Coronavirus Update, June 3, 2020
In Tompkins County the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 grew by 1, and the total number of cases stands at 162. According to the Tompkins county health department, no people are hospitalized for the virus. 141 of the positive cases have recovered, and over 10,000 people have been tested in total.
In Schuyler county, there were 14 total confirmed cases of the virus as of Wednesday. No new positive test results were reported. According to Schuyler health department officials, 13 out of 14 people who were infected with the virus have recovered. Over 1,600 people have been tested in total.
There are over 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 in New York State as of Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to over 374,000, according to the state department of health.
Governor Cuomo announced Wednesday that beginning tomorrow, June 4th, restaurants in regions that are in phase two of the re-opening plan will be able to open for outdoor dining. Outdoor tables must be situated six feet apart from each other, and servers and restaurant workers must wear masks at all times. Diners must also wear masks while not seated.
There are seven regions currently in phase two re-opening in the state, including the Southern Tier.
Starting the week of Monday, June 15, Tompkins County libraries will reopen with safe and contactless curbside and in-lobby pick up, according to the Ithaca Times.
Residents can reserve a book by phone, email or the library catalogue. Book drops will be the only way books can be returned. Returns will be disinfected and cleaned to prevent the spread of germs and to protect people who are checking out the books afterward.
Listeners should check their local library’s website to confirm details on days and hours of operation.
Houses of worship in the Town of Lansing are making tentative plans to reopen for in-person worship, reports Tompkins Weekly.
The parishes of All Saints, Holy Cross and Saint Anthony started celebrating in-person mass on yesterday, by invitation-only. Their services are limited to 10 people. Those who cannot attend in-person, can still watch the service on Zoom.
Saint George Orthodox Church plans to begin regular in-person services starting on Sunday, June 7. Church leaders will be adhering to CDC and state guidelines by requiring attendees to wear face masks and limiting the gathering to 10 people.
Holy Apostles Orthodox Church says they have a general outline for reopening that is planned for the next few months. Lansing United Methodist Church is waiting until the region is in stage four to reopen.
Congregation Tikkun v’Or says they have at least two online services per week and that these have made it easier for members to participate from home. The board of directors of her congregation will discuss options to re-open at their meeting this month.
Contributing writing by WRFI News Interns Tessie Devlin and Phoebe Harms