(Photo from Myhealth.gov).
This is a press release from the Cortland County Health Department.
The Cortland County Health Department has authorized Covid-19 testing for a patient currently hospitalized at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. The patient is in stable condition. Testing was conducted in collaboration with local and state health departments under the most recent guidance from CDC. The patient has no history of travel to an area with infection and no known exposure to an infected individual. Most tests conducted in NYS have been negative.
"Our County's healthcare system is prepared to handle COVID-19," said Catherine Feuerherm Cortland County Public Health Director. "We have been working with our health partners to follow safety protocols to keep patients and healthcare workers safe and minimize the risk of the virus spreading in Cortland County ''.
Guidance for the general public
- Stay home when sick and away from others in your household, particularly the very young, the very old or anyone with serious medical conditions.
- Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are at higher risk for serious illness.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
- Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
- Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check the Cortland County Public Health Department’s website and subscribe to our social media pages: @CortGovHealth (FB, TW, IG)
The CDC continuously updates a website for travelers that identifies currently categorized risk locations and FAQ’s for anyone planning to travel. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ to learn more about COVID-19.
