SITUATIONAL UPDATE: \u00b7 As of 2:00 p.m. today, the lab confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 is now 2 new positives for Orleans County and still 1 confirmed case for Genesee County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have the initial 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in Genesee County and now have 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 for Orleans County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 44 negative test results and Orleans, 43 negative test results for COVID-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Orleans County<\/strong>: 4 people are under precautionary quarantine, 13 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 3 people are under mandatory isolation 1 of whom is hospitalized and 2 are recovering at home. The new positive cases reside in the center part of the county and are not associated. One of the individuals is over 65 and the other is younger than 65. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The contact tracing has been initiated for the new cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Known contacts to these two cases have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated. If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Genesee County<\/strong>: 7 people are under precautionary quarantine, 21 people are under mandatory quarantine, and 1 person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation at home and is recovering. \u00b7 \u201cWe will start to see our numbers increase moving forward. We expect to see increase in local cases due to increased swabbing and testing as this is in line with the reality of community spread,\u201d stated Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is determined the day the identified positive case had symptoms. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, NYS clearance criteria requires 2 negative COVID-19 swabbing results prior to being released. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine \/ isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Reminder as discussed last week. We are placing individuals on quarantine and isolation from the health department, but individuals will also be asked by their provider to self-isolate if they have been swabbed until the results come back. Once the county receives test results from the state (whether the swabbing occurred at primary care provider or through contact with the health department) it is then determined whether the individual remains on quarantine, released or is changed to mandatory isolation (for positive swab results) per the NYS guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is very important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Number one, the person tested because they were symptomatic, that\u2019s why they\u2019re being swabbed and secondly, we don\u2019t want the person exposing others to illness (COVID-19 or otherwise). Please remain home if ill, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6\u2019). <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 This week, United Memorial Medical Center completed the assembly and installation of a series of tents outside the hospital’s Emergency Department. This is a multi-tent system that will act as an extension of their primary care offices. Additional details will follow as the project progresses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 On Monday, March 23rd, hospitals in NYS were mandated to increase their capacity by 50%; although, the Governor urged hospitals to consider increasing their capacity by 100%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Phone banks have been set up in both counties to assist with the overflow of calls. Callers will be asked about the nature of their call and the staff will triage and forward the calls as appropriate. We encourage businesses, to contact the Department of Labor if they have questions about their business operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n OPERATIONAL UPDATES \u00b7 COVID-19 swabbing \/ testing at the Health Departments and community continues to be limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We will be screening and focusing on our at-risk populations \u2013 elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Primary care providers and some health systems are offering testing in both Monroe and Erie Counties. We\u2019re still waiting on more public \/ private labs to sign-on soon along with swabbing kits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Lab testing has been bogged down and sample results are coming back slower. Again this is a source of frustration for the public and us. We continue to push these unacceptable issues back up to the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 We are asking individuals to follow the orders that are put out there. If you believe an employer is violating either existing labor laws or recently issued @NYGocCuomo executive orders, please contact the @NewYorkStateAG’s office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov. https:\/\/ag.ny.gov\/press-release\/2020\/attorney-general-james-urges-employees-file-complaints-against-employers-ignoring <\/p>\n\n\n\n NEW YORK STATE CASES \/ RESTRICTIONS \/ GUIDANCE <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 As of March 24, 2020 at 11 a.m. according to Governor Andrew Cuomo there are <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4,790 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 25,665 in NYS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Monroe County: 96 confirmed cases in Monroe County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Erie County: 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Erie County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Wyoming County: 4 Confirmed COVID-19 cases <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Niagara County: 12 Confirmed COVID-19 cases <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Effective Saturday March, 21st beginning at 8 p.m., all personal care services such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and tattoo parlors in NYS will be mandated to close. These professions cannot conduct business while maintaining social distancing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 On Friday, March 20, 2020, Cuomo announced that he will sign an executive order mandating that 100% of the workforce must stay home (excluding essential services). This order excludes healthcare, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Civil fines and mandatory closures for business that are not in compliance will be issued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 DOH Test Kits are NOT available. More information will be forthcoming when we receive notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 PPE is in extremely short supply with no guidance as to when more will be supplied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Gatherings with 50 people or more are not permitted for the next 8 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Enacting Matilda\u2019s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Remain indoors <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Can go outside for solitary exercise <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Wear a mask in the company of others <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Stay at least 6 feet from others <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary <\/p>\n\n\n\n GENERAL HEALTH REMINDERS \/ INFORMATION Flu \u2013 for the week ending March 14: Orleans -8 flu that week and 257 for the season; Genesee \u2013 22 cases of flu and 588 for the season! Statewide cases during this time frame 6,075 with a total NYS cases for the season to date, 153,293. Compared to COVID-19 the risk of the flu and what many people may be experiencing is higher. We are receiving back negative COVID-19 test results from the lab, but we are still having flu \u2013 more flu and other respiratory illness as we look at the data. Keep this in mind. Everyone should be social distancing and staying home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Mental Health in both counties are available in various capacities and the Care + Crisis Helpline is available 24\/7 at 585-283-5200 or text 741741 for anxiety and stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Be alert to scams\u2026there are no FDA-approved at-home test kits for COVID-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Please refer to the county web sites for current daily updates and guidance documents. Orleans County\u2019s web site is still down, so we ask to visit the Genesee County website or follow GOHealthNY (user names) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We are also providing updates on the Genesee Ready and Orleans Aware apps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Remember that if you are sick to call your primary care provider. If you must go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care \u2013 call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival. Continue Social Distancing and daily hygiene practices: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Hand Hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds OR use of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Stay 6 feet away from others <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Disinfect high-touch surfaces <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Avoid touching your face <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Avoid contact with people who are sick <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Stay home when sick <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Avoid crowded places <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Cancelling events \/ closure of public spaces <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Encourage people to take care of themselves to take care of their immune systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Eat healthy \u2013 fruits & vegetables, whole grains, low fat meats, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Get plenty of rest <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Drink plenty of water o Stop smoking or abusing drugs and alcohol, seek appropriate help <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Limit media time to help decrease stress <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Keep in contact with older family members by phone, Face Time, cards and letters if you can\u2019t visit in person <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Take time for walks, play outside, do puzzles, help keep you children engaged with their studies <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Start or continue a hobby Vulnerable \/ Priority Populations \u00b7 Older adults (65 years of age and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Underlying medical conditions may include but are not limited to: \u00a7 Chronic lung disease or asthma \u00a7 Diabetes \u00a7 Weakened immune system \u00a7 Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 People who are pregnant If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should: <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Stay home as much as possible. (Rely on help to get groceries \/ necessities such as prescriptions so you do not have to go out in public) Talk with your healthcare provider about providing 90-day prescription orders and ask your pharmacist if you can re-fill early to limit trips out in public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others o Keep away from others who are sick <\/p>\n\n\n\n o Wash your hands often o Avoid non-essential travel o Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. A facemask should only be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Symptoms for COVID19 are shortness of breath, dry cough and fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SITUATIONAL UPDATE: \u00b7 As of 2:00 p.m. today, the lab confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 is now 2 new positives for Orleans County and still 1 confirmed case for Genesee County. We have the initial 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in Genesee County and now have 3 confirmed cases \u2026<\/p>\n