Buffalo Mayor Announces Important Coronavirus Updates For May 1

Press release from the City of Buffalo:

May 1, 2020

Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown today thanked Governor Cuomo for ordering schools grades K-12 and college facilities to remain closed for the remainder of this academic year. Distance learning will continue and schools are required to continue meal programs and child care services for essential workers. The state will make a decision about summer school programming by the end of May.

Mayor Brown stated, “Protecting the health and safety of our children and their teachers is paramount during the COVID-19 emergency. I thank Governor Cuomo for making the right call for New York families, we are all in this together.”

Governor Cuomo is also directing all schools and colleges to create re-opening plans that re-imagine school facilities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These plans should consider how schools can monitor the spread of COVID-19; how to reinforce student safety; when and how to resume extracurricular activities; protocols for special student populations; steps to ensure student mental health; alternative academic calendars; among other considerations. All plans will be reviewed and approved by the state.

New COVID-19 testing site opens in Buffalo

Governor Cuomo today also announced the opening of a new testing site in the Sabres Lot, located at 125 Perry Street.

Mayor Brown stated, “Expanding testing is essential to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives. I encourage symptomatic residents to take advantage of this new testing option in the City of Buffalo. Please stay safe and healthy.”

Residents who would like to be tested at this facility must make an appointment by calling 888-364-3065 or online at covid19screening.health.ny.gov.

“Strive for 45%” by completing 2020 Census this weekend

Mayor Brown continues to urge residents to help meet the goal of achieving a 45% response rate by Sunday, May 3rd, by completing their census questionnaires. The City’s census response rate, as of May 1st, stands at 42.2%, far behind the 54.6% national response rate. Failure to secure an accurate count can result in the City of Buffalo missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding that can be used for community programming, education, infrastructure and much more. Please complete your questionnaire at 2020Census.gov.

Beware of prescription phone scams

Independent Health is warning the community of new prescription phone scams in which callers attempt to obtain personal and/or insurance information. The fraudulent callers claim they are from “The Pharmacy Network” or “Pharmaceuticals,

Inc.” and then offer to mail over-the-counter vitamins, ointments and first aid kits to a member’s home at no cost as part of their insurance benefit. These phone calls appear to be a malicious or fraudulent attempt to gain personal information. If you receive a call you believe is a scam or from someone asking for your personal or insurance information, hang up immediately.

Here are some tips to protect yourself against these schemes:

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for your Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid numbers.

• Do not share any personal information with an unknown caller.

• Beware of offers for free health care services, tests or treatments.

• Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.

• Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites.

• A doctor or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.

The City of Buffalo lights up tonight for National Older Americans Month

Tonight, in partnership with the Buffalo Landmark Illumination Team (BUFFALOLIT), our City’s landmark buildings and structures will be lit BLUE, GREEN and PURPLE in recognition of National Older Americans Month. Mayor Brown is challenging residents to be a good neighbor by checking on an older resident every day this month. A simple phone call can make a big difference in the quality of life of our seniors.

Two City of Buffalo golf courses open Saturday

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, in coordination with the City of Buffalo and Erie County, is planning to open the Delaware and Cazenovia golf courses on Saturday, May 2nd (weather and course conditions permitting). New York State guidelines are in place to maintain health and public safety. South Park’s nine-hole course remains closed due to wet conditions. For more on the guidelines at City of Buffalo golf courses, visit www.buffalony.gov.

Enjoy the great outdoors safely in the City of Buffalo this weekend

Mayor Brown is reminding residents to check out the City of Buffalo’s “Walking Parks and Trails” guide which provides maps of 25 different walking, jogging and cycling paths residents can utilize for exercise and recreation. The guide was produced in partnership with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Tifft Nature Preserve to give people more options for passive outdoor activities as they continue to maintain safe physical distancing while they engage in their exercise routines. The free guide is available at: www.buffalony.gov.

Help available for job seekers

Mayor Brown encourages residents looking for work to contact the Buffalo Employment and Training Center by calling 856-JOBS. Employment counselors are available for remote one-on-one counseling sessions. More than 65 residents have found jobs through this program since the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency.

Reminder: Visit the City’s New COVID-19 website for the latest information

Mayor Brown reminds residents to turn to covid19.buffalony.gov for accurate information on the evolving COVID-19 emergency. The one-stop destination contains COVID-19 related news, policies and resources in the City of Buffalo. It also includes information for small businesses, where to find free food distribution and meal sites, how to access support for older residents, help for those seeking employment, health and mental health guidance, ways people can help others through volunteering and donating, and a special “In Memoriam” section which pays tribute to those who lost their lives during this pandemic.

Mayor Brown asks residents to support The Broadway Market through curbside service

The historic Broadway Market’s popular curbside service program continues until further notice. Shoppers can call a participating Broadway Market vendor(s), place a pre-paid order and then pick-up their product(s). Same day service is now available, with no need to reserve a pick-up time. The program runs Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm. For more information about the program, including a list of participating vendors, visit www.buffalony.gov.

Helping families in need

Mayor Brown, in partnership with Buffalo Black Achievers, Nyamekye Foundation and Kanaka Partners, is holding a curbside distribution of essential resources on Saturday, May 2nd, at 1490 Jefferson Avenue. Starting at 10am, residents can pull up and safely receive a bag filled with useful resources to help families during the COVID-19 emergency.

On Friday, May 8th, the Northland Workforce Training Center is partnering with the Independent Health Foundation to distribute healthy food bags to East Side residents in need. The event takes place from 10 am to Noon at 683 Northland Avenue.

Help local veterans this Sunday

Mayor Brown encourages residents to help local veterans by supporting the Buffalo Blues for Veterans Livestream Concert Series this Sunday, May 3, from 3:30 to 4:30pm. The weekly show features local musicians and has raised more than $4,000 to help veterans over the last 6 weeks. For more information, visit the Buffalo Blues Live Stream Series Facebook page.

This press release was produced by the City of Albany. The views expressed here are the author’s own.