Town Planning Board readies for virtual sessions | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com
Posted: April 9th, 2020 under Northern NY News.
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Local official offers mental health tips | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com
Posted: April 9th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Per NBC 5’s Stephanie Gorin: Nyscopba Union employees and all unionized workers in NYS are not getting the raise they expected this month.
BREAKING:
Nyscopba Union employees and all unionized workers in NYS are not getting the raise they expected this month.
CORRECTIONS OFFICERS in NY say Governor Cuomo’s office told them their raise is not happening because of #covid19 costs. The state will reassess in a few months.
The union responded quickly. Saying in part this news is
“…yet another slap in the face to the brave men and women in law enforcement and those on the front lines of keeping order in our state’s prison system and our mental health facilities. Our members are working day and night and are subject to some of the most dangerous conditions in the state.
With hundreds of our members testing positive for COVID-19 and hundreds more quarantined, the risks are real.”
NYSCOPBA PRESIDENT MICHAEL POWERS GOES ON TO SAY: “…Simply put, we will not stand for this… It’s time for the Governor and the State to step up and rightfully compensate our members.”
Posted: April 9th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Schumer floats pandemic pay raise for essential workers | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News, Political News.
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Clinton County up to 39 confirmed COVID-19 cases
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Clinton County up to 39 confirmed COVID-19 cases
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News.
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Clinton County Health Department – April 8, 2020 News
Are Your Neighbors in Need?
Avoid Risks Associated with Distancing Requirements
Plattsburgh, April 8, 2020 Requirements for distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 have separated us from friends, co-workers, neighbors and even extended family, at least physically. Technology and innovative communication solutions are helpful as people try to stay connected to one another. But, these don’t work for everyone. Clinton County leaders are asking residents to check on neighbors, especially those who may not have a strong social network, are elderly, or in some other way may be more vulnerable to falling through the cracks during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen Derusha, Public Information Officer for the Clinton County Health Department, admitted “It may seem like a bit of a contradiction to ask residents to stay inside, but also check on your neighbors,” she noted. “But, there are safe ways to do this. If you don’t have a phone number to call, it is appropriate to knock on a neighbors door, then step back 6 feet.” Asking how someone is feeling is appropriate, and you may also want to check to see if they have essential items that they need to stay healthy such as medications and food. If you are able, you can offer to pick these items up for them, the next time you go out for your own supplies. If they have needs that you are not able to help with, remind them that dialing 2-1-1 on their phone will connect them with an information service that covers our region to connect residents to organizations that can help.
Ms. Derusha also noted, “Many of our seniors are known to the Office for Aging and JCEO. These organizations have been reaching out to the seniors within their database. Drivers for the Senior Nutrition Program are making meal deliveries, leaving the meals at the door, and waiting until someone comes out to pick it up.”
Some indications that a neighbor might be in trouble include newspapers piling up at the door or lights that are on or off at the wrong time of day. If you are concerned, and can’t make contact with someone who you suspect may be in danger, call 9-1-1.
CCHD is also reporting that as of Wednesday morning, 321 Clinton County residents have been tested for COVID-19, with 39 lab confirmed cases of COVID-19. Fifteen of these individuals have recovered, and 0 have died. Residents may access the NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker at https://on.ny.gov/2JLTaeZ.
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under County Government News, Heathcare News.
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Hudson Headwaters Health Care warns agains taking Zantac /ranitidine
We are writing to inform you that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled and removed from the market a common prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication called ranitidine, commonly known by the brand name Zantac.
Ranitidine is a medication used to treat symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn and will no longer be available to purchase over-the-counter or by prescription. This medication is being recalled because some products were found to have higher than recommended levels of a chemical called NDMA. This chemical may increase the risk of cancer and ranitidine was found to have higher levels of it. As a result, the FDA is having pharmacies and drug stores remove this medication from its shelves.
If you are taking medication to treat symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn, we recommend that you check the medication label carefully to see if it contains ‘ranitidine.’ If you have any of this medication the FDA recommends you follow these steps:
If you are taking OTC ranitidine:
- STOP taking ranitidine
- Dispose of any remaining tablets or liquid that you currently have
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA is recommending disposal in the following manner:
- Mix medicines (liquid or pills; do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
- Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
- Throw away the container in your trash at home; and
- Delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or medicine packaging, then trash or recycle the empty bottle or packaging
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA is recommending disposal in the following manner:
- Do NOT purchase any more of this medication
- Consider another approved OTC medication, like Pepcid (famotidine) or contact your pharmacist or local health center via patient portal or telephone for guidance
If you are currently prescribed ranitidine by your health care provider:
- Contact your local health center via the patient portal or telephone to discuss an alternative medication with your health care provider
Wishing you good health,
Your Hudson Headwaters Health Team
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News.
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Assemblyman Billy Jones’ COVID-19 April 8, 2020 Update
Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.14
New York ON PAUSE Order Extended
All non-essential businesses will remain closed and social distancing protocols will remain in effect until April 29
The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public
Also, remember to please remain 6 feet away from people in public, including in grocery stores
When shopping for essentials, it is recommended that you make a list of things you need beforehand and to try to organize the list based on the layout of the store
Thank you for your patience during this difficult time
Increase in Fines for Not Social Distancing
Failure to comply to social distancing and other parts of the executive orders will be punishable as a violation of public health law section 12-b(2) and the Commissioner of Health is directed and authorized to issue emergency regulations
The fine for such violation by an individual who is participating in any gathering which violates the terms of the orders or is failing to abide by social distancing restrictions in effect in any place which is not their home is now up to $1,000
Changes for Schools
All schools will remain closed through April 29, 2020
The continued closure will be re-evaluated as circumstances change
School districts must continue plans for alternative instructional options, distribution and availability of meals, and child care, with an emphasis on serving children of essential workers
All Regents exams are canceled this year
Check out the State Education Department’s Guidance on Graduation and Course Requirements released yesterday
PPE and other Medical Equipment
Any medical equipment (including PPE, ventilators, and respirators) located in the state shall be reported to the Department of Health for a state inventory
The DOH will keep track of supplies and will work with the health care systems based on need
Changes in Financial Services
DFS is requiring individual and small group commercial health insurance plans to provide the following relief to consumers and businesses who can demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19:
Defer payments of commercial health insurance premiums through June 1st, 2020 and continue paying claims during this period
Waive late payment fees otherwise due, and not report late payments to credit rating agencies
Work with individuals to help them transition to new coverage, if appropriate
DFS will consider any liquidity or solvency concerns of the health plans in giving effect to the emergency regulation
Individuals who buy coverage through NY State of Health and receive subsidies will have additional flexibility
Uninsured New Yorkers, as a result of a one-month extension of the special enrollment period announced by NY State of Health and DFS, can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly to insurers through May 15, 2020
If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing coverage
Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, subsidized Qualified Health Plans or Child Health Plus
Procedures for Witnesses Needed for Legal Documents
The act of witnessing that is required under the Estates Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) 3-2.1(a)(2), EPTL 3-2.1(a)(4), Public Health Law 2981(2)(a), Public Health Law 4201(3), Article 9 of the Real Property Law, General Obligations Law 5-1514(9)(b), and EPTL 7-1.17 is authorized to be performed utilizing audio-video technology provided that the following conditions are met:
The person requesting that their signature be witnessed, if not personally known to the witness(es), must present valid photo ID to the witness(es) during the video conference, not merely transmit it prior to or after
The video conference must allow for direct interaction between the person and the witness(es), and the supervising attorney, if applicable (e.g. no pre-recorded videos of the person signing)
The witnesses must receive a legible copy of the signature page(s), which may be transmitted via fax or electronic means, on the same date that the pages are signed by the person
The witness(es) may sign the transmitted copy of the signature page(s) and transmit the same back to the person
The witness(es) may repeat the witnessing of the original signature page(s) as of the date of execution provided the witness(es) receive such original signature pages together with the electronically witnessed copies within thirty days after the date of execution
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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Ghost Planes Haunt Burlington International Airport | Off Message
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News, Peru/Regional History, Regional NY-VT News.
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How Vermont dentists are adjusting to the Covid-19 pandemic – VTDigger
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Regional NY-VT News.
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New, used graduation gowns being collected for hospital workers
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Regional NY-VT News.
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UVM engineers designing new emergency ventilator
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Regional NY-VT News.
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Wave of nursing home fatalities pushes up New York’s grim data pressrepublican.com
Source: Wave of nursing home fatalities pushes up New York’s grim data | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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This special edition of Ask Sister Debbie in which Sister shares North Country Mission of Hope’s response to COVID-19, both locally and internationally
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Religious News.
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Stec, Davis have different takes on ventilators | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com
Posted: April 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Political News.
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St. Lawrence County COVID-19 case increase “very concerning” | NCPR News
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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37 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Clinton County as of 2:30 p.m. on April 7, 2020
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under General News.
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Clinton County Health Department April 7th News Update
It’s the quintessential public health dilemma. How do we measure something that didn’t happen? Or in this case, how do we know that our handwashing, distancing tactics and other efforts are really slowing the spread of COVID-19? We are told that these behaviors are making a difference but, as the weeks stretch on, a sense of discouragement may add to our stress level.
Phone calls to Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) indicate that anxiety is high and that, for some, patience may be waning. Mandy Snay, Director of Health Planning and Promotion (HPP) for the Clinton County Health Department, along with a small team of other HPP staff have been responding to phone calls for several weeks. “Call volume is fairly consistent right now,” she stated. “We answer about 40-50 calls per day.” She and her team are in an ideal position to gauge the mood of the community and have noted that over the last few days, anxiety levels seem to be on the rise.
Richelle Gregory, Director of Clinton County Mental Health and Addiction Services is part of the County’s COVID-19 Unified Response. She understands how individuals and communities deal with adversity and has provided the following guidance.
Prioritize relationships by connecting and empathizing. Talk to family and friends about how you are feeling and how they are feeling. Check in with each other by phone or online.
Connect to your community. Look for ways to help. Donate to a charity. Reach out to family members or neighbors who may have a limited social network. Send cheerful cards to nursing home residents who may be missing contact with family during this time.
Stay educated and informed, but get your information from reliable sources, and don’t overdose yourself by constantly following the news.
Create a list of things that have worked for you during previous stressful or challenging times, including who you reached out to for support. This can be a quick reference when feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s ok to feel bad momentarily but if your sadness, anger or anxiety are constant, it’s time to get some help.
Those in need of someone to talk to can call Clinton County Mental Health and Addiction Services at 518-565-4060.
For other community resources residents can dial 2-1-1. Operators for 2-1-1 of the Adirondack Region can connect individuals to services which may help lessen the strain associated with stay-at-home requirements, limited financial resources, or transportation needs. CCHD will continue to respond to questions or provide links to other sources of information or services.
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under County Government News, Heathcare News.
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DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Recent Forest Ranger Actions
Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 4 at 6:20 p.m., Hamilton County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a family of hikers from Johnstown took the wrong trail while visiting Rock Lake in the Blue Mountain Wild Forest area. Dispatch called the family, and with coordinates obtained through 911, placed them near the end of the Rock River Trail about three miles from the trailhead. Forest Ranger Lt. Brian Dubay directed the hikers to head south on the trail and pass straight through the four-way intersection to reach their vehicle. Forest Ranger Gary Miller was notified, responded to the trailhead, and started walking in to meet with the family. At 8:27 p.m., Dispatch contacted the hikers again and requested new coordinates that showed they had taken a left at the intersection and were heading down a snowmobile trail that eventually parallels Route 28. With this information, Ranger Miller returned to his vehicle and drove down Route 28 to the group’s last known location and was able to make voice contact with the family. The Ranger then entered the woods, found the family, and at 9:15 p.m. everyone was out and heading back home.
Town of Warrensburg
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 5 at 3:50 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a group of three girls lost on Hackensack Mountain. A 17-year-old, 10-year-old, and four-year-old from Warrensburg took a walk and lost the trail. Coordinates provided by 911 placed the group in the woods near a private road. Forest Ranger Art Perryman responded to their location and brought the girls out to Pennock Drive where they were met by parents.
Statewide:
New York State Covid-19 Response: DEC personnel from across agency divisions and regions statewide are supporting the State’s response to COVID-19. Personnel from more than 20 New York State agencies are working on response efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. DEC Forest Rangers’ expertise in the Incident Command System (ICS) and experience in applying ICS to wide area searches and large wildland fire have made them a key part of this statewide effort.
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Plattsburgh mayor: Clinton County restricted to 12 virus tests per day | Local 22/44 News
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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New York state announces new graduation rules after cancelling Regents exams due to coronavirus – syracuse.com
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Education News, Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Lowe’s announces stores will close for Easter Sunday, April 12 (Not long-term)
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Business News.
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USAJOBS – The Federal Government’s official employment site; Many Job Openings
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under General News, Heathcare News.
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Instead of coronavirus patients, Syracuse hospitals swamped with empty beds – syracuse.com
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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