Press Release
April 8, 2020
COVID-19 Statistics Update and Face Masks
In the United States, there are currently over 418,000 COVID-19 cases, and there have been more than 14,000 deaths. In New York State, there have been 140,386 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and there have been 6,268 deaths statewide with 779 deaths in the last 24 hours. New York’s death tolls have now soared past the death toll from the September 11 terrorist attacks, and Governor Cuomo has issued an order to fly flags at half-staff. Allegany County’s statistics as of 3:00 p.m. on April 8, 2020, are as follows:
Confirmed Cases: 21
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 1
Total Quarantined/Isolated to Date: 245
Released from Quarantine/Isolation: 186
Currently Quarantined/Isolated: 59
The NYS Department of Health stated that recent studies have shown that a significant portion of individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus are asymptomatic, and those people can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. The virus can spread between people in close proximity from speaking, coughing, sneezing, touching infected surfaces, etc. even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms at the time.
Considering this new evidence, the NYS Department of Health supports members of the public who choose to wear cloth face coverings in public settings, where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
Maintaining social distancing, by staying at least 6 feet apart when in public and staying home whenever possible is critical to slow the spread of the virus, even if wearing a face covering. While cloth face coverings may not prevent the wearer from becoming infected, they might help stop the spread from people who have the virus and are unaware.
Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low-cost, can be used as an additional, voluntary health measure, beyond the recommended social distancing. When wearing face coverings, citizens should:
-Make sure that they fit snugly and cover their nose and mouth.
- Be changed frequently and laundered when they are soiled or wet.
-Not become complacent with other protective measures.
o Do not touch the cloth covering or face.
o Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing.
Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol.
o Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes
o Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks.
o Stay home and help flatten the curve!
The mental health and well-being of all of our citizens is very important to us. If your life or someone else is in imminent danger, call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please contact the following resources:
COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: 844-863-9314Allegany County Crisis Hotline: 888-448-3367 Allegany County Community Services: 585-593-1991 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
NYS Text Line: Text "GOT5" to 741741
Veterans’ Crisis Lifeline: 822-273-8255 (Press 1)
For additional COVID-19 questions and information:
Call: 585-268-9700 (Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Weekends: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Call: 585-268-9250 (Health Department)
Email: healthinfo@alleganyco.com
Website: www.alleganyco.com
Facebook: Allegany County, NY, Government & Allegany County Department of Health
