COVID-19 Update: Local Cases Rising Again
With the coronavirus intensifying in much of the country, we’re starting to see more cases here in the Glens Falls region. It was inevitable, given the amount of visitors to our area during the summer months. Add in people returning home after visiting southern and western hotspots, and it’s clear that COVID-19 is not done yet.
Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore made an appearance on NBC Nightly News Tuesday evening, talking about how the virus is making a comeback in our region - you can watch that here.
Officials in Warren and Saratoga County point to a July 4th party for helping spread the virus here. The party and other social gatherings resulted in 22 new cases in Saratoga County, officials confirmed.
Warren County said Tuesday it is monitoring 12 active coronavirus cases (four new today), and 45 residents are under mandatory quarantine.
Washington County reports it has four active cases and is monitoring 75 residents for symptoms of COVID-19.
And Albany County reported 44 new coronavirus cases Wednesday. The last time they recorded that many new cases was two months ago. Montgomery County has also seen a significant spike recently.
Statewide deaths stood at 24,994 as of Tuesday afternoon.
What Will School Look Like in September?
Governor Andrew Cuomo released preliminary guidance for school districts to use to plan for a possible reopening in September.
All students, teachers and staff must wear masks, there must be adequate spacing and ventilation, and plans must be in place for a multitude of scenarios, including what happens if a student or teacher or staff member tests positive.
School districts must submit plans to the state by the end of July. The Governor’s Office will then, on a case-by-case basis, determine how and when and if schools can reopen.
Districts in regions that are in Phase Four are eligible to reopen, as long as their region’s testing numbers are in the approved range. Right now, our region meets the criteria. But all plans are subject to change as the numbers change, officials emphasized.
My take? Schools will reopen in some form or fashion, but it may not be in September. It will likely be a combination of in-person schooling and remote learning, a hybrid of sorts. It could include students going to schools on pre-determined days, and staying home other days. That’s far from ideal, I know, but public safety is the primary concern. It will remain that way, as it has to.
I don’t see any way there will be high school sports this fall or winter. Depending on the coronavirus numbers, officials may decide to wait until January or February and reassess conditions.
Also, schools may physically reopen for a period of time, only to be closed again. Flexibility will be key. Clearly, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Cheers! Common Roots Returns!
Common Roots Brewery, which suffered a catastrophic fire more than a year ago, is slowly reopening in its modern new brewpub on the same site on Saratoga Avenue in South Glens Falls. In a Facebook post, owners Christian and Bert Weber write, “The Taproom at 58 Saratoga Avenue is now open for to-go sales only. We will maintain our current operating schedule of Noon-8pm, 7 days/week, for the foreseeable future. Delivery and online ordering for pickup are temporarily paused during our transition.”
Veteran food service manager and South Glens Falls native Dan Biddiscombe is now on board working at Common Roots, a move met with delight by his many friends and family in town!
Coach’s Corner Goes on the Road
Coach’s Corner, Jack Celeste’s South Glens Falls gathering place across from St. Michael’s Church, closed on Tuesday, serving its final meals after a three-year run.
But it will be reimagined as a food truck soon! Jack tells Glens Falls Living that a modern, upgraded, completely remodeled food truck is on order from Iowa, and will be here soon. His daughters Mallory and Lindsey say their dad will work some weekdays, hitting some loyal customer bases, and “We will be taking over weekends, and Thursday and Friday night dinners! We will also be available for weddings and any type of party! We are so excited for this new journey! As soon as we get more figured out, we will keep everyone updated. So stayed tuned, like we said before, we aren’t going anywhere, we are just moving on wheels.”
So keep an eye out for Coach’s Corner On The Road!
…and More Reopenings!
The popular Anvil Inn in Fort Edward is reopening tomorrow, July 16th! A Facebook post says owner Neal Orsini “ripped the place apart” and redid the floors and painted the kitchen. If you go, don’t forget to try the cranberry bread pudding for dessert. It may change your life!
—————
Doreen’s Soup Kitchen has moved into the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church! A Facebook post says, “We moved…so we could help more people, [and] have more parking space that was much safer for the seniors.
“…Unfortunately Covid-19 had terrible timing and has put a stop to us opening the Soup Kitchen until we get the approval from the Church and the state to open up again. HOWEVER, the Food Pantry is OPEN and we are taking appointments to feed people that need the assistance! Please reach out to us at 518-747-9042 if you have ANY questions or if you need assistance with food! God Bless you all!”
And They’re Off!
Saratoga Race Course opens for the season on Thursday, with no fans. But New York Racing Association officials are banking on fans still betting on the races during the 40-day meet! Last year, horse-racing enthusiasts wagered nearly $700-million off-track on races at The Spa. That’s a lot of $2 exactas!
If you are prone to put a dollar or two down on a thoroughbred, here are a couple of tips:
• The best value is found in maiden races for 2-year-olds. Often, many of the horses that run in these races have never raced before. This is where big long shots can hit the board. Take a flyer!
• Look for horses who have been on the grounds for a while and are comfortable here. The more comfortable a horse is, the better he or she will run.
Visitors Welcomed Back to Nursing Homes
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that nursing homes are now able to allow limited visits for their residents, ending months of isolation for many families of senior citizens who live in elder-care facilities.
Residents are now allowed two visitors at a time. Visitors must undergo temperature checks, wear face coverings and socially distance during the visit. At least one of the two visitors must be at least 18 years old, the state Department of Health mandates. Only 10 percent of the residents can be allowed visitors at any time.
Yep, Another Cancelation
As expected, the Adirondack Nationals Car Show scheduled for Lake George Village in September has been canceled, joining a myriad of other annual events that will wait until 2021.
Sign of the Times?
VTDigger reports “Vermont Ag Secretary Anson Tebbetts says Vermont has lost 25 dairy farms in last four months. Before Covid, the state was losing about 1.5 dairy farms a month. Vermont has just 636 farms milking cows now.”
The situation in Washington County isn’t much better, as larger farms increasingly buy up the milk quotas of smaller family farms.
How ‘Bout a Drive In Movie?!
And finally, a slice of normalcy! Glen Drive In on Route 9 in Queensbury opens for the season on Friday, July 17th! The movies are Goonies, Gremlins, Jaws and Jurassic Park! I can smell the popcorn now!
Until next time -
Gordon
