(Photos from Nature.com and Harvard Health).
This is a message from the Cortland County Health Department.
Patients Tested for Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Cortland County Should Be Socially Responsible.
The Cortland County Health Department has confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Cortland County. Our initial investigations find that people are not following the quarantine and isolation guidance of their physicians, risking spread to others.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza spreads. It can also spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. When an outbreak of a disease reaches the point where it is actively spreading in a community, individual community members need to take actions to protect themselves and their families. By taking these actions, we can help reduce the chances of getting sick and reduce demands on the health care sector so the most seriously ill people get the supportive care they need.
If you have been tested for COVID-19, you and your health care provider agree that you are highly suspicious for COVID-19. It is very important that you follow your health care provider’s guidance to limit contact with others. Take your quarantine or isolation seriously and stay home.
- Do not take your children to the babysitter. Keep your immediate family members home.
- Do not go to Walmart or anywhere else. If you need food or prescription medications, have someone else do that. When that person drops your supplies off, have them leave the supplies on your porch. (For assistance in our county please see the Cortland County Website at www.cortland-co.org)
- Do not visit family and/or friends.
- Do not allow any visitors into your home.
“We want to reinforce the importance of social distancing for everyone, stay home if you can. If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others. We need everyone’s help to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Exposing others in the community is socially irresponsible”, states Public Health Director, Catherine Feuerherm.
If you develop symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or trouble breathing, contact your healthcare provider. Call ahead to explain your symptoms.
NYSDOH has a hotline and a website for members of the public who have questions: 1-888-364-3065 and https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
For general Inquiries: Cortland County Hotline: 607-756-3415
New York State Hotline for COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065
