January 11, 2022 Daily Headlines

On Saturday, New York reported 154 COVID deaths, the highest since February of last year. According to the Albany Times Union, the state reported nearly 80,000 new cases on Sunday. Despite the death toll, the state has seen fewer deaths relative to the amount of COVID cases. This is because the Omicron variant is believed to be far more contagious, but less severe. Last February New York reported a nearly identical death toll, while reporting nearly 70,000 fewer cases. 

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The Tompkins County Health Department will host a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic this Saturday at the Ithaca Mall vaccine site. The clinic will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and will offer the Moderna booster to all those 18 years and older. Residents are eligible for the booster if they received their 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least five months ago, or received the 1 shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. For more information visit the county website at Tompkinscountyny.gov/health.

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Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osboure has announced he will be running for re-election this fall. According to WETM, Osbourne made the announcement yesterday touting efforts in his first term to improve community engagement, diversity, trust building, and fiscal responsibility. Osbourne, a Democrat, unseated previous sheriff Ken Lansing in 2018, winning by almost 40 percent. 

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Nine local governments including the City of Ithaca will allow cannabis dispensaries and cannabis consumption sites. According to the Ithaca Voice, municipalities had until December 31st to opt-out of New York’s new law allowing for the sale of marijuana. Four area municipalities chose to opt-out of the law including the towns of Lansing and Groton. The Village of Lansing chose to allow marijuana dispensaries, but won’t allow consumption sites in the village.