Yates has first cases at care facility

YATES COUNTY--Public Health Director Deborah Minor announced, Monday, April 13 two residents at The Homestead in Penn Yan have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Homestead consists of four units, including two skilled nursing units, a neurobehavioral unit and a secure unit for cognitively-impaired residents. Three additional residents were tested over the weekend and were negative.
"While we are seeing evidence that New York state, particularly in the downstate area might have reached a peak, we continue to ask everyone to stay at home as much as possible," said Minor. "Some experts believe that the peak in western New York may not yet have occurred and there continues to be community transmission in the region."
As of press time, there are nine total positive tests in Yates County. Two have recovered, two are hospitalized, 113 have tested negative and 41 are currently in isolation or quarantine.
Schuyler County is also low when compared to the rest of the state, with nine positive results, eight recovered, 187 tested negative and 22 in isolation or quarantine.
Neighboring Steuben County has continued to see growth in the number infected and deaths from COVID-19. There are currently 156 confirmed cases, 39 recovered, 13 hospitalized and 14 deaths. 293 are in isolation or quarantine and 797 tests have been administered.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday, April 13 a multi-state council will be convening to examine how to get people back to work and restoring the economy. New York will be joined by New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island. The group will include one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective chief of staff from each state. They will work together to develop a framework to gradually lift the states' stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus.