Broome Reports One of Its Youngest COVID Deaths/CVS Starts Vaccinating

Broome County is reporting one of its youngest victims of the coronavirus pandemic.  County officials February 12 announced a woman in her 30s had died.  Another woman, in her 80s, also passed away from complications of COVID-19, bringing Broome’s death toll to 296.

Chenango County also lost another resident to the pandemic, bringing its death toll over the weekend to 49.

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New York is now opening the COVID-19 vaccination program to residents under the age of 65 who have prior medical conditions that could contribute to death if they contract the virus.  Counties, however, still have limited doses of the vaccine for residents in groups 1a and 1b and did not expect to receive anywhere near the number of doses needed to give shots to everyone who is now eligible due to comorbidities.

Meanwhile, the number of private pharmacies taking appointments for administering the vaccine to those 65 and over is also expanding. CVS’ website now lists local stores giving the vaccine.  The site is www.cvs.com/immunizations.covid-19-vaccine. All the appointments for February 15 had been filled by early morning locally but residents can check back frequently at that site as well as sites for other pharmacies like Wegmans, Weis Markets at their websites or by using the United Health Services vaccine site locator: https://www.nyuhs.org/southerntiervax.

Owego’s Town Court will be operating virtually until next Monday, February 22^nd due to a potential exposure to COVID-19.  Any payments due to the Court can be processed on the 22^nd.

Broome County’s mobile rapid COVID testing site has moved this week to New Life Ministries in Endicott. The site, however, is closed February 15 due to the federal holiday. Starting February 16, the site will be open for the next two weeks Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. by appointment. Go to www.gobroomecounty.com or call 211 to schedule.