Coronavirus Update, December 16, 2020
The Tompkins County Health Department is alerting the public of potential COVID-19 exposures at the Wegmans Sub Shop and Downtown Ithaca Post Office. The individuals who tested positive and close contacts identified are in quarantine.
Potential public exposure may have occurred at Wegmans Sub Shop, 500 S Meadow St., Ithaca on Saturday, December 5, 10:00am – 4:30pm, and Monday, December 7, 10:00am – 2:00pm.
And, potential public exposure may have occurred at the U.S. Postal Service, 213 N. Tioga St., Ithaca on Friday, December 11, 3:00pm – 3:30pm.
The health department recommends anyone who was possibly exposed to the virus at any of these periods to monitor their health for any COVID symptoms. Learn about how to get tested at wrfi.org/coronavirus.
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Looking at the local COVID-19 caseload, the latest numbers as of the time of this broadcast were released Wednesday from the Tompkins County Health Department. There are 33 additional positives, 45 new recoveries, and 12 hospitalizations. According to the County Health Department, that leaves 260 active cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins.
In Schuyler County, there are 4 new cases of COVID-19 reported Wednesday, leaving 32 active cases, according to their Health Department. 5 people remain hospitalized due to the virus. Sadly, a seventh Schuyler county resident has died from COVID-19. According to the Health Department, the person was a female in their 80s.
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The Watkins Glen School District plans to go to a nearly full-time in-school schedule on January 4th, reports the Odessa File. District Superintendent Greg Kelahan, currently in Covid-19 quarantine, reported the plan to the school board this past Tuesday via Zoom.
The plan proposes that pre-kindergarten through 6th grade students attend in-person classes five day a week, while 7th through 12th graders would attend four days a week, with remote learning on Wednesday. Some students would still have all classes remotely. Kelahan stated that the vast majority of parents wanted their children to return to in-person classes.
However, Watkins Glen Faculty Association President Jeannette Lasko told the board that a substantial number of teachers are uncomfortable with the plan and suggested delaying the plan until later in January. Teachers are concerned particularly with how social distancing can be arranged within the classrooms. Lasko's suggestion was not acted upon at the board meeting and the January 4 plan remains in effect.
Contributing writing by WRFI News Volunteer Joanne Izbicki and News Director Michayla Savitt