January 31st, 2022 Daily Headlines

Schuyler County Public Health will host a COVID vaccine clinic this Friday from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Watkins Glen Community Center. The clinic is open to all residents 5 and older. Walk-ins are available till 5:30, but registration is required for 5-11 year olds. For more information visit the county website at Schuylercounty.us 

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On Friday the South Cayuga Street Bridge reopened after six months of construction. According to the Ithaca Voice, the bridge has reached “substantial completion.” Crews will return to the bridge in the spring to complete “beautification and landscaping work.” No further closures are expected at this time. 

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On Friday Governor Kathy Hochul extended the state’s mask-or-vaccine mandate for indoor businesses through February 10th. The mandate requires indoor businesses to enforce either a mask or vaccine requirement.  According to the Albany Times Union, the requirement was set to expire tomorrow. The governor also said the state’s school mask requirement will stay in effect indefinitely. The Hochul administration is currently appealing a decision by a Nassau County judge that struck down the governor’s mask mandate. The mandates are remaining in effect as the case is appealed.

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A bill in the New York State Legislature, could make COVID an “occupational disease” for workers who interact with the public. According WHAM, the bill would impact workers including teachers, bus drivers, healthcare providers, and airport employees. The classification would make it easier for workers who contract the virus to hold their employers liable.