The Peru Gazette

“This rise in cases is very disturbing because it was preventable,” stated John Kanoza, the County’s Director of Public Health.

Plattsburgh, May 16, 2020. Nine new lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Clinton County are associated with several recent parties in Plattsburgh. All nine are isolating in their homes. None are currently hospitalized. Contact tracing as of Friday evening had identified 27 individuals as close contacts. These people are now in quarantine. 

This rise in cases is very disturbing because it was preventable,” stated John Kanoza, the County’s Director of Public Health. Health Department Concerned about Rise in Cases due to Lack of Social Distancing

When asked about the impact this might have on reopening, Mr. Kanoza pointed out that the metrics, set forth by Governor Cuomo are based on hospitalizations. He noted, “Because these individuals are infected but not hospitalized, they will not immediately affect the County’s reopening. However, any spread of COVID-19 may lead to serious illness in some people. I am concerned for the health of all who may have been exposed and concerned that new cases could result in new hospitalizations.” 

CCHD’s contact tracing team is continuing to identify and quarantine contacts. The team will need to monitor each of the new cases and their contacts along with approximately 46 other individuals already in isolation or quarantine. 

Mr. Kanoza stated, “People are tired of staying home and distancing. I get that. But, this virus will not go away just because we are tired. We need to maintain the health practices that got us to the point where we are able to slowly begin to reopen our County.” He reiterated, “We must stay home when possible, maintain distance between ourselves and others when we go out, wear a face covering when distancing is not possible and wash our hands often. These strategies have worked so far. We must continue.”

In accordance with state guidelines regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Clinton County Historical Association Museum will remain closed to the public indefinitely and has postponed all events until further notice. In addition, the opening of the Bluff Point Lighthouse is also on hold.

CCHA staffers are working from home on the museum’s collections and administrative tasks, and are available for research help. The Association’s FaceBook pages remain active and research inquiries may be sent to director@clintoncountyhistorical.

Source: Burlington officials seek to require masks in retail stores – VTDigger

Source: Too soon? Guides have mixed views on getting anglers back in the water – Adirondack Explorer

The Dalton Rashad Criss Memorial Scholarship nearly has the funds needed to become endowed and perpetual.

The son of Peru residents Dexter and Barbara Criss, Dalton, 18, passed away Aug. 20, 2019, following an automobile accident.

Dalton’s influence on the North Country left a memorable legacy this scholarship will continue.

Source: Reflecting Dalton: Scholarship to honor memory of late SUNY Plattsburgh student | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Chamber set to host a series of webinars to help businesses with the reopening 

Plattsburgh, NY – As we continue to reopen our community, the North Country Chamber of Commerce understands that there are several questions about what you need to do and how to execute it. Because of that, they will be hosting a series of webinars to help navigate these challenges. Each of the seminars are geared toward a specific industry to hit the highlights of what is unique to their reopening.

We are working on several more webinars in a variety of sectors, coming up this week, we have Manufacturing, Accommodations and Restaurants & Beverage Services. Information is below and your business can sign-up by visiting northcountrychamber.com.

MANUFACTURING: COVID-19 SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER (CSRO) TRAINING – MAY 19TH – 2 PM

Presented by: CITEC

While it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, this presentation includes practical recommendations, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and OSHA that could be tailored by manufacturers and businesses to address various scenarios they may face when returning to work, and maintaining a healthy work environment.

The following are topics that will be discussed:

• Introductory Material on COVID-19
• Hazard Analysis
• High traffic areas- Work areas, breakrooms, restrooms, etc.
• Workplace Preparation
• General Guidelines
• Distancing
• Cleaning/Disinfect
• PPE
• Workforce Preparation
• Communication Strategy
• Training/Feedback
• Wellness Monitoring
• Audit/sustain

Click here to register for the 2 pm webinar.

RESTAURANT / FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICES: COVID-19 SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER (CSRO) TRAINING & HOW TO NAVIGATE THE NEW NORMAL – MAY 21ST – 1PM 

Presented by: Catamount Consulting

Course Description: Due to Federal Workplace Safety requirements ALL companies must provide training to assure competency to their employees anytime there is a recognized hazard that is causing harm. As the government allows businesses to resume operations following the COVID-19 shutdown there will be requirements within these businesses to assure compliance with these standards!

This program will provide, information on the required safety plan, training and best practices specific to the restaurant industry.

Upon completion of the course participants will receive:

• An Approved COVID-19 Response Plan
• Training PowerPoint to Use for Future Instructions
• Access to Training Documents
• Tracking Forms
• Ongoing Support as New Protocols are created via Catamount Consulting
• Certificate of Attendance

Click here to register for the 1 pm webinar

LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS: COVID-19 SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER (CSRO) TRAINING & HOW TO NAVIGATE THE NEW NORMAL – MAY 22ND – 1 PM 

Course Description: Due to Federal Workplace Safety requirements ALL companies must provide training to assure competency to their employees anytime there is a recognized hazard that is causing serious harm. As the government allows businesses to resume operations following the COVID-19 shutdown there will be oversight within these businesses to assure compliance with these standards!

The program will include information on the required safety plan and training as well as best practices specific to safety in the lodging industry.

Upon completion of the course participants will receive:

• An Approved COVID-19 Response Plan
• Training PowerPoint to Use for Future Instructions
• Access to Training Documents
• Tracking Forms
• Ongoing Support as New Protocols are created via Catamount Consulting
• Certificate of Attendance

Presenters:

• Scott McKenna, President, Catamount Safety Consulting
• Vicki Demarse-Giroux, General Manager, LaQuinta Inn & Suites

Click here to register for the 1 pm webinar

The North Country Chamber of Commerce also hosted a “Back to Business” Webinar and should have been taken first by all sectors as it will serve as the 1^st step in preparing for new general guidelines.  Even for essential businesses that have been open – this webinar is encouraged.  The webinar is available for playback on the North Country Chamber of Commerce’s website on the REOPENING tab.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is working on scheduling several other sector-specific webinars, so stay tuned to their website (northcountrychamber.com) for more announcements.

Register today by visiting northcountrychamber.com!

Source: Horse shows canceled | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Coronavirus: Vermont extends state of emergency until June 15

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 6:30 PM. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. Due to current COVID-19 conditions, the meeting will be held remotely via Google Meet.

The public may view the meeting live at https://stream.meet.google.com/…/ba116485-70c6-447d-bd4c-bf…, by signing in with email address ‘community@perucsd.org’ and password ‘Join1920.’ The meeting will also be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

Source: The prison where New York inmates are bottling hand sanitizer now has a coronavirus outbreak | NCPR News

Source: Sheriff warns of NYSEG scam | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | The Clinton County Sheriff’s Department is warning area residents about a new scam targeting New York State Electric and Gas customers.

Source: Hannaford to hire approximately 2,000 workers | Sun Community News Officials at Hannaford Supermarkets announced plans to hire approximately 2,000 employees at stores throughout its five-state territory, including Vermont.

Source: New York state beaches to open in time for Memorial Day; local beaches also can – syracuse.com

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Diocese of Ogdensburg Communications Director Darcy Fargo said Thursday that, like other entities, the diocese is still awaiting guidance from the state both on when churches can reopen and whether they fit into one of the reopening phases.

“We just don’t know where we fall at this point,” she continued.

“It’s kind of frustrating — everybody would really like to resume worship services and resume the sacraments, but obviously we want to do it in the safest way possible.

We’d really appreciate some guidance.”

Source: Diocese of Ogdensburg begins discussion about resuming public worship | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: As CNY enters phase one of a restart, can churchgoers return to worship? – syracuse.com

Source: How local boards of elections are preparing for the pandemic primary | CSNY

Generous donors give over $11,600 to help feed our frontline 

Plattsburgh, NY – The North Country Chamber’s Feed our Frontline campaign has come to an end. Thanks to you, the amazing donors, they were able to give over $11,600 to the Alice Hyde Medical Center, Elizabethtown Community Hospital, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital and Adirondack Health during Hospital Week.  The money will be used to both show support for frontline heroes and bolster our local restaurants.

Hannah Hanford relayed, “The Adirondack Health Foundation and the entire the staff at Adirondack Health wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We are most appreciative of the many expressions of support and encouragement we have received. We hope everyone knows how much it brightens our day and gives us renewed energy to go about our work caring for our patients – we couldn’t be more grateful.”

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support. This week is National Hospital Week and it is more important now than ever for us to recognize the tireless commitment of our employees,” said Elizabethtown Community Hospital President, John Remillard. “Through the North Country Chamber of Commerce’s “Feed the Frontline” donation, we will be able to celebrate all of our team members who have worked incredibly hard over the last two months to care for our community.”

Garry Douglas, CEO and President of the North Country Chamber said, “The desire to do this came from our members and we were happy to be a conduit for them, and they and others in the community certainly came through.  Across the North Country, organizations, businesses and individuals are pitching in in all sorts of ways, whether through contributions of cash, things such as masks or services and support. This spirit of sharing has always served the North Country well and is doing so again. Onward and upward!”

Visit northcountrychamber.com for more ways to help local organizations provide for those in need.

Source: UVM faculty, students hold car protest to push back on cuts – VTDigger