NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. (WBEN) - Another person has died in Niagara County, bringing the total number of people who have died because of coronavirus to 23.
The latest victim of the pandemic was an 80-year-old man who had an underlying health condition.
Niagara County released the latest data on Wednesday morning. There are 12 new positive cases and 440 total. Of the 206 current cases, 24 people are hospitalized and the rest are recovering at home.
There are 211 people who have recovered.
2,260 people have been tested for coronavirus in Niagara County.
"Testing is increasing here in Niagara County at a much better rate than in the past, which will give us better data," Chairwoman Rebecca Wydysh said.
A drive-thru testing site opened Wednesday at Niagara County Community College. Wydysh said it is a state-operated site and they are not aware of how long the drive-thru site will be available at Niagara County.
Niagara County is among municipalities that is allowed to have hospitals conduct elective surgeries. Wydysh said the state will be monitoring hospitalization numbers and will change the protocol if there is a spike in hospitalizations.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Niagara County Employment Director Don Jablonski said that his office does not handle unemployment claims that people are seeking during the coronavirus pandemic as that process is handled by the New York State Department of Labor.
He acknowledged the frustration that people have over the unemployment process and said they will try to help coordinate efforts with the state.
Jablonski said they are helping Niagara County residents find work using phone calls and zoom conferences.
He said there are dozens of jobs available and urges people to visit the county's Work Source One website for help.