COVID re-emerging, Porchfest prep, NY gas prices, All-star HS athletes

Good morning ☀️

It’s Tuesday, so I’m digging through my inbox to share something worthwhile with you.

Let me know about your Fourth of July holiday! Send me your best fireworks photos or pictures of how you celebrated the holiday at JMack@gannett.com so I can share the love this Friday. Click here to sign up for more daily briefings from the Ithaca Journal.

Without further ado, here’s a look at the continuance of COVID in New York, more than four years since the virus hit western shores.

COVID isn’t gone, its rising again in New York

Rising infections in New York this summer have underscored the importance of keeping updated on the latest antiviral treatments including vaccines and the latest guidance surrounding symptoms and isolation according to NY health officials.

That includes key changes to how New Yorkers access — and how much they'll pay for — prescription antiviral pills, such as Pfizer's Paxlovid, as well as recently released details about the rollout of new COVID-19 vaccines for the fall and winter of 2024-2025.

New Yorkers concerned about rising COVID-19 infectious should consider getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine released last fall, state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said Saturday. He noted a standing order remains in effect that provides access to the shot at pharmacies.

Click here for more information and statistics regarding COVID here in New York.

Here’s some news you need to know today

• This year’s Ithaca Porchfest is coming September 22: Learn how you can join about 150 performers playing on Ithaca porches this fall, or offer your porch up for performances, with this article from 14850.com.
• NY Gas prices rose from last week: The average fuel price in state has fallen about 6 cents since last month. Get gas price data for your area here.
• The votes are in: Students from Ithaca, Elmira and Corning have been recognized as elite All-Stars by their coaches and Gannett sports journalists.

County preparedness training coming up in Newfield

Be it a tornado, flood, or man-made disaster, The Citizen Preparedness Corps of Tompkins County gives county residents the tools, resources and training needed to help prep are for any type of emergency.

The next training in Tompkins County will be held Tuesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Newfield Fire Department, 77 Main Street, Newfield.

“With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for disasters,” Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response, Geoff Dunn said in a Monday statement from the group. “Come and learn how to develop family emergency plans and stock up on supplies.”

Nobody wants to think it, but the worst-case scenario does happen from time to time.

Register and attend the training free of charge to receive a disaster preparedness kit and learn how not to panic when your family needs you most.

That’s all from me today, but check your inbox tomorrow for more updates, and feel free to reach out to me at jmack@gannett.com regarding this newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: COVID re-emerging, Porchfest prep, NY gas prices, All-star HS athletes