New York bans the sale of furniture, mattresses, and electronic displays containing flame-retardant chemicals that have been linked to significantly elevated risks of neurological injury, hormone disruption, and cancer. The legislation also established a fine of up to $2,500 per day for repeated offenses. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-legislation-protect-new-yorkers-harmful-flame-retardant-chemicals
Governor Kathy Hochul extends the state’s mask mandate until Feb.1. Hochul is also requiring SUNY and CUNY faculty, staff and students to get COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots as soon as they are eligible. That takes effect Jan. 15. Nearly 100 National Guard members are getting EMT training to assist with COVID-19 testing. Source: https://news.yahoo.com/gov-kathy-hochuls-winter-surge-194633801.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall
Pharmacy benefit managers in New York are now required to be licensed and registered. New legislation specifies the manager’s duties and obligations and allows the Department of Financial Services to receive complaints from consumers, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. It allows individuals to make well-informed healthcare decisions. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-landmark-legislation-bringing-transparency-and-comprehensive-regulatory
A COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held at the Sidney Elks Lodge on multiple dates starting Jan. 7. Clinics will also be held in Stamford at the Catskill Veterans Outreach Center starting Jan. 14 and at the Hancock Central School Bus Garage beginning Jan. 21. Details are at the the Delaware County Public Health’s Facebook … Read more
Open outdoor smoking is now limited at the New York State Fair starting next year. Officials say they implemented designated smoking areas to make the Fair as comfortable and family-friendly as possible for everyone. This change only affects the fair and not other events held at the Fairgrounds. Source: https://nysfair.ny.gov/the-great-new-york-state-fair-to-ban-open-outdoor-smoking-in-2022-creating-designated-areas-for-smokers/
Beginning on Saturday the City of Oneonta moves meetings of the Common Council and all boards and commissions to a virtual setting through Jan. 15. Officials say the move is due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. Meetings can be streamed live from the City’s YouTube page. Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofoneonta/posts/291645569676372
An Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputy is recognized for completing an animal-cruelty investigator training course. Deputy Erika Puffer obtained Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator status with the National Animal Cruelty Investigations School. Puffer says she plans to complete two other courses to become a certified investigator. Source: https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoSheriff/posts/4733056910109925
The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office conducts a Basic Pistol Safety Course on Jan. 22 at its headquarters on County Road 46 in Norwich. The course is free of charge and a state pistol permit is not required. To register call (607) 337-1848 by Jan. 20 to register. Source: https://www.facebook.com/chenango.sheriff/posts/285459150275985
Oneonta Police are looking for a man who held up NBT Bank on Wall St. yesterdaay. The man is between 5′ 8″ and 6′ tall between 220 and 250 pounds. He was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. Call Police if you know where this man is. Source: Press release
New York now allows medical rescue helicopter personnel to carry blood and transfusion equipment on board. The state was the last to prohibit carrying blood products. Advocates say it can take time to get a patient to a medical center so having access to blood products while in flight can be essential. Source: https://www.news10.com/news/new-york-last-in-nation-letting-aircrafts-carry-administer-blood/