BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department partnered with Elderwood to conduct comprehensive testing of staff and residents at their Hornell facility. Test results indicate a combined six additional residents and staff members from Steuben County have tested positive for COVID-19 in addition to those already reported in previous releases.
In addition to cases related to Elderwood at Hornell, four Steuben County residents have also tested positive for COVID-19. Included within those are additional cases from Hornell Gardens. All of the reported cases are linked with previously reported cases. This brings the total number to 191 confirmed cases in Steuben County.
The individuals are residents of:
· City of Hornell (3)
· Village of Canisteo (2)
· Village of North Hornell (4)
· Town of Jasper
All of the individuals have been issued orders of isolation by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is being collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset through the day of the investigation. The investigations indicate that one or more of the individuals reported visiting the following locations within that timeframe.
· 4/14/20 & 4/15/20 – Southport Correctional Facility in Pine City
· 4/16/20 Afternoon – Hornell Area Transit
· 4/17/20 Afternoon – Wegmans in Hornell
· 4/17/20 Afternoon – Family Dollar in Hornell
· 4/17/20 Afternoon – Walgreens in Hornell
“Fortunately, it appears that Elderwood at Hornell’s efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have been productive as evidenced by the vast number of negative results received there in comparison to the handful of positives,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “We are grateful for the partnership with Elderwood to complete testing and identify the current positives to further contain the spread of COVID-19.”
“Our focus has been, and will continue to be, on the health and wellbeing of our residents and staff,” said Sabrina Neal, Administrator for Elderwood at Hornell. “The community relies on us to care for some of the most frail and vulnerable among us, and we believe the measures we have taken against the virus thus far have helped to significantly reduce the impact in our facility. We are grateful for the support of our Steuben County Public Health officials as we continue to guard against the spread of the virus.”
