jdagostino@observertoday.com
Christopher Kotowski, director of pharmacy at Brooks-TLC, prepares a COVID-19 dosing earlier this year.
Submitted photo
Brooks-TLC Hospital System Inc. in 2019 reported revenues of $62,474,978. While nearly three-quarters of that income almost $48 million came from patient services between the two facilities in Dunkirk and Irving, another quarter came from an entity that never needed to be treated or was a customer: the New York state Health Department.
Despite $15,011,088 in aid from Albany to help with payroll and other expenses, the Brooks-TLC System noted losses topping $12.5 million for the fiscal year as reported to the Internal Revenue Service in the health-care facility’s Internal Revenue Service 990 filings.
adolce@observertoday.com
Maybe the Fourth in Dunkirk will be a blast.
In a resolution that will come before Common Council on Tuesday, the city is proposing paying Starfire Corp. $30,000 for the fireworks show for July 4 with a rain date of July 5. Mayor Wilfred Rosas said the resolution is to begin preparation for the Fourth of July celebration on top of any other events the city might be able to plan should New York state lift some of the restrictions put in place by COVID-19. “We need it to get through because planning means we need the contract with the fireworks vendors,” Rosas said. “We need that contract or we’ll lose them and have to do it with someone else. We’re preparing the fireworks and hoping they’ll lift the restrictions. If they do, we’ll be in position to host the Fourth of July, and if they don’t, then we have language in the contract that will not penalize the city if restrictions are not lifted.”
1 additional death, 293 new cases
Update: Saturday, May 1, 3:01 p.m.
One additional COVID-19 death was announced Saturday. A man from Strafford County, who was older than 60, died, the state Department of Health and Human Services said.
The fatality brings the overall coronavirus death total in New Hampshire to 1,304.
The state also reported 293 new cases, 2,459 active infections statewide, and 84 people hospitalized due to the virus.
-NHPR Staff N.H. state workers to return to offices by May 10
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu says state government employees who have been working from home during the coronavirus pandemic will be back in their offices by May 10.
We talk with reporters about how well the state is providing vaccine access to its vulnerable populations, and an investigation into the oversight of New Hampshire s correctional facilities, which have seen a number of outbreaks of COVID-19 in the last year. We also talk about energy legislation: from funding for broadband development to a proposed ban on discussions of low carbon fuel standards programs.
Air date: Friday, April 30, 2021.
Audio will be available shortly after the conclusion of the program.
GUESTS:
Credit Dan Tuohy / NHPR
Beginning May 7, the state will lift all restrictions on businesses and organizations aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, and will instead encourage facilities to follow a slate of recommendations.
The new Universal Best Practices guidance released Thursday lifts all restrictions on capacity and social distancing at facilities, including performing arts venues and amusement parks, as well as rules requiring restaurants to space tables at least six feet apart.
Instead, the state is encouraging businesses to take steps to space customers, whenever possible, and keep in place other protective measures including plastic barriers and one-way directional signs.