On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practice for naming of new human infectious diseases.
Masks Become Optional on Public Transportation
After 28 months, New York is no longer requiring masks to be worn on public transportation in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wastewater Surveillance Moves Chenango to HIGH COVID Risk
Chenango County Health Department is advising residents of an increase in levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater surveillance data over the past two weeks.
New COVID Variant Boosters Okayed
Broome's Health Commissioner says if you are due for a COVID booster, it is best to get one as soon as possible and not wait for the new version.
COVID Restrictions Relaxed
Leading national health officials are saying COVID-19 guidelines, many of which were put into place at the start of the pandemic, can be relaxed.
Southern Tier Counties Add to COVID Death Tolls
Most Southern Tier Counties being tracked in regular updates since the start of the coronavirus outbreak have reported new deaths over the past few days.
Whitesnake Guitarist Reb Beach Misses 4 Shows in a Row, Fans Show Concern
The band's other guitarist had to cover solos for him.
New Yorker’s View on COVID Remains Unchanged After Two Years
Within a few weeks of New York’s pause, citizens quickly decided which side of the COVID fence they were on and firmly planted their feet.
Broome Remains Medium COVID Transmission Risk
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still has Broome and Tioga counties listed at “Medium Risk”.
New York Toddlers Could Get COVID Shots This Week
Children aged five and under in New York could start getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as this week.
Tompkins County Drops Mask Advisory
With the county at a medium community level on the CDC map, the Tompkins County Health Department Friday suspended the Mask Advisory.