On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practice for naming of new human infectious diseases.
Local COVID Data Site to End
Broome County will discontinue its COVID-19 Dashboard in 2023.
High COVID Transmission Risk in Twin Tiers
Broome, Tioga, Bradford and Susquehanna Counties are listed by the CDC in the “HIGH” category for risk of community transmission of COVID-19.
COVID Tax Credit Application Open
Applications are now being accepted from small businesses for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program.
Broome COVID Hospitalizations Up
Health officials around the region continue to update residents on the importance of getting vaccinated and updated boosters to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
New COVID Boosters Available in Broome
Officials with the Broome County Health Department plan to make a formal announcement soon concerning how to get the new COVID-19 booster shot.
Masks Become Optional on Public Transportation
After 28 months, New York is no longer requiring masks to be worn on public transportation in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wastewater Surveillance Moves Chenango to HIGH COVID Risk
Chenango County Health Department is advising residents of an increase in levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater surveillance data over the past two weeks.
New COVID Variant Boosters Okayed
Broome's Health Commissioner says if you are due for a COVID booster, it is best to get one as soon as possible and not wait for the new version.
COVID Restrictions Relaxed
Leading national health officials are saying COVID-19 guidelines, many of which were put into place at the start of the pandemic, can be relaxed.
Southern Tier Counties Add to COVID Death Tolls
Most Southern Tier Counties being tracked in regular updates since the start of the coronavirus outbreak have reported new deaths over the past few days.