WCDO Radio News

Former New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett became the State Health Commissioner on Wednesday, replacing Dr. Howard Zucker, who had been the state Health Commissioner since 2015. Bassett takes over as the state's COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing across the state. Bassett was credited, along with Dr. Zucker & Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC with stopping a potentially deadly Ebola Outbreak after 1 case was found and contained in New York City in 2013.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the first 5 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in New York State. So far, the cases appear unrelated and have been confirmed through sequencing of the SARS-CoVID-2 virus. 1 case is from Suffolk County, 4 others are in New York City, 4 other states have also reported cases of the new COVID variant. On Thursday, Governor Hochul announced that the State has ordered 1 Million Testing Kits to Distribute to Local Health Departments & 40 New Pop-Up Vaccine Sites will be launched this month.

Oneonta Fire Department responded to a structure fire last night at Monser Brothers Tire & Auto on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. Fire fighters responded to the report of flames through the roof of the building late last night, Multiple fire departments also responded including West Oneonta, Laurens, West Laurens, Mount Vision, Franklin, Sidney, Worcester, Pindars Corners & Otego.

The Afton Annual Christmas Parade, will be part of the scheduled activites tomorrow, Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce President John Hinman told WCDO News what activites are planned:

(John Hinman 12-3-21)

Hinman said that floats and vehicles will line up at Corporate Park off Route 7, Walking groups, bicycles, and golf carts will gather at the Afton Edge Apartments.

Also on Saturday, Unadilla's Santa Saturday & Holiday Magic Parade will be held, sponsored by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce & The Unadilla Historical Society, spokesperson Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 12-3-21)

More Information is available at the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Destination Oneonta's Festival of Trees will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta today & tomorrow; all trees are decorated by local businesses and community members and can be viewed at Foothills today from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Saturday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Winners of each tree will be drawn on Saturday at 2:15 pm; more information is available at destinationoneonta.com.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be holding a COVID-19 vaccination clinic open to community members, including children, on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bassett Medical Center’s outpatient clinic building in Cooperstown. The clinic will offer boosters for Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson; first- and second-dose Pfizer shots for children ages 5 to 17; and flu shots. No appointments are needed for this walk-in clinic. Patients should bring their vaccination cards and prescription insurance cards.