Wayne Highlands reopening, CARES Act funding

Businesses, nonprofits and municipalities can now apply for COVID-19 relief in Wayne and Pike counties. The funding is being used to offset financial losses due to the pandemic, and to help pay for safety measures that have been adopted. Wayne County entities can apply at www.WayneCountyCares.com, and those in Pike County can apply at www.PikeForward.com.

The Wayne Highlands School District has announced a full reopening plan for students this fall. Barring any changes from Gov. Tom Wolf, Wayne Highlands schools will be open 5 days a week and all students have the option to attend classes in person. However, the district is also offering two remote learning options for parents with concerns about sending their children back to school.

And both Pennsylvania Republicans and civil rights groups feel victorious, now that Gov. Wolf has agreed to allow legislation he originally opposed. The legislation ensures that PA residents will have access to public records from state agencies during times of emergency. It was passed unanimously after months of criticism for the Wolf administration’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. The governor originally promised to veto the bill, calling it “ill-conceived and poorly drafted,” but now says he will “err on the side of transparency” and allow it to go into law without his signature.

More reopenings, airport funding

The Resorts World Catskills casino is hoping to show New York State Health officials that it is ready to reopen sooner than later. The casino has new COVID-19 safety precautions ready to be put into place. It’s plan for reopening includes more aggressive cleaning procedures, fewer open slot machines to allow for social distancing and the installation of thermal imaging technology to monitor for fevers.

School districts in the Catskills are preparing for reopening as well. Both Sullivan West and Eldred Central School District are planning on resuming at 50 percent capacity this fall. This means that the student population will alternate between learning from home and learning in person. Both districts will be screening students as they come to school. And students will be required to wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible. Eldred is also investing in a new air filtration system.

The New York State Legislature has allocated millions of dollars for airports in the Catskill and mid-Hudson valley regions. The funding came out of federal CARES Act money. The Sullivan County International Airport in Monticello will be receiving a little more than $2 million.

A resolution to lay off 20 positions at the Care Center at Sunset Lake did not pass during a recent Sullivan County Legislature meeting. The resolution failed after a 5-4 vote. Those who voted against the cuts, said that it should go through the Health and Family Services Committee first. That committee will meet on August 13.