​
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc.
737 Willow Ave
Ithaca NY 14850
Tel: (607) 277-7433
Fax: (607) 277-9551

Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2020
Contact: Patty Poist
Communications and Marketing Manager
(607) 277‑9388 ext. 560
Email: pp1@tcatmail.com
           
 
Coronavirus update: TCAT riders required to wear face masks effective 8 p.m. 4/17/20
 
Public transportation riders must wear masks or face coverings starting 8 p.m., Fri., April 17, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week in announcing stricter coronavirus prevention measures.
 
Those exempt include children 2-years-old and younger and those who cannot cover their faces for medical reasons. Acceptable face coverings include store-bought medical or workplace safety face masks, or those made from cloth, such as scarves, T-shirts and bandanas.  
 
Generally, the governor’s executive order requires all New Yorkers to wear a mask or a face covering while out and about in public when it’s impossible to practice social distancing (or keeping six feet apart from others.)  However, an updated directive from the governor yesterday specifically says “those using public or private transportation carriers or any for-hire transportation service” must cover their mouths and noses “during any such trip.”
 
“We are asking TCAT riders to please follow Gov. Cuomo’s orders to help protect their fellow riders and bus operators as we all continue to grapple with this pandemic,” said General Manager Scot Vanderpool. “The face-covering order has enough flexibility to allow people to use materials they already own without having to spend money.”
 
Since April 15, bus operators and all front-line essential workers have been required under the governor’s orders to wear face coverings while passengers are on their vehicles.  
 
For information on how to make your own mask, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html/
For more information on all state restrictions and mandated closings please go to https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.
 
TCAT, Inc. (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides public transportation for Tompkins County.  TCAT’s annual ridership is more than 4 million, covering about 1.6 million miles, with a fleet of 55 buses.  TCAT also offers complementary ADA Paratransit through a contract with Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc.  For more information about TCAT, please visit www.tcatbus.com or call (607) 277-RIDE. Twitter: TCATrides. Facebook: EverythingTCAT.  TCAT is a Tompkins County Certified Living Wage and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Passengers are advised to look for service information and updates at TCAT’s Bus Tracker. 
 
 

The link for the Zoom meeting is below
The meeting is Tuesday the 21st at 7pm

The agenda is:
7:00-7:15-  privilege of the floor
7:15-7:45-  sketch plan presentation of Franklin retail store on Route 79
7:45-8:00- discussion on sign review
8:00-8:15- dialogue with Brooke Greenhouse about procedural questions
Craig Modisher
Caroline Review Board, Chair
Mark Witmer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Caroline Review Board Mtg- April
Time: Apr 21, 2020 07:00 PM America/Detroit
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91677590182
Meeting ID: 916 7759 0182
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        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
      
Meeting ID: 916 7759 0182
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abhdJ0ZaN9

​CAROLINE TOWN BOARD AGENDA MEETING 
Wednesday, April 15, 2020, 7 pm 
Because of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency and State and Federal bans on large meetings or gatherings, and pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.1 issued on March 12, 2020 suspending the Open Meetings Law, the Caroline Town Board Business Meeting scheduled for April 15, 2020 at 7 pm will be held electronically via Zoom teleconference instead of a public meeting open for the public to attend in person. Members of the public may listen to and/or view the meeting by following the web and telephone instructions below. Minutes of the meeting will transcribed and posted as usual on the Town of Caroline website. Comments may be provided at Privilege of the Floor during the Zoom meeting, by email (clerk@townofcaroline.org), or by mail (P.O. Box 136, Slaterville Springs, NY 14881).  
INSTRUCTIONS TO ATTEND THE VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING (https://zoom.us)  
You do not need to have a Zoom account to join. Options 2 and 3 are easiest without an account. You may need the meeting ID for any of these methods. 
1. Direct Link (if you have Zoom on your device this is easy and gives you the most        options): https://zoom.us/j/139498276 
2. Without a Zoom account: https://zoom.us/join; enter Meeting ID: 139 498 276 
3. Phone dial-in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) 
    Find your local number (if not NY): https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fmNjGEmu4                
 
MEETING AGENDA
Additions or Deletions from Agenda
Privilege-of-the-Floor: Opportunity for citizens to bring forward matters of concern    
Please be prepared to make one statement not to exceed 3 minutes in length
Highway Superintendent’s Report (7:15)
Supervisor’s Report (7:25)
Town Clerk’s Report (7:35)
County Representative’s Report (7:45)
Department, Committee, & Liaison Updates
Town Business (8:00)

• Introduction of A Local Law Providing for a Moratorium on Actions Subject to Site Plan or Subdivision Review for a Period of One-hundred Eighty (180) days
• Resolution Recertifying the Town of Caroline as a Living Wage Employer
• Review of Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Consortium Municipal Cooperative Agreement
• Review of Association of Town’s Summary of 2020 New York State Budget
• Transfers
• Approval of Abstracts: Highway, General, Lighting, Fire Protection
• Approval of minutes of 4/7/20

—--Adjourn—— 
Privilege of the Floor Policy at Caroline Town Board Meetings   
    •       Privilege-of-the-Floor is offered at the beginning of town meetings as an opportunity for individuals to provide input to the town board. Speakers have up to three minutes, subject to modification depending upon time constraints of a particular meeting. Each resident is provided one speaking opportunity per meeting; written input is also welcome. 
    •       Comments should be directed to the town board. The Supervisor or Councilpersons may answer questions brought forward or defer to allow for further research and thought.  
    •       Personnel matters should be directed to the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head.  
    •       Respectful discourse is required. 

The informational meeting on the License Agreement with NYSEG for use of their property as a recreational trail scheduled for April 16th has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. We will reschedule in the near future. 
 
Sincerely,
Mark Witmer
Caroline Town Supervisor
607-539-6400
​

​TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Your Partner for a Healthy Community
Frank Kruppa — Public Health Director
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, April 5, 2020

For media inquiries: Samantha Hillson, 607-274-6600, shillson@tompkins-co.org
For health inquiries: Community Health Services at 607-274-6604
For general inquiries: Call 2-1-1 or 877-211-8667; Text your zip code to TXT211 or 898211

Cayuga Health COVID-19 Sampling Site: 607-319-5708, cayugahealth.org
New York State Hotline for COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065


Health Advisory: Wegmans Coffee Shop Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19(Ithaca, N.Y., April 5, 2020) – The Tompkins County Health Department received notification that a Wegmans employee who works in the Coffee Shop is a confirmed COVID-19 case. The individual worked multiple shifts at Wegmans during the past two weeks, located at 500 S. Meadow St., Ithaca, NY.

If you had close contact (within 6ft.) with any employee of the Wegmans Coffee Shop between Monday, March 23 and Saturday, April 4, 2020, please do the following:

• It is recommended that you get tested at the Cayuga Health Sampling Site located at The Shops at Ithaca Mall parking lot, 40 Catherwood Rd., between the hours of 10am-3pm Monday through Friday. Pre-register online cayugahealth.org/ or call the Cayuga Health Registration Line at 607-319-5708.
• Self-quarantine in your home for 14 days from the last date you shopped at the Wegmans Coffee Shop. Refer here for more information about how to self-quarantine.
• If you seek testing and the result is negative, continue to self-quarantine and monitor yourself for the full 14 days from the last time you shopped at the Wegmans Coffee Shop. If you become symptomatic, seek testing again.
• Monitor your health for any symptoms of cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

“Communications like this are meant to reduce further exposure by encouraging individuals who may have come in contact with the infected individual to act in the community’s best interest, get tested, and self-quarantine even if they are not exhibiting symptoms,” stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director.

“We are working closely with Wegmans management to ensure the safety of all employees and patrons. Grocery stores are essential businesses, and it is important that they are able to continue to serve our community.”

The Wegmans Coffee Shop is currently closed and thorough disinfection of the area has been completed. Wegmans management is in the process of instituting additional measures for employees including, distributing masks, temperature checks, and screening for other symptoms prior to each shift.

“We appreciate the steps Wegmans has taken to date and are implementing moving forward to ensure the health and safety of their employees and patrons,” stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director.

The public needs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 not just to protect themselves, but others in our community who are most vulnerable to getting very sick – older adults, those who are immune-compromised, and those with underlying chronic health conditions. Everyone can take these steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 and “flatten the curve” in our community:

• Stay home, even if you don’t feel sick, unless absolutely necessary.
• Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others when in public.
• Avoid close contact with other people.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Physical Distancing does not mean emotional isolation, check on friends, coworkers, neighbors through phone and text.
• Wear a cloth face covering in public settings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain (eg. grocery stores and pharmacies). The CDC released a new recommendation to wear cloth face coverings on 4/3/20.

As this situation evolves, check the TCHD website for updates. Frequently Asked Questions are here: a href=https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirusfaq>TompkinsCo...
Stay informed. Get updated information on COVID-19 at:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• NYS Department of Health
• A hotline is available for New Yorkers to call for information about COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065.
• For more information go to the Health Department website: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health

The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth.
-end-

​Caroline Town Offices are closed to the public until further notice. We continue to maintain services by phone (539-6400) , email (clerk@townofcaroline.org; codeofficer@townofcaroline.org; supervisor@townofcaroline.org), and mail (P.0. Box 136, Slaterville Springs, NY 14881).

​Please see the following from the Tompkins County Health Department. Wash hands, practice social distancing, and stay home unless absolutely necessary. There is also now an advisory to wear a cloth face covering in public settings.   ....Stay safe, be well. 
The public needs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 not just to protect themselves, but others in our community who are most vulnerable to getting very sick – older adults, those who are immune-compromised, and those with underlying chronic health conditions. Everyone can take these steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 and “flatten the curve” in our community:

• Stay home, even if you don’t feel sick, unless absolutely necessary.
• Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others when in public.
• Avoid close contact with other people.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Physical Distancing does not mean emotional isolation, check on friends, coworkers, neighbors through phone and text.
• Wear a cloth face covering in public settings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain (eg. grocery stores and pharmacies). The CDC released a new recommendation to wear cloth face coverings on 4/3/20.

As this situation evolves, check the TCHD website for updates, including Frequently Asked Questions
Stay informed. Get updated information on COVID-19 at:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• NYS Department of Health
• A hotline is available for New Yorkers to call for information about COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065.
• For more information go to the Health Department website: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health

The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth.
 

The Town Board has been provided with a petition regarding a Moratorium on New Commercial Development in the Town of Caroline.
We have included a link here to the Petition 

​CAROLINE TOWN BOARD AGENDA MEETING 
Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 7 pm 
Because of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency and State and Federal bans on large meetings or gatherings, and pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.1 issued on March 12, 2020 suspending the Open Meetings Law, the Caroline Town Board Agenda Meeting scheduled for April 7, 2020 at 7 pm will be held electronically via Zoom teleconference instead of a public meeting open for the public to attend in person. Members of the public may listen to and/or view the meeting by following the web and telephone instructions below. Minutes of the meeting will transcribed and posted as usual on the Town of Caroline website. Comments may be provided at Privilege of the Floor during the Zoom meeting, by email (clerk@townofcaroline.org), or by mail (P.O. Box 136, Slaterville Springs, NY 14881).  
INSTRUCTIONS TO ATTEND THE VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING (https://zoom.us)  
You do not need to have a Zoom account to join. Options 2 and 3 are easiest without an account. You may need the meeting ID for any of these methods. 
1. Direct Link (if you have Zoom on your device this is easy and gives you the most        options): https://zoom.us/j/139498276 
2. Without a Zoom account: https://zoom.us/join; enter Meeting ID: 139 498 276 
3. Phone dial-in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) 
    Find your local number (if not NY): https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fmNjGEmu4 
MEETING AGENDA

• Additions or deletions to the agenda
• Privilege of the Floor:  Opportunity for citizens to bring forward matters of concern      
• Please be prepared to make one statement not to exceed 3 minutes in length 
• Receipt of Petition Requesting a Moratorium on Commercial Development
• Discussion of COVID-19 local outreach
• Committee Reports
• Review of Minutes of March 11 Business Meeting
• Agenda items for April 15 Business Meeting 

—--Adjourn—— 
Privilege of the Floor Policy at Caroline Town Board Meetings   
    •       Privilege-of-the-Floor is offered at the beginning of town meetings as an opportunity for individuals to provide input to the town board. Speakers have up to three minutes, subject to modification depending upon time constraints of a particular meeting. Each resident is provided one speaking opportunity per meeting; written input is also welcome. 
    •       Comments should be directed to the town board. The Supervisor or Councilpersons may answer questions brought forward or defer to allow for further research and thought.  
    •       Personnel matters should be directed to the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head.  
    •       Respectful discourse is required.