Sep 3, 2020
Earlier this week, in response to an uptick in COVID cases in Western NY, the State set up eight rapid testing sites for residents in the region. I wanted to share some of the results with you. From the testing team's effort, a total of 6,385 tests were performed with results delivered in 15 minutes. A total of 266 positive cases were identified, for an infection rate of 4.1 percent. While this was not random testing (it was a self-selected group), the situation in Western NY is nevertheless serious, and residents should exercise increased caution.
The State Department of Health will lend 20 rapid testing machines to local health departments in Western NY and continue to carefully monitor the infection rate of the region. Let's all do our part to make sure the virus doesn't spread and our infection rate remains low. If you have COVID symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID, get tested.
Photo of the Day: Last night, the newly-installed fountain on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in Seneca Falls, NY — the birthplace of the women's suffrage movement — was illuminated in purple and gold to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment
(Photo by Philip Kamrass)
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The total number of hospitalizations remains low. Yesterday, there were 430 total hospitalizations. Of the 88,981 tests reported yesterday, 889, or 0.99 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost 7 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. Malls in New York City will be allowed to reopen on September 9th. Malls can reopen with a 50 percent occupancy limit and malls that choose to reopen must follow strict safety protocols, including strict enforcement of face coverings, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols. No indoor dining is permitted in malls.
3. Casinos and video lottery terminal facilities will be allowed to reopen starting September 9th with a 25 percent occupancy limit. Casinos that choose to reopen must adhere to strict safety protocols. This includes enforcing face coverings except when eating or drinking, social distancing and maintaining traffic flow.
4. Rapid testing sites in Oneonta, NY are open. As a reminder to Oneonta residents, the State set up three rapid testing sites as a response to the COVID cluster that broke out among students on the SUNY Oneonta campus. You MUST make an appointment to be tested, which can be made by calling 1-833-NYSTRNG (1-833-697-8764)
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Need more proof that age is just a number? A 53-year-old mother of three from Long Island is competing again (virtually for the moment) in gymnastics, after overcoming several injuries. Lori Vollkommer, a former Junior Olympian from Suffolk County, won five gold medals in 2018 at the International Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs World Championship in Orlando and has no plans to stop doing the sport she loves. Her 25-year-old son, who is also her strength and conditioning coach, told ABC 7, "I'm blessed to be her son because she doesn't just inspire me, she inspires so many other people."
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