Moving Forward
|
PHILADELPHIA, PA (WITF) – It’s not easy to recognize important historical moments while they’re happening. But 2020 has been a year marked by disaster and debacle. It has featured a deadly global pandemic, a reckoning over racism in the wake of several Black Americans killed by police, and a tense, litigious election. Looking back, historians, political insiders, and on-the-ground organizers agree that the last 12 months or so will leave an indelible impression. “I don’t know a historian right now who isn’t still kind of in shock,” said Timothy Lombardo, a Philadelphia-born historian of conservative politics.
App NEWS
Schumer: New York Will Get $54 Billion In New COVID Bill
|
“It’s not a stimulus bill. It’s an emergency survival bill and we’re going to fight for more dollars later,.”
App NEWS
The Grief In Giving End-Of-Life Care
|
The type of care they give is intimate—bathing, hand-holding, talking for hours, praying, painting nails, back rubs. The relationship can become close, but then, a few weeks or months later, the resident dies.
App NEWS
Food Pantries Worry About Getting Food To Clients After Winter Storm
|
“Over 85 families are depending on this food for their Christmas dinners, so we are very concerned about being able to get the plowing done.”
Government
Here’s What PA Hospital Heads Say About Masks, Business Closures And New Health Measures
|
There is “universal support” overall, but some disagreement on specifics.
Arts & Culture
Holiday Lights Could Fight Coronavirus Depression
|
“We know they are correlated and signify joy and happiness, and more importantly in this pandemic time, hope and optimism for a brighter future.”
Government
Cuomo Says Shutdown Can Be Avoided if Behaviors Change
|
Hospitalization rates are steadily rising. More than 6000 New Yorkers are in the hospital with COVID-19, and more than 1000 are in intensive care.
Education
‘We Knew It Was Inevitable’: PA Child Care Centers Wrestle With COVID Surge
|
Child care centers in Pennsylvania are facing a dark winter. With coronavirus cases surging, and government relief aid far reduced from the early days of the pandemic, providers are struggling as they navigate how to stay afloat financially while keeping the children they serve and their staffs safe.
App NEWS
Broome County Adds 200 Beds To Hospitals, Sets Up A Temporary Morgue
|
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 154 COVID-19 deaths in the county.
Economy
Cuomo Warns of Total Shutdown if Virus Rate is Not Controlled
|
“If we do not change the trajectory, we could very well be headed to shutdown, and shutdown is something to worry about.”
App NEWS
Reed’s ‘Problem Solvers’ On the Verge of Major Victory With COVID Relief Bill
|
A separate bill for $160 billion links state, local and tribal aid to an agreement on liability provisions.
Government
New York’s First COVID-19 Vaccine Given To NYC Nurse
|
“I know how horrific it was. It was a modern day battlefield. What you do, showing up every day, you really are heroes.”
App NEWS
Coping With COVID Overflow, EMTs Transfer Patients Out of Northern Tier Hospital
|
“Similar to across the rest of the nation and the state, we are certainly experiencing the highest numbers and more crunch for capacity than we’ve been in anytime during this entire pandemic,” Lopatofsky said.
App NEWS
WATCH: Governor’s Friday COVID Briefing At 11:30 A.M. On WSKG Radio
|
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on the State’s COVID-19 Response and Makes an Announcement
Food and Farms
Indoor Dining Banned In NYC, But Cuomo Adds Home Gatherings Are The Biggest Virus Spreaders
|
Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled details of what he calls the “winter plan” for limiting the spread of COVID-19 in New York State.
Food and Farms
Amid COVID-19 Resurgence, PA Governor Halts Indoor Dining And Limits Gatherings
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The new public health measures come as COVID-19 cases near all-time highs and hospital intensive care units are nearing capacity.
So Far, Tompkins Residents Skeptical Of Police Reform Initiative
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“I look forward to this becoming an actual discussion, where our questions are answered, where we have actual talks about how we can imagine public safety because this ain’t it.”
App NEWS
Broome County COVID-19 Hospitalizations Are Highest Since Pandemic’s Start
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Garnar said that 30 percent of the ICU beds in the county were available and open as of Wednesday.
App NEWS
If Congress Does Not Approve Relief Package, Cuomo Predicts Dire Consequences
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“I believe we’re going to have to raise taxes at the end of the day, in any event, but the question is, how much in taxes?”
App NEWS
Cuomo: Vaccines Could Arrive As Early As This Weekend
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Cuomo says undocumented immigrants who receive a vaccine will not have to release any personal data that might trigger deportation.
App NEWS
Some Workers Don’t Want The COVID-19 Vaccine, But Employers Could Mandate It
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U.S. employers will be able to require their employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine unless the employee has reasonable medical or religious objections.
App NEWS
New PA Data Shows How Pandemic Gave A Boost To Cyber Charter Schools
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While public schools in urban and suburban counties have lost students, schools in more rural counties have largely tread water.
Food and Farms
New York Restaurants Say Governor’s New Rules Will Permanently Close More Doors
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Restaurant owners are finding Governor Andrew Cuomo’s new criteria difficult to decipher, and worry it will mean more eateries will soon be out of business.
Case Settled For Horseheads Church At Center Of Fatal COVID Cluster
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“Lighthouse said all along that we would comply with New York State guidelines, but the county insisted that we go well above and beyond those guidelines as a condition of reopening.”
App NEWS
New Restrictions On Indoor Dining Likely Next Week, Cuomo Says
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“Overwhelming the hospital system means people die on a gurney in a hallway, and the life you could’ve saved you can’t save because you don’t have the staff, you don’t have the doctors, you don’t have the nurses.”
App NEWS
Barbers, Salons In Orange Zones Petition New York State To Reopen
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“Nobody’s giving us any direction. We don’t have the unemployment thing in place, we don’t have the other supports that were in place the last time they shut us down, they’re just like, ‘You gotta close.’ ”
App NEWS
State Senate Dems Offer $4 Billion Pandemic Relief Plan
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“We know that we can’t depend upon the federal government, given the fact that we’ve been waiting for them to respond to this crisis for months now.”
Government
Cuomo Calls Latest Federal Relief Plan by Dems A Downpayment On What’s Owed
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“It doesn’t come near to the need. It would be a short term bill until March. I would urge them to get this first down payment bill before they leave.”
App NEWS
As COVID-19 Cases Soar, PA Hospitals Are Running Out Of ICU Beds And Health Care Workers
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With almost 5,000 Pennsylvanians hospitalized due to COVID-19, some hospitals are out of beds.
Economy
Restaurants In New York Struggle As Pandemic, And The Cold Weather, Intensifies
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“I would consider it shameful that our federally elected representatives have not been able to come together to provide some type of meaningful assistance.”
Government
In Spite Of Challenges, New York Hospitals Recruit Retired Nurses
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Retired nurses could relieve some stress and handle any holiday-related increase in cases of the coronavirus and in distributing vaccines should they become available.
Economy
Families And Advocates Criticize PA’s Fracking Health Studies
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State announced $3.9 M studies after pressure from families of rare cancer patients in SW PA
App NEWS
Broome County Jail Limits Movement Amid New COVID-19 Cases
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“Most of the inmates are isolated from each other,” Harder added. “They’re not allowed out of their cells. They’re basically quarantined to keep the spread down.”
App NEWS
After Touring So. Tier DRI Projects, Hochul Pushes For Continued Funding
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“They need to continue because the money for those has already been allocated which is important, but also those are supporting downtowns and small businesses and jobs.”
Government
170,000 Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine Comes To New York In Two Weeks
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Front line health care workers and nursing home residents will be among the first to receive it.
App NEWS
Cuomo Writes Trump, Biden; Raises Concerns About Vaccination Rollout
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“Just like we went through with the COVID tests, they’re underserved by health care facilities and their rate of skepticism is higher. It’s going to be an extensive effort to outreach to Black, brown and poor communities.”
Government
More Pennsylvanians Hospitalized With COVID-19 Now Than During Spring Peak
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The state’s average test positivity rate is nearly 12%
aids
New York’s HIV Task Force Worries Cuts To Rebate Program Will Hurt Efforts
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The task force, also called ETE, had the ambitious goal of ending the epidemic in the state by 2020.
App NEWS
Cuomo Tells Hospitals To Prepare More Beds For COVID-19 Patients
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“We are not going to live through the nightmare of overwhelmed hospitals again.”
To Prevent Evictions, Reed Says Congress Considering Housing Assistance
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“A lot of the landlords are small business owners or just mom-and-pop folks who may have a couple of that they picked up and they’re using it for side income.”
Government
Lots Of Thanksgiving Travel Expected; Some Areas May Enforce Gathering Limits
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“I didn’t want to disappoint my mother, 89 years old. She’s thinking how many Thanksgivings will I get, you start to think that way. But it’s hard. But sometimes hard is smart.”
Andrew Cuomo
Broome County Sheriff: 10-Person Limit Is Unconstitutional
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There are 580 active cases of the virus in Broome County and 29 hospitalized residents.
Government
As Coronavirus Surges, Governor Imposes Tighter Restrictions On Portions Of New York State
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“These numbers have kept me awake for many, many , many nights. People get infected, they go into the hospital, they go into the ICU.”
COVID-19
Business Owner Worries About Impact Of Another Shutdown
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“So yeah, we hope by the time this ends we’ll still have some money in the bank and we‘ll still be viable.”
App NEWS
WATCH: New Yorkers Warned To Take Precautions Against COVID-19 This Thanksgiving
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New York’s rate of the virus has been creeping up through the fall, though the state is still at a significantly lower rate than most of the nation.
App NEWS
COVID-19 Data Trending Toward Tougher Restrictions for Some Areas, Cuomo Says
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Part of Manhattan, Staten Island, Rochester, Syracuse, and Long Island could face new, or stronger, restrictions if the positivity rates in those areas don’t decline in the coming days.
Addiction
Binghamton Addiction Treatment Center Announces $13M Expansion
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“We need to be ready, and this project is going to be an important tool that we have to address this crisis.”
Economy
Unemployment Ticks Down Statewide, But Up Outside New York City
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While the unemployment rate in the five boroughs dropped to 13.2% in October, the rate outside New York City went up from 6.6% in September to 6.9% in October.
Economy
Businesses Plead With New York Officials To Avoid Wider Economic Shutdowns
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“Let’s not do these massive shutdowns of gyms or shopping malls or restaurants. That will just crush the economy more.”