July 21, 2022 Daily Headlines

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Tompkins County yesterday morning. The advisory was in effect on Wednesday from 11 am to 8 pm. With the anticipated temperature increase throughout the state, the Department of Health has provided a list of free cooling centers, including multiple areas in Ithaca. The Appel Commons Community Center, Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Ithaca College, numerous locations at Cornell University, Shops at Ithaca Mall, Tompkins County Public Library, and the YMCA are all open with air conditioning. For more information and the hours of operation of these locations, visit the Ithaca Journal.   

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Yesterday Morning, Governor Hochul held a briefing on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, where she said more than 20 million at-home tests have been stockpiled. According to WIVB, BA.5 is now the dominant strain of COVID and health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and boosted. She also said that more than 3 million Covid testing kits are being sent to schools across the state so students and staff can get tested before the school year begins. Governor Hochul is also requesting proposals for pandemic after-action review plans so the state can cope with similar pandemics and health emergencies in the future. 

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On Tuesday, Governor Hochul also announced a confidential hotline for sexual harassment in the workplace. 1-800-HARASS-3 (1-800-427-2773) will connect workers to experienced attorneys who can provide free advice to people experiencing sexual harassment. The hotline was created by legislation signed in March and will be operated by The New York State Division of Human Rights. According to Spectrum News, The Division of Human Rights will work with the National Employment Lawyers Association of NY and the New York State Bar Association to provide resources.