Massapequa, NY
News
COVID-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says COVID-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says
Covid-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says The wave of COVID-19 cases in the United States triggered by the highly contagious Omicron variant may be at a turning point, an infectious disease expert says. Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb says parts of the nation may be about to pass the peak phase of the outbreak, while other regions will likely soon be hit hard. "f you look what's happening across the East Coast right now in New York City, Washington, DC, Maryland, probably Florida as well have already peaked, maybe Delaware and Rhode Island," Gottlieb said Sunday, Jan. 9 on CBS-TV's "Face the Nation." "You start to see t…

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by Joe Lombardi
Harrison, NY
News
COVID-19: First Cases Of Double-Infection Florona Disease Identified COVID-19: First Cases Of Double-Infection Florona Disease Identified
Covid-19: First Cases Of Double-Infection Florona Disease Identified While all eyes are on the Omicron COVID-19 variant, a new public health threat has emerged as the country enters the heart of flu season amid the second year of the pandemic. The first cases of Florona disease - a combination of the flu and coronavirus infections - have been reported, causing concern for some as the double infection looms large in parts of the world. In Israel, the first reported case of the disease was identified on Friday, Dec. 31 in a woman who went into labor and was not vaccinated against COVID-19, officials said. Another case was also identified in a pregnant woman. A…

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by Zak Failla
Marlton-Evesham, NJ
News
COVID-19 Cases Surge In NJ Schools As Omicron Presents New Threat COVID-19 Cases Surge In NJ Schools As Omicron Presents New Threat
Covid-19 Cases Surge In NJ Schools As Omicron Presents New Threat New Jersey schools could quickly have to change plans this winter as COVID-19 cases surge among students and staff to the highest levels seen since September, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. For the week ending Nov. 28, schools reported 3,024 new positive cases among students and 858 new positive cases reported among teachers and school staff. That is 2.66 cases among every 1,000 students and 4.41 cases among every 1,000 school staff members. Bergen County has the highest number of new cases of students infected with COVID-19 (319). Cape May has the lowest number of reported n…

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by Joe Gomez
Greenwich, CT
News
COVID-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November COVID-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November
Covid-19: These States Have Highest, Lowest Case Rates To Start November The Northeast seems to be trending in the right direction when it comes to COVID cases to start out November. New data from the CDC shows the states with the highest COVID cases reported in the last 7 days. The 12 states with the highest number of new cases in the last week (per 100,000) are  New Hampshire: 622 North Dakota: 611 Montana: 866 Wyoming: 414 Alaska: 667 Minnesota: 2941 Maine: 1348 Idaho: 1244 Utah: 2152 Colorado: 2747 New Mexico: 1161 West Virginia 849 Hey Utah, once again we’re trending in the wrong direction. Utah now among top 10 states in nation with new COVID cases (…

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by Cecilia Levine
Cornwall-Mount Gretna, PA
News
These States Have Highest COVID Rates To Start November These States Have Highest COVID Rates To Start November
These States Have Highest COVID Rates To Start November The Northeast seems to be trending in the right direction when it comes to COVID cases to start out November. New data from the CDC shows the states with the highest COVID cases reported in the last 7 days. The 12 states with the highest number of new cases in the last week (per 100,000) are  New Hampshire: 622 North Dakota: 611 Montana: 866 Wyoming: 414 Alaska: 667 Minnesota: 2941 Maine: 1348 Idaho: 1244 Utah: 2152 Colorado: 2747 New Mexico: 1161 West Virginia 849 Hey Utah, once again we’re trending in the wrong direction. Utah now among top 10 states in nation with new COVID cas…

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by Cecilia Levine
Mount Pleasant, NY
Schools
COVID-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning COVID-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning
Covid-19: Sale Of Fake Vaccine Cards Prompts FBI Warning The FBI has issued a warning about individuals selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and advertising them online. The agency said individuals should not purchase or make fake vaccine cards, and not fill in blank cards with false information, as it could put people's health at risk. "By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated when entering schools, mass transit, workplaces, gyms, or places of worship, you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19," the FBI said. The FBI added that using an official government agency seal, like The Department of Health and Huma…

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by Nicole Valinote
Massapequa, NY
Schools
COVID-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing COVID-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing
Covid-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing With schools ready to begin reopening, the New York State Department of Health has just laid out its guidance for mask-wearing and social distancing for students and staff. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and a determination was issued requiring all teachers, administrators, and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination. The emergency regulation authorizes the state Health Commissioner to require weekly testing or proof of vaccine…

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by Zak Failla
Middletown, NJ
News
These Jersey Shore Towns Cancelled July 4th Fireworks Shows These Jersey Shore Towns Cancelled July 4th Fireworks Shows
These Jersey Shore Towns Cancelled July 4th Fireworks Shows Several Jersey Shore towns have already cancelled Fourth of July fireworks shows. Officials in Bradley Beach were the latest to do so, postponing the July 3 show to a later date. Asbury Park officials were among the first to announce a cancellation, citing lack of social distancing enforcement. Then came Sea Bright. “Sea Bright remains committed to returning to our 4th of July Fireworks Tradition in 2022,” said Sea Bright Council President Marc Leckstein on Facebook. “For logistical reasons it was just impossible to make them happen this year." Long Branch officials postponed their July…

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by Cecilia Levine
Brookfield, CT
Lifestyle
Drive-Thru Dinosaur Exhibit Coming To Connecticut Drive-Thru Dinosaur Exhibit Coming To Connecticut
Drive-Thru Dinosaur Exhibit Coming To Connecticut A taste of Jurassic Park is coming to Connecticut. More than 70 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to return from extinction for families and dino fans in Connecticut as the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru comes to Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Hartford from Friday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 8. According to organizers, “the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru will transform outdoor areas throughout the region into a fun-filled drive-thru experience complete with life-like dinosaurs, baby dino, and trainer meet and greets, photo opportunities, a choose-your-own-audio-adventure…

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by Zak Failla
Elizabeth, NJ
News
Indoor Mask Mandate, Social Distancing Ends In New Jersey Indoor Mask Mandate, Social Distancing Ends In New Jersey
Indoor Mask Mandate, Social Distancing Ends In New Jersey The future looked uncertain this time last year in New Jersey. How long will this last? Will someone I love get sick? Will things ever return to normal? On the morning of Friday, May 28, things in New Jersey felt almost back to normal.  Mandates on indoor mask-wearing for those who are fully-vaccinated and social distancing guidelines were lifted for most public settings for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Businesses such as restaurants, bars, shopping centers, gyms and movie theaters can operate at full capacity and those who are vaccinated don't have to wear a mask. …

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by Cecilia Levine
Elizabeth, NJ
News
Ditch The Face Mask, Hit The Dance Floor: NJ Relaxes COVID Guidelines Ditch The Face Mask, Hit The Dance Floor: NJ Relaxes COVID Guidelines
Ditch The Face Mask, Hit The Dance Floor: NJ Relaxes COVID Guidelines Social distancing and face mask requirements are so last year -- at least in New Jersey. Come this Friday, face masks will no longer be required at most public indoor spaces in the Garden Sate, and social distancing will no longer be required, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday. Dance floors at bars and restaurants will also be allowed to reopen come and alcohol can be served at bars again on May 28, Murphy said. On Friday, June 4, all indoor and outdoor gathering limits will be lifted. The new regulations come several weeks after the CDC relaxed their face mask guidelines.  "I am proud t…

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by Cecilia Levine
Greenwich, CT
Business
COVID-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated COVID-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated
Covid-19: These Retailers Are Allowing Maskless Shopping For Fully Vaccinated With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and most states loosening up mask-wearing restrictions, many retailers are following suit and are enacting new policies for customers and employees. The CDC said last week that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or stay 6 feet apart from others in most cases, whether indoors or outdoors. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. The following mandates are in place at thes…

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by Zak Failla
Briarcliff, NY
Lifestyle
COVID-19: NY's Easing Of Restrictions Starts; Here's What It Means COVID-19: NY's Easing Of Restrictions Starts; Here's What It Means
Covid-19: NY's Easing Of Restrictions Starts; Here's What It Means Time to get back in the New York Groove. The Empire State took its largest step forward so far in reopening the economy as New York ramps up its COVID-19 vaccination program and looks toward a return to normalcy as more businesses open up. As of Wednesday, May 19, capacity restrictions and curfews have largely been lifted in New York, and anyone fully vaccinated will no longer be required to continue wearing facial coverings. The mandatory midnight closing time for bars and restaurants ended for outdoor dining areas beginning on Monday, May 17, and for indoor dining areas on Monday, May …

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by Zak Failla
Harrison, NY
Business
COVID-19: Lift On Restrictions For NY Restaurants, Businesses Starts COVID-19: Lift On Restrictions For NY Restaurants, Businesses Starts
Covid-19: Lift On Restrictions For NY Restaurants, Businesses Starts Several state-imposed curfews and restrictions placed on businesses in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to be lifted this week as the state continues reopening the economy.  The mandatory midnight closing time for bars and restaurants will end for outdoor dining areas beginning on Monday, May 17, and for indoor dining areas on Monday, May 31. As of Wednesday, May 19, New York will also be lifting many of its mask mandates for fully vaccinated people.  Related story - COVID-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY Addition…

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by Zak Failla
Massapequa, NY
News
COVID-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY COVID-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY
Covid-19: Date Announced When Mask Mandate Will Be Dropped For Vaccinated People In NY New York will be loosening its mask and social distance guidance as it follows the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During a COVID-19 briefing at Radio City Music Hall on Monday, May 17, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that as of Wednesday, May 19, the state will be adopting new guidelines for those who are vaccinated. The new guidance from the federal government calls for continued mask-wearing in more crowded indoor spaces such as on mass transportation, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters, but eases restrictions on workplaces, school…

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by Zak Failla
White Plains, NY
News
COVID-19: Mask On? Mask Off? Cuomo Said State Is 'Reviewing' New CDC Guidance COVID-19: Mask On? Mask Off? Cuomo Said State Is 'Reviewing' New CDC Guidance
Covid-19: Mask On? Mask Off? Cuomo Said State Is 'Reviewing' New CDC Guidance Mask and facial covering restrictions may soon be eased up for fully vaccinated New Yorkers as the state and country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state is independently reviewing new CDC guidance on mask-wearing for vaccinated individuals indoors. The new guidance from the federal government calls for continued mask-wearing in more crowded indoor spaces such as on mass transportation, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters, but eases restrictions on workplaces, schools, and similar locations. Earlier story - COVID-19: CDC Issues Brand-New Guida…

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by Zak Failla
Bridgeport, CT
Schools
COVID-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall COVID-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall
Covid-19: American Federation Of Teachers President Calls For Full School Reopenings In Fall The head of the second-largest teachers union in the United States is calling on a full return to five-day-a-week in-person learning at all schools in the fall, declaring that her organization was “all-in.” In an address posted on social media, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers said that with more and more Americans becoming eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, it is imperative that schools fully reopen for students and staff during the next academic year. “Conditions have changed,” she said. "We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in-person te…

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by Zak Failla
Massapequa, NY
News
COVID-19: New Guidance Issued For NY Pools, Beaches COVID-19: New Guidance Issued For NY Pools, Beaches
Covid-19: New Guidance Issued For NY Pools, Beaches Summer is coming. In advance of what he says he hopes to be a “normal” summer, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued new guidance for the state’s beaches and pools. For Memorial Day on the weekend of Friday, May 28, beaches and pools in New York will be open with six-foot of social distance in place between those in attendance, with restrictions to be eased if the state continues seeing improved COVID-19 numbers. Cuomo said on Wednesday, May 12 that they are planning on moving forward with the goal of opening up to 100 percent capacity by the Fourth of July. “This past year has been Hell an…

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by Zak Failla
White Plains, NY
Sports
COVID-19: Mets, Yanks To Have Vax-Only Seating In Sections; Date Set For Broadway Reopening COVID-19: Mets, Yanks To Have Vax-Only Seating In Sections; Date Set For Broadway Reopening
Covid-19: Mets, Yanks To Have Vax-Only Seating In Sections; Date Set For Broadway Reopening The New York Mets and Yankees are teaming up to encourage more fans to go out and get the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state is lifting occupancy limits for vaccinated fans attending games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field when both venues reopen to more people beginning on Wednesday, May 19. For the unvaccinated, sections will be set aside where they will have to maintain six feet of social distance and are expected to fill up to approximately 33 percent capacity. In vaccinated sections, capacity will be 100 percent. Broadway Theater tickets go on sale Thursday, …

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by Zak Failla
York, PA
News
PA Lifting COVID Orders Memorial Day Weekend, Masks Required Until 70% Of State Is Vaccinated PA Lifting COVID Orders Memorial Day Weekend, Masks Required Until 70% Of State Is Vaccinated
PA Lifting COVID Orders Memorial Day Weekend, Masks Required Until 70% Of State Is Vaccinated Normalcy is returning in Pennsylvania where officials announced COVID-19 mitigation efforts will be lifted Memorial Day Weekend. Capacity limits on restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be lifted on May 31, Governor Tom Wolf's administration said Tuesday.  The public mask mandate will be lifted when 70 percent of the population -- including those 18 and older -- are vaccinated. As of Tuesday, 42 percent of Pennsylvanians were vaccinated, with 63 percent of individuals ages 18 and over had gotten at least one dose, federal data shows. Effective May 31, we are lifting CO…

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by Cecilia Levine
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
News
COVID-19: NJ Announces 'Aggressive' Reopening Steps Effective This Month COVID-19: NJ Announces 'Aggressive' Reopening Steps Effective This Month
Covid-19: NJ Announces 'Aggressive' Reopening Steps Effective This Month Life will look even more normal this month, as New Jersey will lift some of its biggest COVID-19 restrictions, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday. Come May 7, the prohibition on indoor bar seating will be lifted as long as social distancing is in place; prohibition on buffets and and other self-service foods will be lifted along with other self-service foods at restaurants. As of May 19, restaurants can operate at whatever capacity allows them to continue with social distancing in place. Also on that day, the 50 percent capacity limits for indoor and outdoor settings and businesses governed…

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by Cecilia Levine
Brentwood, NY
News
COVID-19: NY Sets Date To End Most Capacity Restrictions, Curfews COVID-19: NY Sets Date To End Most Capacity Restrictions, Curfews
Covid-19: NY Sets Date To End Most Capacity Restrictions, Curfews A host of COVID-19 restrictions in New York are set to be rescinded as part of a massive tri-state effort as the country continues to recover from the pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning on Wednesday, May 19, most pandemic-related capacity restrictions will be lifted in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut after being forced to shut down more than a year ago. As of May 19, capacity restrictions will be lifted in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for: Restaurants; Museums; Theaters; Broadway; Retail; Shops; Gyms and fitness centers; Amusement and family entertainment …

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by Zak Failla
Brentwood, NY
Schools
COVID-19: SUNY Campuses Unveil Masking Guidelines COVID-19: SUNY Campuses Unveil Masking Guidelines
Covid-19: SUNY Campuses Unveil Masking Guidelines The State University of New York will be relaxing its mask policies to match the new guidance that was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC announced on Tuesday, April 27 that people who are fully vaccinated - one shot of Johnson & Johnson or two doses of Pfizer or Moderna - will no longer have to wear masks while gathering in small groups outside. Earlier story - COVID-19: CDC Announces Major New Guidance On Mask Wearing In response, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras says that moving forward, the same rules will apply to both students and staff on its…

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by Zak Failla
Springfield, MA
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Here's When Massachusetts' Outdoor Mask Mandate Ends, What It Means COVID-19: Here's When Massachusetts' Outdoor Mask Mandate Ends, What It Means
Covid-19: Here's When Massachusetts' Outdoor Mask Mandate Ends, What It Means Massachusetts is set to become the latest state to adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) new guidance on mask-wearing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week that beginning on Friday, April 30, the state will be lifting the outdoor mask mandate and will begin relaxing other pandemic-related restrictions that were put on businesses early in May. As of April 30, masks will no longer be required outdoors as long as social distancing can be maintained. Anyone who is fully vaccinated will be permitted to walk, run, hike and bike outdoors alone or w…

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by Zak Failla
Massapequa, NY
News
COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says COVID-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says
Covid-19: Here's Number Of Americans Who've Become Infected Despite Being Vaccinated, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released the first data on so-called "breakthrough" COVID-19 cases, meaning those who have become infected despite being fully vaccinated. So far, there have been about 5,800 such cases, the CDC told CNN.  At the time that data was collected, 77 million American adults had been fully vaccinated, meaning 99.992 percent had dodged the disease. The efficacy rates of the double-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both around 95 percent. "To date, no unexpected patterns have been identified in case demographics or vaccine ch…

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by Joe Lombardi
Bedford, NY
Lifestyle
Planning A Safe, Fun Summer 2021 For Your Family Planning A Safe, Fun Summer 2021 For Your Family
Planning A Safe, Fun Summer 2021 For Your Family As the days get warmer, we itch to be able to get outside, enjoy the weather and prepare for the summer. We would like to return to normalcy and for our children to have fun, even though we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. To accomplish this we must follow the familiar rules for reducing virus transmission: wearing masks, social distancing and handwashing/disinfecting. Thinking about what is safe for your children so they can enjoy a long, healthy summer? Dr. Hildred Machuca, pediatrician at Northwell Health Physician Partners/Westchester Health, offers information and guida…

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Content Partner: Westchester Health
Brookfield, CT
Police & Fire
COVID-19: CT Releases Guidance For Proms, Graduations COVID-19: CT Releases Guidance For Proms, Graduations
Covid-19: CT Releases Guidance For Proms, Graduations As the end of the school year grows near and students are dreaming of proms and graduation ceremonies, Connecticut state officials have released guidelines on how to limit the spread of COVID-19. State officials from the Department of Education and Department of Public Health have released a three-page document, that stresses the importance of many of the key preventions that have been in place for the past year including mask-wearing, social distancing, hand sanitizing, and limiting groups size for events. They are also asking school districts to have rapid contact tracing in place an…

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by Kathy Reakes
Massapequa, NY
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees Infection-Rate Uptick; Latest Case Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees Infection-Rate Uptick; Latest Case Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees Infection-Rate Uptick; Latest Case Breakdown By Community After seeing the positive COVID-19 infection rate for those tested on Long Island drop for several days this week, the state is reporting a slight uptick as both Nassau and Suffolk counties saw more than 800 newly confirmed infections. Following four straight days of decline, Long Island's average seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate rose slightly, from 4.27 percent to 4.28 percent of those tested on Wednesday, April 7. The rate is now the second-highest in New York, only better than Western New York (4.67 percent). Statewide, the COVID-19 infection rate continues dropping, from 3.6 percent e…

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by Zak Failla