As the community worked to dig out from a record snowfall, the county’s COVID numbers saw a decrease in cases for the first time since the spike began back in the fall. As of Tuesday there were 157 active cases in Tioga County, a decrease of 11 from the prior week.
County officials, however, were focused on snow removal – which was the task at hand over the past week, with a record 44-inches of snowfall recorded in Newark Valley.
Throughout the week lawmakers urged caution by issuing a State of Emergency during the snow removal process, and encouraged residents to “check on their neighbors.”
In a press release sent out last Saturday, the county’s Legislative Chairwoman, Martha Sauerbrey, wrote, “The last few days have been challenging for many of us. A major snowstorm surprised us with over 40-inches of snow and stopped us in our tracks. Road crews have been out clearing roads and will continue to do so until all the roads are safe. Now it is time to check out our neighbors.”
In a statement, Village of Owego Mayor Mike Baratta, Town of Owego Supervisor Don Castellucci, and Chairwoman Martha Sauerbrey asked residents to, “Go next door and check out your neighbors.”
They wrote, “It is important that we look out for each other and make sure everyone is safe. Can they get out of their homes; can they open their front doors or back doors? Are their heat vents clear? Do they need food or medicine? This is a time to come together to care for our neighbors and friends with a call or a knock on the door to check for safety.”
Throughout the storm, officials also put out messages on social media and other platforms, reminding residents that we are “Tioga Strong,” and as with past weather events, this too shall pass.
As we head into the New Year, the county will be facing other challenges such as the budget, and as they wait for more relief from the Federal government – relief that may not arrive until spring.
And with vaccines rolling in for Phase 1 inoculations, there is hope on the horizon for many, with full distribution expected to happen over the next several months.
To learn more about the pandemic and coronavirus in the region and to find resources, visit https://covid19.tiogacountyny.com, call the Tioga County Coronavirus Response Hotline at (607) 687-8225, call the Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 (for general questions or information about COVID-19). For state guidance, visit https://forward.ny.gov/.
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