This is a press release from the Cortland County Health Department.
The Cortland County Health Department is sending out a proactive message to the community to remain vigilant and maintain efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recently, a trend has been reported in surrounding communities of increased numbers of COVID positive cases particularly in the 17-30 age group.
Cortland County has also seen an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases among younger individuals. While many in this age group were asymptomatic, they are contributing to an increase in household contacts, which are often an older loved one. The Cortland County Health Department wants to remind people of all ages but especially those younger people who may not have immediate health concerns to do their part and help prevent the spread of COVID in our community.
With summer graduation parties and other social events picking up we stress the importance of continuing precautions to every extent possible. This also includes those quick trips to the store as well as visits to the local playgrounds and parks.
If you find yourself at gatherings where social distancing or hygiene practices are not being followed, consider leaving or changing your plans. We need to make smart decisions for ourselves, for our families and for our community. The Cortland County community is doing a good job in preventing the spread of this disease, but we are not done with COVID-19.
The Cortland County Health Department would like to emphasize the following reminders:
- Wear a face mask when in public places (this includes social gatherings and shopping)
- Socially distance and stay at least 6 feet apart from non-household members
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, use hand sanitizer when washing hands is
not an option
- If you travel to an affected state with widespread COVID-19, you are required to quarantine for 14 days upon your return to New York State.
- STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!
Anyone in New York State is eligible to get a COVID-19 test. For those who would like to be tested need to contact their primary care provider or register at one of the drive through testing facilities. For those interested in drive through testing, contact Guthrie Cortland Medical Center @ 607-299-7676 or Cayuga Medical Center @ 607-319-5708 to register.
If you get tested for COVID-19 is important to remember to:
- Go home and isolate yourself until your test results come back (those with symptoms and those without symptoms, can still spread COVID-19 to others)
- DO NOT STOP anywhere between testing and home; make arrangements for someone else to get your supplies
- Wear a mask whenever you are in close proximity to another person
If you have concerns about a Cortland County local business/employer not adhering to COVID- 19 guidelines (including mask wearing and social distancing), please call 607-753-5049 or 1- 833-789-0470. For more information about COVID-19, please visit https://www.cortland-co.org/432/Health-Department or call the Cortland County Health Department @ 607-758-5526.
