BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that an additional Steuben County resident tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 278 confirmed cases, nine of which are currently active. The individual is a resident of the Town of Woodhull.
The individual is isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed case and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individual have been notified.
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset, or date of test if asymptomatic, through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks. The investigation indicates the individual did not pose any public exposure risks during that timeframe.
“COVID-19 is a cruel disease in many ways,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “This virus spreads most easily when people gather in groups, are close together, talk, sing or laugh – all things we’re conditioned to enjoy as social beings. The prevention strategies of social distancing and wearing masks are not natural for us, but certainly lessen the risk of getting the virus. Now that we have more open in Phase 3, please remain vigilant in wearing your masks and social distancing.”
All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.
