Coronavirus Update, December 7, 2020
The Tompkins County health department is reporting two potential public exposures to COVID-19 on TCAT Bus route 14S.
The first exposure occurred on Route 14S on Saturday, November 28 inbound from Overlook Apartments to Walmart between 1:35pm and 1:55pm.
The second exposure occurred on TCAT Route 14S on Monday November 30 inbound from Overlook Apartments to Walmart between 1:35pm and 1:55pm.
If you were on the TCAT bus route 14s during the dates and times above, it is recommended that you get tested and monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. Testing is available at either the downtown Ithaca site at 412 North Tioga Street or at the Shops at Ithaca Mall site at the intersection of Route 13 and Triphammer Road.
For more information about this exposure, and directions on how to get tested, visit tompkinscountyny.gov/health or call 607-274-6688.
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Now we’ll take a look at the local COVID-19 caseload. The latest numbers, released as of 6 p.m. Monday from the Tompkins County health department, indicate that over the weekend there were 49 additional positives, and 58 new recoveries. According to the County Health Department, that leaves 242 active cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday in Tompkins.
In Schuyler County, there are 12 new cases of COVID-19 reported Monday, leaving 32 active cases, according to their Health Department. 3 people remain hospitalized with complications of the virus.
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The IC Open the Books Coalition is holding a public forum Monday in response to Ithaca College’s Provost announcement this fall that the college will be cutting around 130 full time equivalent positions, but are not being transparent about the college’s financial state.
The 7 p.m. virtual teach in will feature staff, students, and faculty at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. According to a press release from IC open the Books Coalition, that school also faced a similar situation, but with collective action pushing for financial transparency and shared governance, the college avoided layoffs. IC Open the Books Coalition calling on Ithaca College administration to follow the same ideals.
Since the provost’s announcement in October, Ithaca College faculty, students, alumni and community members have raised serious objections to the school’s decision. Hundreds of people have signed onto an open letter protesting the planned layoffs.
To attend tonight’s virtual event hosted by the IC Open the Books Coalition teach-in, participants are required to register via zoom.
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The Ithaca Ballet announces that, despite the pandemic, the traditional holiday-time ballet “The Nutcracker”, will go on - virtually!
This year, the Nutcracker is being performed in different scenes familiar to local residents. New scenery will be used as background for adventures danced by Clara, the lead character and the numerous other dancers in the iconic ballet.
Choreography is by Lavinia Reid, and the performance is adapted to the virtual format by Cindy Reid. Park Production film and editing crew Cyber Nuts present the performance.
The Nutcracker can be viewed Friday December 18th at 7:30 pm, Saturday December 19th at 3 pm and Sunday, December 20th at 3 and 7:30 pm. For more information, go to StateofIthaca.org.
Contributing writing by WRFI News Volunteers Esther Racoosin and Fred Balfour