The Peru Gazette

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.

Saratoga, New York – Congresswoman Stefanik has released the below statement following the announcement that New York will defer negotiated pay raises for thousands of state corrections officers:

“Our brave Corrections Officers repeatedly put their lives on the line to keep order in our prison systems,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have put their personal health and the health of their families on the line as essential employees, without any hazard pay. Now New York State is denying them their rightfully negotiated pay raises. They deserve to be rightfully compensated at any time, but especially when they are deemed essential workers and are, in many cases, directly exposed to COVID-19. This is completely unacceptable and must be corrected immediately. I will continue to advocate for the men and women of the law enforcement and corrections communities.”

Source: Giving birth during a pandemic: what North Country maternity wards and expecting families are doing | NCPR News

“Many state employees were informed yesterday that their contractual pay raise is being deferred, this includes corrections employees and other essential workers across the state. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, these brave men and women have been, and continue, to put themselves in potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations to ensure vital operations continue. There is never a good time to stop pay raises, but especially now in this time, when we are depending on these employees, who have been working tirelessly and knowingly in harm’s way. I will actively work to take steps to retroactively see these pay raises instituted and I call on the Governor to give these workers the raise that they deserve.”

Words of extreme wisdom from retiring CC Legislator Mark Dame quoted in this Press Republican story.

Dame said the taxpayers have always been his number one priority because, sometimes, they get forgotten.

“We get too close to the bureaucracy and sometimes don’t make the best decisions based on the whole 82,000 people of Clinton County versus the government.

Source: ‘My heart will always be in Clinton County’ | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: New York records another huge total of Initial unemployment insurance claims – Albany Business Review

Source: Plattsburgh quilters sew thousands of masks

Peru pushes 3 days of meals to students today (Thursday, Friday and Monday). On Tuesday, April 14th; meals for Tuesday and Wednesday will be delivered and on Thursday, April 16th; meals for Thursday and Friday will be delivered.

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 432,438 (+8.13%)
2. Spain 148,220 (+4.42%)
3. Italy 139,422 (+2.83%)
4. Germany 113,296 (+5.23%)
5. France 112,950 (+2.62%)
6. China 82,870 (+0.11%)
7. Iran 64,586 (+3.19%)
8. UK 61,474 (+9.88%)
9. Turkey 38,226 (+12.07%)
10. Belgium 23,403 (+5.45%)

Source: Johns Hopkins University

Source: President Trump approves Gov. Scott’s request for federal disaster declaration

Source: Vermont coronavirus updates: first inmate tests positive for virus

Source: Town Planning Board readies for virtual sessions | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: Local official offers mental health tips | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

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

Source: Schumer floats pandemic pay raise for essential workers | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: Workbook: NYS-COVID19-Tracker

Are Your Neighbors in Need?

Avoid Risks Associated with Distancing Requirements

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:
    1. Mix medicines (liquid or pills; do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
    2. Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
    3. Throw away the container in your trash at home; and
    4. Delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or medicine packaging, then trash or recycle the empty bottle or packaging
• 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

Source: Ghost Planes Haunt Burlington International Airport | Off Message

Source: How Vermont dentists are adjusting to the Covid-19 pandemic – VTDigger

Source: New, used graduation gowns being collected for hospital workers