Active COVID Cases Reach New Heights, Hospitalizations Remain Low

(Dominick Recckio / Tompkins County)

(Dominick Recckio / Tompkins County)

TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY — There are 428 active cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins County, burying the previous all time high of 330 active cases on January 8th, 2021.

On August 26th,  there were just 186 active cases. There have been an average of 60 new cases every day for the past week.

While the rates of spread and volume of cases are reaching new highs in Tompkins County, severe cases of COVID-19 are at a relative lows.

According to the Health Department, there are currently 6 people hospitalized for COVID-19. On January 8th, the date of the previous all time high in cases, there were 32 people hospitalized as a result of COVID.

To slow the spread of the virus, the Health Department is urging people to wear masks while indoors and around others in public spaces, and also for people to get vaccinated.

Local News April 15, 2024

By Felix Teitelbaum | April 15, 2024

Competing rallies were held at Cornell Sunday. One was billed as a “Jewish Unity” rally and featured speakers who decried what they say is a rise in antisemitism at Cornell and across the country. The other was organized by the Coalition for Mutual Liberation whose demands include that Cornell divest from what they call genocide…

LISTEN: Freedom of Expression at Cornell – Academic freedom

By Celia Clarke | April 11, 2024

This is the last of my three stories about freedom of expression at Cornell University this year. Here are links to the first and second stories. The academic theme at Cornell this year is “Freedom of Expression.”  In earlier stories, we reported about the general mood at Cornell around free speech, and students’ opinions about…

Local News: April 11, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 11, 2024

– Former Cornell student who threatened Jewish campus community pleads guilty – The former Cornell undergraduate who posted violent, antisemitic threats against the Jewish campus community pleaded guilty in the federal court in Syracuse on Wednesday. WRVO Public Radio reports Patrick Dai admitted to “posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications.” Under…

Local News: April 10, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 10, 2024

– Cornell Tech diversity program sued for alleged discrimination against men – Cornell is facing another allegation of discrimination. The Cornell Daily Sun reports that Cornell alumnus Justin Gaffney Samuels filed suit in March against Cornell Tech and the City University of New York (CUNY). He alleges the admission policy for their “Break Through Tech” program…

Local News: April 9, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 9, 2024

– Water shut off planned for Watkins Glen this week – Residents in Watkins Glen should expect the water to be temporarily shut off later this week. WETM-TV reports water will be cut on Thursday, April 11 starting at 4 AM. The shut-off is so work can be done on a high-pressure line. It should…

CREATIVES: Frank London of the Klezmatics

By Felix Teitelbaum | April 8, 2024

Photo: Adrian Buckmaster for the Klezmatics Frank London of the Klezmatics talks with Felix Teitelbaum and Aron Guttman ahead of their show at Cornell, Saturday April 13, 2024. “The Klezmatics became world-renowned superstars when they erupted out of New York City’s East Village in 1986 to revitalize klezmer for new generations. Their music is steeped…

Local News: April 8, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 8, 2024

– Horsehead’s considers property tax increase in proposed budget – The Village of Horseheads in Chemung County is considering a 7.5% property tax increase. Village trustees accepted the proposal in last week’s meeting. WENY-TV reports a public hearing about the budget will be held April 18 at 6 PM. You can find more information about…

Local News: April 5, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 5, 2024

– Tompkins Whole Health issues eclipse safety reminders – Tompkins County isn’t in the “zone of totality” but a partial eclipse will be visible. Tompkins Whole Health says people should still be careful on April 8. Health officials say don’t look directly at the sun during the eclipse. Even a partial eclipse can cause temporary…

Local News: April 4, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 4, 2024

– Groton awarded $4.5 million from state for downtown revitalization – The village of Groton has been awarded  $4.5 million from NY Forward. The state initiative is for downtown revitalization and economic development projects. The Ithaca Times reports Groton plans to use the funds to attract more businesses, renovate some housing, and build new trails.…

Local News: April 3, 2024

By Celia Clarke | April 3, 2024

– TCAT to buy more diesel buses due to electric bus problems – The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) plans to buy five more diesel buses. TCAT officials say they won’t be buying any more electric buses soon. The Ithaca Voice reports electric buses haven’t performed well in Ithaca’s cold winter weather and steep hills.…