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More About The Peru Gazette

The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Vermont Lake Monsters’ season uncertain amid pandemic – VTDigger

Source: Vermont Lake Monsters’ season uncertain amid pandemic – VTDigger

Police investigate deadly motorcycle crash in Crown Point

Source: Police investigate deadly motorcycle crash in Crown Point

Tourism faces rough summer over virus fears | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: Tourism faces rough summer over virus fears | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

COVID-19 May 18th GLOBAL UPDATE

More than 180 nations worldwide have confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The following have the highest number as of 4 a.m. ET*:

  1. US 1,486,742 (+1.28%)
  2. Russia 290,678 (+3.17%)
  3. UK 244,995 (+1.46%)
  4. Brazil 241,080 (+3.24%)
  5. Spain 230,698 (0.00%)**
  6. Italy 225,435 (+0.30%)
  7. France 179,693 (+0.04%)
  8. Germany 176,551 (+0.17%)
  9. Turkey 149,435 (+0.92%)
  10. Iran 120,198 (+1.53%)

Source: Johns Hopkins University

*Percentage change over 24 hours

** The numbers for Spain have not been updated

Who can get a coronavirus test in NY? Cuomo widely expands eligibility for thousands – syracuse.com

Source: Who can get a coronavirus test in NY? Cuomo widely expands eligibility for thousands – syracuse.com

NBC 5 May 17th COVID-19 Report

More states around the country are set to ease restrictions this week, but health officials doubled down on the dangers of mass gatherings. Moving too quickly could have dire consequences, they say. For instance, in California, more than 180 people may have been exposed by a person who had the virus during an in-person religious service last week. As of this morning, in the U.S. more than 1,467,800 people have been infected with the virus and at least 88,754 have died.
 
Here’s what else you need to know about COVID-19 around the world:
• Spraying disinfectants outside or across broad spaces indoors to try to kill coronavirus can do more harm than good, the World Health Organization said.
 
• Health authorities in Canada approved the country’s first clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine.
 
• The FDA announced it authorized an “at-home sample collection kit … for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.”

Governor Cuomo’s May 17th COVID-19 Briefing

CCHD reports one more lab-confirmed COVID-19 case as testing increases

Adirondack Experience provides a digital experience – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Adirondack Experience provides a digital experience – – The Adirondack Almanack

Supporting the work behind the headlines – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Supporting the work behind the headlines – – The Adirondack Almanack

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s May 16th Email

Many New Yorkers have asked me how they can help with the state’s Coronavirus response. Of course, the best way to help is to follow health directives that can protect your safety and the safety of your community. But there are a number of other ways you can help, too. You can apply to serve as a (paid) contact tracer. If you are a mental health professional, you can volunteer your services. The state is also seeking highly-trained technologists to assist our COVID-19 Technology SWAT Team.
If you’re in the position to do so, you can provide goods and services that can help expand New York’s testing capacity. And finally, if you want to help out first responders, you can contribute to the state’s First Responders Fund. (See some more of the ways you can help here.) We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already stepped up and helped in whatever way they can.
Nurses at Great Allen.
Photo of the Day: Healthcare workers at the Great Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Queens. A testing site has opened at the church by appointment (Photo by Molly Streb).
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. Horse racing tracks across the state and Watkins Glen International Racetrack will be allowed to open without fans as of June 1st. The state will issue guidance on how they can safely reopen in the coming week.
2. Westchester and Suffolk Counties are now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care. Elective outpatient treatments can resume in counties and hospitals without a significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term, and a total of 49 counties have now been cleared to offer elective surgeries.
3. The number of total COVID hospitalizations is still dropping. Total hospitalizations fell to 6,220, from 6,394 the day before. The number of new COVID hospitalizations also dropped, from 400 to 431 the day before. Tragically, we lost 157 New Yorkers to the virus yesterday.
4. Testing capacity continues to strengthen. Yesterday, 40,669 New Yorkers were tested for the virus. For context, in early March we were testing fewer than 2,000 New Yorkers a day — we’ve come a long way but we want to expand capacity even more. Of those tested yesterday, 2,419 people were positive.
5. Will you join the #HowAreYouReallyChallenge? We cannot underestimate the impact this situation has had on our mental health. My brother-in-law Kenneth Cole and the Mental Health Coalition started the #HowAreYouReallyChallenge to help end the stigma surrounding mental health issues — by asking people to answer the question, “How are you really doing?” I joined the challenge and I encourage others to participate too.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: The Bel Aire Diner in Queens started hosting drive-in movie nights in their parking lots. Every bag of popcorn sold during their events provides a meal for a first responder or their family.

District Administrators Discuss the School Budget Challenges Ahead

In the following Podcast Peru School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer and Business Administrator Randy Sapp discuss the 2020-21 school budget-making process and the challenges presented by state-aid cuts. This year state aid comprised about 52% of the school’s budget. The property tax is the other major revenue source.
 
Dr. Palmer mentioned the financial scenarios he presented to the School Board based on small, medium and very large cuts in state aid. He also presented various pandemic scenarios that would impact on-campus learning, remote learning, and sports. All the scenarios were speculative.
Dr. Palmer also touched on the recent property reassessments and their impact on the tax levy and tax rate.
Click here to listen to the Podcast 

Governor Coumo’s May 16th Briefing

NBC 5 May 16th COVID-19 Update

Gatherings of large groups that have been brought to a halt by the novel coronavirus are starting to make their way back into life in the United States, but they may not look the way they once did — and experts question if the public is ready for them at all. The 12 forecasting models tracked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are predicting an increase in deaths in the coming weeks that could bring the nationwide death toll to 100,000 by June 1. Health experts say the best way to protect against the virus still is to stay home.
 
Here’s what else you need to know about COVID-19 in the U.S.:
 
• Late Friday, the U.S. House approved a $3 trillion coronavirus relief measure and a historic rules change to allow lawmakers to vote remotely during the pandemic. The relief package is expected to face major roadblocks in the Senate.
 
• President Donald Trump unveiled a crash effort on Friday aimed at developing a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.
 
• There have been more than 1.4 million coronavirus cases and more than 87,000 deaths in the United States.

 Health Department Concerned about Rise in Cases due to Lack of Social Distancing 

“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.”

CCHA closed to the public, available for research inquiries  

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.

Burlington officials seek to require masks in retail stores – VTDigger

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

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

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

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

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

North Country Chamber Releases New Webinar Series

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 1st 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!

 

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

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

NBC 5 COVID-19 May 15th Update

President Donald Trump on Friday announced that doses of a coronavirus vaccine may be ready by the end of the year. The president made the announcement while introducing a new vaccine effort called “Operation Warp Speed.” Trump tapped Moncef Slaoui, a former pharmaceutical executive, to serve as the administration’s virus czar. Slaoui said early trial data suggests that “a few hundred million doses of vaccine” will be delivered by late 2020. Trump reiterated that he wants states to move forward with reopening plans, saying, “We are back, vaccine or no vaccine.”
 
Here’s what else you need to know about COVID-19 in the U.S.:
 
• There have been more than 1.4 million coronavirus cases and more than 86,000 deaths.
 
• The House of Representatives plans to vote on Friday on a COVID-19 aid package with a price tag of more than $3 trillion and a historic rules change to allow lawmakers to vote remotely during the pandemic.
 
•The CDC issued a health advisory to thousands of doctors across the country Thursday advising them to be on the lookout for a troubling new syndrome that may be associated with COVID-19 infection.

Coronavirus: Vermont extends state of emergency until June 15

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

School Board Regular Meeting – Tuesday, May 19th

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.

The meeting will include a public comment period not to exceed twenty (20) minutes. Comments will be read in the order received and will be limited to two (2) minutes per sender. Public comments may be submitted until 12:00 noon on May 19th. Comments may be emailed to perucomments@perucsd.org.

The agenda will be available on the District’s website.

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

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