COVID-19 Update: We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet
As we experience the dog days of summer, it’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic is still very much a factor in upstate New York. With new infections increasing in 38 states across the country, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing more cases in the Glens Falls region, and that’s exactly what is happening.
Warren County went from no active cases to 10 in a week, most from residents who vacationed in Florida, where the virus is spiking. Most troubling, one person is infected and health officials are trying to figure out how they got the virus. One resident is hospitalized and is expected to recover.
The county reported a person who runs a “personal care” business tested positive. Personal care businesses include barbershops, nail and hair salons, tattoo shops, massage studios and spas. Warren County did not release the name of the business, and said all of the potentially exposed clients have been identified and contacted. In all, 45 people are being monitored in precautionary quarantine.
The numbers remain stable in Washington County, with only one active case and 14 people being monitored for symptoms.
Saratoga County reported 43 active cases earlier this week, and four hospitalized.
The statewide death toll is approaching 25,000.
New York’s travel advisory for visitors from COVID hot-spot states has been expanded to travelers from 19 states. As of Tuesday, the states included in New York State’s travel restriction are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. Visitors from those states are asked to self-quarantine for two weeks.
Anyone traveling to Warren County from these states is asked to call Warren County Health Services at 518-761-6580. Click here for more info.
Also, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that local school districts would be issued guidance on reopening plans on Monday, July 13. The districts will then have until July 31st to submit plans to the state. The state will then decide whether each individual district can open based on their plan by August 7th.
The Governor also made it clear that the decision if and when to reopen schools was a state decision. “It’s not up to the President,” he said.
Governor Cuomo also said malls can open on Friday if they have the proper ventilation filters in place that greatly reduce the possibility of the virus being distributed through the air. This afternoon, Aviation Mall announced that it will indeed open on Friday.
“Overall, we have implemented all of the guidance released by the federal government, CDC, and the State of New York,” Aviation Mall said in a press release. “We stand prepared to re-open safely.”
Gourmet Cafe To Reopen on July 15
Francis and Tracy Willis’s popular Gourmet Cafe restaurant in downtown Glens Falls is reopening on Wednesday, July 15, news that was celebrated on social media when the Willis family announced it.
“We will be doing our part by continuing to hold ourselves to high standards of cleanliness as well as maintaining all of the most up to date guidelines to help curb the spread of the virus,” they said on Facebook. “ Masks will be required and appreciated by all of our guests until seated at your table. With everyone's continued hard work, we can help prevent any future dining rollbacks. We appreciate everyone who has reached out with words of encouragement. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.”
Gourmet Cafe has been closed since March 17.
Queensbury High School Track Reopens
Queensbury Schools announced that the high school track and surrounding walking/running trails are now open!
“Please be sure to abide by all Covid-19 safety guidelines,” the district said in a Tweet. “Please maintain social distancing and disinfect your hands prior to entering and leaving the track. Be smart & stay safe.”
Warren County Summer Youth Program Kicks Into Gear
Warren County Employment & Training Administration announced that the annual Summer Youth Employment Program will begin later this month. “This year’s program will be different, given the health concerns and short notice to get the program going, so there will be limited spots and an abbreviated application window,” said a press release.
“The majority of the worksites will have primarily outdoor work that includes physical distancing, face coverings, and other safety measures to ensure that the youth remain protected from contracting or spreading the coronavirus.
“Longstanding partnerships with BOCES and Warren-Hamilton Counties Community Action, who oversee Operation Food Chain during the summer, will allow youth program workers to help provide free lunches to all community members aged 18 and under.”
Other worksites are being finalized, and the tentative dates for this year's abbreviated program are July 27 to August 28.
Interested Warren County youth must complete the application and submit it by July 15, 2020 to Jill Metcalfe at metcalfej@warrencountyny.gov. Forms are at warren-county-ny-covid-19-warrencountyny.hub.arcgis.com/pages/syep.
Jimmer Mulling Playing Options
Glens Falls legend Jimmer Fredette has been freed from his contract with Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague, and is reportedly considering signing with Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia. Fredette signed a two-year, $3.5-million deal with Panathinaikos before last season, and averaged 12.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He shot 41.7% from downtown and 47.3% from the field. Reports are he was asked to take a 50% pay cut. Last season he was the second highest-paid player on the team.
Benjamin Criddle of ESPN 960 in Utah reported Wednesday that Fredette had turned down “multiple offers” in Asia and could be open to taking a pay cut and returning to Panathinaikos. Stay tuned!
SUNY Adirondack, Plumbers Union Announce Collaboration
UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 773 announced it is partnering with SUNY Adirondack to offer an associate degree program to its members.
“For our Apprentices, there is even more excitement in that SUNY Adirondack will grant 30 credits towards the degree upon successful completion of your NYS Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Training Program,” said a Facebook post. “Also, not only is the partnership available to our immediate Local, it will be available to all Building Trades Unions!
“To be awarded this opportunity by the NYS Department of Education is an incredible feat…The leaders of the trades have always recognized and appreciated the need and the commitment that an individual must put forth to gain higher education. It wasn’t until now, locally, that a higher education facility such as SUNY Adirondack and a leading Local Union have come together to provide for many skilled members, a NYS Board of Education recognized degree.
“It is the hope of the Training Department at Local 773 that individuals will see this partnership to gain the best of both worlds. To come together for the betterment of men and women contemplating between taking the path of obtaining a college degree or obtaining training in a career trade is a testament to how two separate educational facilities can work together.”
What’s With All of the Dead Fish on Lake George?
Many boaters noticed a lot of dead fish floating on Lake George over the holiday weekend, and took to social media for answers. The Lake George Association was all over it, and responded with this post from Kristen Wilde, their director of education.
"The fish die off is lakewide and something we see every year to some extent. Some years it is worse than others. It is likely the result of low concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the water due to a fast warming of Lake George. The Lake warmed about 10 degrees within three days.
“Also, the lack of rain has not allowed for water circulation which would also play a factor in depleting oxygen. Many have mentioned seeing dead perch and sunfish, among other species. They are the warm-water fish, in the top "story" of the Lake's two story fishery, living in the upper levels of the Lake that experienced the fast temperature increase.
"The deep coldwater fish are not being seen in the die off since cold water holds more oxygen than warm water."
Experienced fishing charter captain Jeff Johnson of Rod Bender Charters also chimed in, writing on Facebook, “I am out there every day. Most of the fish have been dead for some time and are quite decayed. They fill with gasses and then come to the surface. I believe many were winter kills, then surfaced when the water warmed quickly.”
Until next time -
Gordon
