For Immediate Release:
Allegany County COVID-19 update
As of Friday, March 20, 2020, Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH) still has 2 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). We are still waiting for the test results from the 37 new individuals tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, a disease caused by a novel coronavirus. All 37 Allegany County individuals, who were tested on Tuesday, remain in isolated/quarantined. As soon as we have the test results for these individuals they will be notified by ACDOH.
We have received many questions about different issues connected to COVID-19. Here are some of these questions and our guidance:
· When will I be released from isolation or quarantine?
o This is a very difficult question to answer. As the guidance from New York State Department of Health changes for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine and each Allegany County case is on a different time frame; we will be working with each individual to determine the end date of their isolation or quarantine.
· Can I get COVID-19 from my public water?
o No, you cannot get COVID-19 from your public water supply, the treatment of public water kills the virus.
· Who can I call if I am depressed and need someone to help me or a family member?
o Mental Health Crisis 24-hour Hotline-1-888-448-3367
o Mental Health Crisis 24-hour Text Line- Send a text to “Got 5” or 741741
· What businesses have been closed down?
o The New York State Governor has closed many non-essential businesses including gyms, physical fitness centers, sporting events, movie theaters, casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks, libraries, worship services, hair salons, barber shops, and tattoo/piercing business. Restaurants and bars continue to do take-out and delivery only. Grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, medical offices and hospitals remain open.
· What are non-essential vs. essential services?
o Non-essential services are those that we do not need to live, which includes the list of businesses that the governor has closed. Essential services are those that we need to live like gas stations, grocery stores, food producers, and transportation that moves the food from the producers to the wholesalers and on to the grocery stores. We also need pharmacies, medical offices, and hospitals to take care of the ill and keep us healthy.
· Where can I get the right information on COVID-19?
o There are many sources of information on the internet and many of them are not good information or can be dangerous. The Allegany County, the New York State Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control websites are the best sources of information that is trusted and valid.
o Be careful of scams and apps to download that do not come from a trusted place. For example, there is an app that says it has the latest information for COVID-19 and when you download it to your cell phone it locks your phone and tells you have to pay to unlock your phone,
o Be careful of people asking for money or setting up go fund me pages. Always check with the agency or person they are raising funds for to make sure it is not a scam.
· Can I get COVID-19 from my dog or cat and can I give COVID-19 to them?
o No, you cannot get COVID-19 from your pets and they cannot give it to you. So hug away, pets can be very comforting in a time like this.
· Watch for the Allegany County videos, answering many more questions from Allegany County residents, every Tuesday and Friday on the Allegany County website and the Allegany County DOH Facebook page.
o Call us with your questions at 585-268-9700
o NYSDOH-Coronavirus hotline (1-888-364-3065)
ACDOH will continue the investigations to identify any additional close contacts. Once identified, the close contacts will be notified of their potential exposure to COVID-19 and placed under mandatory isolation or quarantine to monitor health status. ACDOH reminds the Allegany County community that ACDOH continues to follow the COVID-19 testing criteria established by the NYSDOH.
We would like to reiterate that any resident experiencing a fever, with cough or shortness of breath should call their health care provider (don’t show up at their office, Urgent Care, or ER before calling). If symptoms are severe and/or you require an ambulance for transport, call 911 and notify the operator that you are experiencing symptoms relative to COVID-19.
We will update the public by releasing information to the local media as the situation develops. The Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH) reminds residents to protect yourself and your family by washing your hands often, stay home (6-8 feet away from others), stay away from sick people and the elderly, cover your cough and sneeze, disinfect surfaces that are touched often, and stay home if you are sick.
Allegany County residents can call 585-268-9700 or email to healthinfo@alleganyco.com with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) or travel related questions.
