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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.

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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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Clinton County Health Department April 23rd COVID-19 Update

Clinton County COVID-19 deaths increase from 3 to 4

Clinton County Health Department April 23rd Report

Lab-confirmed positive 57, Recovered 42, Deaths 3
Probable 3, Recovered 2, Deaths 1
Suspect 42, Recovered 38, Deaths 0
Active Cases 16
Tested 548

Resident Feedback about Re-opening Mixed

Plattsburgh, April 23, 2020. Discussion about when and how Clinton County might begin to re-open in the coming weeks has been met with mixed responses on the Clinton County Health Department’s Facebook page and in calls received by the Department. The County’s Office of Emergency Services has seen similar conflicting reactions on its Facebook page.

Numerous residents shared their feelings that allowing businesses to open and activities to resume too quickly, could place people at risk. John Kanoza, Clinton County Director of Public Health, shared this message, “We hear your concerns and will do everything possible to ensure the health of Clinton County residents.”

Mr. Kanoza pointed to steps that have been taken so far that will continue. Clinton County has employed aggressive contact tracing since the first case of COVID-19 appeared in the County. Contact tracing has been conducted for every positive case, as well as for suspect cases. Isolation and quarantine of individuals based upon contact has been used to keep the virus from spreading. “Contact tracing is a tool we will continue to rely on to protect our community,” stated Mr. Kanoza.

Concerns about the number of people tested have been expressed regularly by the public. County officials, the Health Department, CVPH and other health care providers have stated that they share this concern and they have continued to advocate for more tests in the North Country region. “Testing has been based on the availability of testing supplies,” Mr. Kanoza noted. “We will continue to vigorously pursue additional testing capacity.”

The Health Department also heard from many residents earlier in the week about antibody testing that took place on Sunday and Monday. The testing was part of a New York State Department of Health initiative to determine a baseline infection rate for COVID-19. While CCHD was not involved in this testing, they anticipate receiving information from the State Department of Health about the results. Preliminary data was revealed today in Governor Cuomo’s daily briefing. When CCHD receives local Clinton County data, it will be shared with the community.

While the purpose of the antibody test survey was to collect statistical data, CCHD is aware that residents who were tested have begun to receive individual results. CCHD cautions however, that it is unknown at this time how long immunity to the virus will last and whether reinfection is possible. “Every day we learn a bit more about COVID-19,” stated Mr. Kanoza. “Each new piece of information helps us map a direction and will be used further to protect ourselves and each other.”

New York antibody tests: 2.7 million possibly infected with coronavirus statewide – syracuse.com

The largest share of positive antibody results was concentrated downstate. Over 21% of those tested in New York City were positive as were 16.7% of those tested on Long Island and 11.7% in Westchester and Rockland counties.

The positive rate in the rest of the state was 3.6%. Areas outside downstate accounted for 32.8% of total tests taken. Another 43% came from New York City alone.

Source: New York antibody tests: 2.7 million possibly infected with coronavirus statewide – syracuse.com

UPS driver says company fired her after she raised Covid-19 safety concerns – VTDigger

Source: UPS driver says company fired her after she raised Covid-19 safety concerns – VTDigger

Upstate reps see path for reopening | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Upstate reps see path for reopening | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Governor Cuomo April 23, 2020 COVID-19 Livestream

Deluge Continues: 26 Million Jobs Lost In Just 5 Weeks | NCPR News

Source: Deluge Continues: 26 Million Jobs Lost In Just 5 Weeks | NCPR News

Wednesday, April 22 Health Department Update

Stefanik Sends Letter to Sec. Pompeo and AG Barr Urging them to Bring China to the ICJ

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo and Attorney General Barr urging them to bring a case against China to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for their cover-up of COVID-19, which has since caused nearly two hundred thousand deaths worldwide and has cost trillions of dollars. Specifically, China violated their agreement to abide by the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR), which leaves them liable to legal action in the ICJ.

“The Communist Party of China knowingly withheld critical information on the threat of COVID-19, and thousands of people have died because of their attempt to cover-up the virus,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I am joining my colleagues in urging Secretary Pompeo and Attorney General Barr to bring a case against China to the ICJ. The International Health Regulations – which China agreed to abide by – require countries to provide timely information to the WHO about public health emergencies in order to prevent global pandemics. China must be held accountable for the devastating loss of life they have caused by lying and intentionally suppressing critical facts needed to combat COVID-19 early on in this pandemic.”

Click here to view Stefanik Letter to Pompeo and Barr

Beekmantown High School makes hundreds of face shields

Source: Beekmantown High School makes hundreds of face shields

Managing Social Media During a Crisis

Chamber set to host a webinar with Boire Benner Group on social media management during COVID-19

 Plattsburgh, NY – During this unprecedented time, managing your message, brand and tone are crucial to maintaining a smart and effective social presence.

Join Aaron Benner, Vice President, and Libby Quéguiner, Project Manager, of Boire Benner Group on Tuesday April 28th at 1:00pm as they discuss:

  • How businesses can utilize social media to communicate with their audiences during this challenging time
  • How to drive business and sales digitally but with compassion and sensitivity
  • How to use the power of social media to grow their brand correctly

Register and ask your questions by visiting northcountrychamber.com!

 

Lake Champlain fishing tourneys ‘up in the air’ | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: Lake Champlain fishing tourneys ‘up in the air’ | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Do Your Part

Virus challenges Adirondacks census – Adirondack Explorer

Source: Virus challenges Adirondacks census – Adirondack Explorer

SUNY Canton funeral science prof & students transporting bodies in NYC | NCPR News

Source: SUNY Canton funeral science prof & students transporting bodies in NYC | NCPR News

Reopening NYS schools this academic year ‘will be very difficult’ due to coronavirus, Cuomo says – syracuse.com

Source: Reopening NYS schools this academic year ‘will be very difficult’ due to coronavirus, Cuomo says – syracuse.com

Clinton County Health Department reports no new confirmed COVID-19 cases

Plattsburgh, April 22, 2020. On Wednesday morning, the Clinton County Health Department reported no new positive cases of COVID-19 for the fourth day in a row. With fewer new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19, Clinton County is beginning to identify benchmarks that may be used to determine when businesses, organizations and residents can resume certain activities.
 
Mark Henry, Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature, stated, “Careful planning is required. To safely begin resuming regular activity, Clinton County will employ a collaborative phased approach that balances existing executive orders and input from local municipalities, with a concentrated responsible effort to restart the local economy and get business open. All of this must happen within the framework of good data-driven public health policy and protocols to avoid a resurgence of COVID 19.”
 
Increased testing for COVID-19 and antibody testing have been central to State and National discussions about the re-opening of America. Over the last week Clinton County has seen a slight increase in the number of test kits on hand, resulting in an increase in the number of tests that can be performed. Testing will include individuals for whom a test is ordered by a physician providing the order meets priority 1 or 2 criteria for testing established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://bit.ly/2XTajeV). Individuals who feel that they may have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or other symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider office.
 
Factors that may influence when a slow re-opening process can begin to include the percent of new positive tests in comparison to total tests; the number of active cases; and data from the NYSDOH antibody testing survey, when it is released. The County will follow guidance available from State and Federal sources to make decisions about re-engaging the workforce, travel, social gatherings, and how to continue protecting vulnerable individuals. “It’s still too soon to say when re-opening will occur but we are encouraged to be at a point where it makes sense to start planning for a return to more normal operations,” added Mr. Henry.
 
Lab-confirmed positive 56
Recovered 42
Deaths 2
 
Probable 3
Recovered 2
Deaths 1
 
Suspect 42
Recovered 38
Deaths 0
 
Active Cases 16
 
Tested 544

Amid Backlash, VSC Chancellor Withdraws Plan to Close Three Campuses | Off Message

Source: Amid Backlash, VSC Chancellor Withdraws Plan to Close Three Campuses | Off Message

Governor Cuomo April 22, 2020 COVID-19 Livestream

Stefanik Announces Introduction of the Bipartisan Equity in Student Loan Relief Act

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is introducing the Equity in Student Loan Relief Act, a bipartisan bill that would extend the temporary relief from student loan payments to Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) borrowers who have been left behind.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided much-needed student loan relief during this global pandemic, suspending all monthly payments and interest accumulation for federally held student loans through September 30, 2020. However, about 7.2 million borrowers who took out loans under the FFEL program, which was discontinued in 2010, are ineligible to benefit from this temporary relief since their federal student loans are not held by the Department of Education.

Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA-3), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-3) are co-leading the bill.

The Equity in Student Loan Relief Act directs the Department of Education make the interest payments for FFEL borrowers and enter into agreements with the current holders of FFEL loans to suspend student loan payments obligations, as well as cease all involuntary collections, through September 30, 2020. As provided for federally held loans in the CARES Act, each month a loan payment is suspended will still be counted as a payment for the purposes of loan forgiveness programs. The participating holders will notify borrowers of the changes within 15 days and provide at least six notices prior to the return to normal payment obligations.

“While the CARES Act lifted the weight of student loan payments from millions of Americans whose lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, too many borrowers are still being left behind,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “All students who have federal student loans should have their monthly payments suspended, no matter which type of loan they have or when they borrowed the money. Our bipartisan bill is a major step towards achieving parity and will deliver relief to the over seven million borrowers under the old FFEL program. I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to develop additional legislation that extends these benefits to the Perkins borrowers who are also in need of immediate relief.” Read more »

Spirit Airlines will Resume Service at PBG in May

Plattsburgh, NY– Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) received news that Spirit Airlines will resume a modified schedule starting on May 2nd. They will be offering three flights a week to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) from Plattsburgh International Airport.

This is welcomed news as they suspended all flights in April due to travel restrictions in light of the global pandemic and travel restrictions.

It should be noted that while PBG is happy to see Spirit back on the schedule it is very important for all travelers to remember to practice social distancing while traveling and at the airport.

Healthy Travel Tips Include:

  • PBG is practicing social distancing – please remain 6ft apart when entering the terminal
  • Wear a face covering when in public spaces
  • Wash hands often
  • Cough into your elbow and sneeze into a tissue
  • Consult with a doctor before traveling when sick
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
  • Avoid contact with people who are already sick
  • Avoid contact with animals while traveling
  • Be aware of the latest travel advisories from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. State Department

For scheduling and ticket prices please visit flyplattsburgh.com.###

About Plattsburgh International Airport

Created from the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) is the first private sector redevelopment success story among the military base closures in the 1990s. Owned and operated by the Clinton County Government, Plattsburgh International Airport is a multi-purpose aviation and aerospace complex sitting on more than 5,000 acres. With the addition of a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, the airport serves residents of northern New York, southern Quebec and Vermont. For more information on Plattsburgh International Airport, please call 518.563.1000 or visit flyplattsburgh.com. Follow Plattsburgh International Airport on Facebook and Instagram.

School Board Special Meeting Thursday

The Peru District School Board will hold a remote special meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 7:30 AM.  The sole purpose of this meeting is to vote on the BOCES (CVES) administrative budget and on the slate of candidates running for open CVES board seats.  At this time, no other action items are anticipated.  The public may view the meeting live at https://meet.google.com/gvb-qeyj-nsc.  This meeting will also be recorded and available on the website.

The agenda is available on the District’s website.

 

Coronavirus-related closures continue, including Hotel Saranac – Adirondack Explorer

Apologize for missing this important April 9th story .

Source: Coronavirus-related closures continue, including Hotel Saranac – Adirondack Explorer

COVID-19 related Closings and Delays in the Adirondacks – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: COVID-19 related Closings and Delays in the Adirondacks – – The Adirondack Almanack

Wednesday, April 22nd Soup Kitchen Menu

In case you missed today’s St. Augustine’s Church/Peru Community Church Soup Kitchen menu.
 
Asparagus Soup
Shepherd’s Pie
Home-made molasses cookies
 
Take-out only. Served 4:30 – 5:45.