The New York state rapid COVID testing for Chautauqua County will be moving to the south county later this week for two days. That from County Executive P-J Wendel... who says the testing is free and available to anybody who wants to be tested. But... he adds that appointments are required. That message was reiterated by Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist... who says they are still seeing a rise in cases in the city. Sundquist says, though, most testing is needed to get a better handle on where COVID-19 is.
Officials say you can make an appointment by calling 1-866-604-6789... but, walk-in testing will not be available. Testing is planned for Wednesday, September 23rd from 3 to 7 PM, and Friday, September 25th from 9 AM to Noon. Sundquist praised city residents... who for the most part... are observing social distancing requirements, and wearing face masks. Wendel says the testing site location will be provided when you make your appointment. He says rapid test results will be available in about 15 minutes. Sundquist made his comments during last night's City Council work session.
There are 11 new cases of the COVID-19 Virus in Chautauqua County since last Saturday... including seven over the past day. That from the county's Department of Health and Human Services... which now reports a total of 613 confirmed cases since last March. Interim County Executive P-J Wendel says there are now 29 active cases, and they continue to recover. There are also 8 active cases associated with the outbreak at the SUNY College at Fredonia... while 90 others have recovered. Wendel says 574 cases have now recovered... while 258 cases are under quarantine or isolation orders... and, another 28 are under the "domestic traveler quarantine."
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says he's keeping the "caution flag out" for the Western New York region... although the COVID-19 infection rate appears to have stabilized at this time.
Statewide... Cuomo says the infection rate remains below one percent, with one death to COVID-19 being reported on Sunday. Cuomo says the Sunday numbers were the lowest number of deaths since the start of the pandemic.
A house fire Sunday night in the city of Jamestown has been ruled accidental, due to an unattended coffeemaker that overheated. That from Jamestown Fire Deputy Chief Matt Coon, who says crews were called to 218 Barrett Avenue at 6 PM. Coon says flames could be seen from the second floor of the house.
Coon says the occupants were not home at the time the fire broke out.... and, they are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported by three pet Parrots perished in the blaze. In addition... Chief Coon is reminding residents to be mindful of electrical appliances in their homes... and heed the UL Warnings to avoid overloading electrical circuits. He says firefighters had the flames under control in 15 minutes and extinguished in 30. Crews were assisted at the scene by Jamestown Police... Alstar EMS.... and, the Board of Public Utilities Electrical Division.
A city woman was jailed after being arrested for driving while intoxicated... then allegedly biting in police officer while in custody Sunday night. Jamestown police say they stopped a vehicle near 824 East Second Street... and, identified the driver as 37 year-old Lindsey Ulrich. During the investigation, officers say Ulrich became extremely belligerant and combative being being charged with DWI. While in the city jail... police say she allegedly continued to be combative with officers and bit one, causing injury. She was further charged with felony second-degree assault and is jailed pending arraignment.
A national group dedicated to helping people with dementia and their families has created new online tools to help them decide what kind of care they will want -- including end-of-life care. Monday was World Alzheimer’s Day, and research shows a rising wave of dementia in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Without an advance directive on care... doctors are likely to prolong a patient’s life for as long as possible. But... Kim Callinan with Compassion & Choices... says they provide a series of questions to give a person the chance to think about and decide for themselves what types of medical care they want when they are no longer able to make their wishes known.
Callinan says the tools allow users to create a Dementia Healthcare Directive that empowers health-care proxies to implement informed decisions on the patient’s behalf. She adds the tool also is important for the adult children of seniors who may be faced with making those decisions... and, they may want to encourage their parents to use the tools, as she did with her own parents. For more information... go on-line to 'compassionandchoices.org.'
Celoron officials say Dunham Avenue between Boulevard Avenue and Chautauqua Lake and the parking lot in Lucille Ball Memorial Park are closed for reconstruction. Village Clerk Shirley Sanfilippo says, as a result, the Celoron boat launch is closed until further notice.
