Genesee/Orleans County Health Department/ Press Briefing/One person in Orleans County tests positive

COVID-19 Response Update 3.19.2020 4:00p.m.

“The Orleans County Health Department has received notification today about an Orleans County resident testing positive for COVID-19 while out of state.” stated Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee and Orleans Counties Departments of Health.

“The individualwas confirmed through testing at the state they are visiting,” Pettit continued.

“The individual is in mandatory isolation where they are recovering.

This incident is a good example as to the spread of this virus from location to location.” The Orleans County Department ofHealth has begun an intensive investigation to identify potential close contacts of the individual before they left on vacation and it is believed to be a community spread transmission. Some close contacts have been notified of their potential exposure to COVID-19, placed under mandatory quarantine to monitor for symptoms and swabbed as indicated.

Public Health Officials are implementing contact tracing to identify other potential individuals who have had close contact. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have been preparing and responding to this possibility for weeks under the guidance of the NYSDOH and the CDC.

Residents who are experiencing a fever, with cough and/or shortness of breath are advised to call your health care provider beforegoing to seek medical care.In order to hamperthe spread of the virus, residents can practice social distancing and proper germ prevention practices:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Stay home when you are sick. 

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Avoid people who are sick.Disinfect high-traffic surfaces often.If you have questions about recent travel and symptoms regarding COVID-19, please call the NYSDOH Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065.

As of 4:00p.m. 3.19.2020

Genesee County –
1 person in mandatory isolation (positive case),
15 persons under mandatory quarantine, &
7 persons under precautionary quarantine

Orleans County – 
1 person in mandatory isolation out of state (positive case),
10 persons under mandatory quarantine, &
0 persons under precautionary quarantine