Thursday February 11, 2021
Governor's Update on the State's Progress During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
"From hospitalizations to the infection rate, our COVID numbers continue to decline which isn't only great news, but a testament to the hard work of New Yorkers to overcome the post-holiday surge," Governor Cuomo said. "Moving forward, we must do everything we can to keep moving in the right direction until we ultimately win this war once and for all. While all of us continue to practice the safe behaviors we know work on the individual level, the state will continue its mission to fairly and equitably get as many shots in arms as possible. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it's up to us to determine how long it takes to get there. If we stay united and stay on track, we will get there together."
 
Today's data is summarized briefly below: 
  • Test Results Reported - 176,750
  • Total Positive - 7,101
  • Percent Positive - 4.02%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.31%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 7,593 (-282)
  • Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -489
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 821
  • Hospital Counties - 57
  • Number ICU - 1,423 (+11)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 955 (-16)
  • Total Discharges - 134,742 (+873)
  • Deaths - 136
  • Total Deaths - 36,619
New York to Receive 5% Boost in Vaccine Doses
New York is set to receive an additional 5% boost in vaccine doses from the federal government, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday said, but that is not yet enough to fully meet the demand for shots in all arms of the 10 million New Yorkers who now or will soon qualify. 

An additional direct allocation of the vaccine will also be made available to community health centers, Cuomo said. 

At the same time, the state will be able to re-allocate unused vaccine doses from a nursing home vaccination program. 

The state is currently receiving about 300,000 doses of the vaccine each week and doses have picked up in recent weeks. There now 2.5 million doses administered in New York, with at least 10% of the population receiving either one or both shots. 

But Cuomo, in a conference call with reporters held after a meeting with Biden administration advisers on the pandemic, said the demand for the vaccine is still higher than the actual supply. 

The increased allocation is "helpful" but not "proportionate to the need," Cuomo said. 
Starting on Monday, people with comorbidities will be eligible for the vaccinations. 
Ontario, Alberta, Quebec Gradually lift COVID-19 Restrictions
Quebec Premier François Legault has been mulling a gradual easing of restrictions, as various lockdown measures imposed late last year were scheduled to end on Monday.

Some of the strictest measures in the province, including a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., will remain temporarily in place. But rural areas and other regions of the province deemed to be at lower risk will began lifting restrictions on gyms, restaurants and retail outlets on Monday.

On Feb. 15, all remaining regions except three hot spots in the Greater Toronto Area are set to move to the restrictions framework. The category they are placed in will depend on their local case rates.
Local Pharmacy Develops Testing Packages to Help Couples Plan their Big Day
As of March 15, 2021, New York will now allow wedding receptions! All weddings must be approved by the local health department and everyone on site must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Condo's Pharmacy is developing a testing package for weddings of all sizes. They will need a few weeks notice to ensure they have sufficient inventory on hand and they do not expect that insurance companies will cover testing in this instance.

Reach out to them with questions.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce will continue to update our members as guidelines develop or if other pharmacies come online with testing packages.
North Country Leaders Work Toward Equitable Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine
North Country leaders are working to make sure everyone has a fair shot at getting the COVID-19 vaccine; no matter who you are or where you live.

A coalition of organizations spanning all seven of the region's counties, both governmental and non-profit, are working on the North Country Health Equity Task Force.

John Bernardi, President and CEO of the United Way of the Adirondack Region, is the chairperson on the task force, which is underneath the North Country Regional Vaccine Network, or "The Hub," at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital.

"When the supply increases over time and our distribution efforts expand over time, we want to make sure that there is an equitable access for hard to serve and hard to reach populations," Bernardi said.

Some groups include those without internet access, those who are elderly, low income, have a disability or live in remote areas.
LayerEight Managed IT Services Continues 118 Year History of Service & Quality 
LayerEight, formerly operating as PrimeLink Managed Services, is proud to reintroduce themselves to the community and continues to offer all-inclusive IT services.

LayerEight is staffed with IT professionals that can help your business become more efficient and secure.

Its strategic priorities include:
  • Providing superior local customer service
  • Partnering with clients to create customized technology plans
  • Creating long-term client relationships

As a business, LayerEight is most concerned with helping PEOPLE (their clients) find practical technology solutions to simplify and streamline their processes through individualized plans. LayerEight will make recommendations to clients to make sure they work in the most efficient manner while keeping each client safe from a growing number of cybersecurity threats. Parent company Champlain Telephone has been ingrained in the local communities it serves for over a century providing quality products, services and employment opportunities.

LayerEight will specialize in business IT services, as well as construction services for telecommunications infrastructure.

Their website is currently under construction at www.thelayereight.com – check back soon & bookmark it! For more information, please contact us at 518-324-LYR8 or email us at sales@lyr8.com.
**This is paid content sponsored by LayerEight**
CDC: COVID-19 Quarantine is Unnecessary for Those Who are fully Vaccinated
PLEASE NOTE: The below guidance from the CDC is subject to state guidelines
People who are fully vaccinated no longer need to quarantine after exposure to someone infected with the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.

Yes, but: The CDC's definition of "fully vaccinated" is narrow in scope. The agency urges caution regardless of vaccination status, especially as new variants continue to spread.

Details: Since both vaccines currently authorized require two doses, the CDC defines a fully vaccinated person as someone who meets the following criteria:
  • Has waited two weeks or longer after second shot in two-shot series.
  • Is within 3 months after receipt of the final dose in the series.
  • Remains asymptomatic since COVID-19 exposure.

Those who do not meet all three criteria should quarantine for two weeks, per CDC guidance. Fully vaccinated people should watch for symptoms as well.

What they're saying: "This recommendation to waive quarantine for people with vaccine-derived immunity aligns with quarantine recommendations for those with natural immunity, which eases implementation," the CDC said.
To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, The North Country Chamber of Commerce has created a comprehensive list of resources to navigate state and local requirements. Check out the home page for details. There is also a series of webinars available for businesses to help educate and provide answers to common questions.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000