TODAY's DOSE

Thursday February 4, 2021

Governor Cuomo Updates NYers on State's Progress During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"New Yorkers have shown it and the numbers reflect it: We are New York Tough," Governor Cuomo said. "Our statewide positivity rate is decreasing by the day, and with our distribution networks at the ready for more supply from the federal government, we are prepared to get needles in arms as quickly as possible, getting us one step closer to our goal of winning this war. I applaud New Yorkers for their discipline and dedication to defeating this virus, and continue to ask everyone to keep this trend going and wear a mask, avoid gatherings and socially distance."

Yesterday's data is summarized briefly below:

Test Results Reported - 126,489
Total Positive - 5,925
Percent Positive - 4.68%
7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.86% (lowest since 12/4)
Patient Hospitalization - 8,082 (+15)
Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -689
Patients Newly Admitted - 680
Hospital Counties - 57
Number ICU - 1,522 (+19)
Number ICU with Intubation - 1,003 (-1)
Total Discharges - 129,378 (+489)
Deaths - 160
Total Deaths - 35,631

ANNUAL STATE OF THE COUNTY, CITY & TOWN

The North Country Chamber once again hosted its "ANNUAL STATE OF THE COUNTY, CITY & TOWN", featuring presentations by Mark Henry, Chair of the Clinton County Legislature; Chris Rosenquest, Mayor of the City of Plattsburgh; and Michael Cashman, Supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh. We thank the three leaders as well as our sponsors: NBT BANK and BARTON & LoGUIDICE!

94% Rate The North Country Chamber of Commerce Essential or Very Important During the Pandemic

In feedback that was very gratifying for our team here at the North Country Chamber, 94% have rated our work and services during the on-going pandemic either Essential or Very Important in assisting businesses with their many challenges. More specifically, when asked in our recent Issue Survey how important the work of our Chamber has been in response to the pandemic, the responses were as follows:

Essential: 68%
Very Important: 26%
Somewhat Important: 5%
Not Important: 1%

We pledge to continue our active commitment to being a key source of information, guidance, assistance and advocacy for as long as it takes. Our aim remains to do all that we can to help leave no business behind.

Garry Douglas

President/CEO

North Country Chamber of Commerce

Canada to Quarantine Travelers, Suspend Flights South

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced stricter restrictions on travelers in response to new, likely more contagious variants of the novel coronavirus — including making it mandatory for travelers to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense when they arrive in Canada and suspending airline service to Mexico and all Caribbean destinations until April 30.

Trudeau said in addition to the pre-boarding test Canada already requires, the government will be introducing mandatory PCR testing at the airport for people returning to Canada.

Gov Signs Bill to Protect Employers From Unfair Unemployment Costs

Assemblyman Billy Jones has announced that legislation he helped to pass in the Assembly to support small businesses by excluding employment changes due to COVID-19 from being used to calculate an employer's experience rating has been fully passed and signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The levels of UI taxes that otherwise would have hit many employers this year and next would have been devastating to small business and would have worked against economic recovery. The State Labor Dept. had taken administrative action to make this change but now it is law. We thank Assemblyman Jones and his North Country Senate and Assembly colleagues for their support on this important matter.

Here's What's Reopening in Quebec as of Feb. 8

Reopening stores is a 'calculated risk' for Quebec, Legault says

In a long-awaited update, the Quebec government confirmed on Tuesday that many of its COVID-19 lockdown measures — including the nightly curfew — will remain in place past the planned end date of Feb. 8.

But some will be relaxed, others will be lifted and some areas are being reclassified from red zones back to orange zones — changes Premier François Legault called a “calculated risk.”

Cold, Flu or COVID 19, WellNow Urgent Care has you covered!

Cold, Flu or COVID 19, WellNow Urgent Care has you covered!

WellNow now offers Rapid COVID-19 testing. Appointments are encouraged and can be made through their website.

DETAILS HERE

Citizen Advocates Removing Barriers so Staff can Get Vaccine

With the COVID-19 vaccine being offered at limited locations, Citizen Advocates is working with staff to remove any obstacles so they can receive both doses.

This means employees do not have to ‘clock out’ or use personal time, and it applies to both doses of the vaccine. Typically, employees will use Paid Time Off for personal appointments such as a visit to the doctor’s office.

“Given the unprecedented significance of this historic public health crisis, we are working to remove any barriers our employees face in order to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said James Button, CEO of Citizen Advocates. “As a healthcare organization, we take seriously our commitment to protect the health and safety of our workforce, and those we support.”

CITIZEN ADVOCATES

Champlain ferry to resume Essex-Charlotte route Feb. 8

The Lake Champlain ferry between Essex and Charlotte, Vt., will resume service on Monday, Feb. 8, after being closed for a month, the company announced on its website and in a text message.

“Starting Monday, February 8, 2021 the Charlotte, VT-Essex NY crossing will resume service with our winter schedule,” the company announced in its text. “The Grand Isle, Vt.,-Plattsburgh, NY crossing will continue running as scheduled.”

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