Binghamton University is doing extraordinarily well in stamping down a spike in coronavirus cases recorded since students returned for the spring semester.

Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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While increased cases were a big concern in Broome County for the past several weeks, the SUNY COVID tracker this week showed total positivity on the B.U. campus at about .2% -.25% when last week the seven day rolling average was .61%.

In the weekly news briefings from Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, the increases in numbers of new infections in Broome County were being blamed on students on and off the campus who were gathering outside the classroom.  The increased numbers prompted the university to impose restrictions including banning gatherings in public areas other for studying, canceling performances and some practices and limiting off-campus bus service.

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March 24, Broome County reported 38 new cases for a total of 15,816.  Sadly, one more death was reported, bringing the total deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the county to 326.  Elsewhere in the Southern Tier, there were no additional deaths.  Chenango County reported 12 new cases, Cortland County 7, Delaware County 13 and 16 new cases in Tioga County.

Broome County has vaccinated almost a third of the population with at least the first dose of COVID-vaccine.  Garnar said March 24 31% of the population had gotten at least the first shot, well above the state-wide average.

Meanwhile, the Democrat reminds residents there is now a new wait-list available to let people know if a vaccination appointment suddenly opens up.  You can sign up for the wait list at gobroomecounty.com.

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