DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Amanda Walsh, MPH Public Health Director
Two Positive Cases in Delaware County
DELHI — Delaware County received two (2) new positive reports today, (March 21) one positive case does not reside in Delaware County; the case was transferred to NYC Health Department.
Currently, Delaware County has two confirmed positive cases ofCOVID-19 the two cases are unrelated. Delaware County Public Health Services inpartnership with the New York State Department of Health, local hospitals andhealthcare providers is actively investigating these cases and providing guidance onreducing the spread (i.e., quarantine, cleaning and other recommendations) asappropriate.
Individuals who are symptomatic and have traveled to areas of concern or havecome in close contact (same classroom, office or gathering) with a person who isconfirmed positive and who is symptomatic and has not tested positive for any otherinfection should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment inperson.
Older adults and persons who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at a higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. People who are at higher risk are encouraged to avoid crowds as much as possible.
The 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus is spread person to person by droplets whencoughing. It can cause an illness ranging from mild to severe. This virus causes adisease called COVID-19 and can lead to fever, cough and shortness of breath.
If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, trouble breathing orpneumonia) talk to your primary care provider. Do not come to the emergency roomunless there is a pressing emergency.
Prevention:
To prevent spread of this virus, the flu and other respiratory illnesses, individuals areencouraged to:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,especially before you eat.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep a distance of at least 6feet to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closedcontainer.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
For People who are sick:
• Stay home.
• If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gonewithout the use of fever-reducing medicines, such as acetaminophen.
• Keep sick household members away from others. If you have a separate roomthat is best.
• Use soap and water, a bleach and water solution, or EPA-approved householdproducts. You can make your own cleanser with a mixture of 1 cup of liquidunscented chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of water.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Anyone at high risk for complications should talk to their healthcare provider formore information.
Social Distancing:During this time of increasing spread of COVID-19, we are encouraging allcommunity members to practice social distancing. Social distancing includes takingsteps to stop or slow down the spread of disease. The following strategies are encouraged:
• Stay home when you are sick
• Call your health care provider in advance of a visit
• Limit movement in the community i.e. attendance at events, restaurants,parties, etc.
• Limit visitors to your home
• Keep a 6-foot distance between you and others when out in the community
• Avoid direct physical contact such as hand-shaking, holding hands, and hugging. If you are not on quarantine, the following activities may be enjoyed whilepracticing social distancing:
• Take walks, runs, and bike rides outside. Remember to maintain a 6-footdistance between you and others that are joining you.
• Play games outside with members of your household verses with outsidefriends
• Stay connected with others through phone or video
For information about COVID-19 you can visit
http://delawarecountypublichealth.com/, http://www.co.delaware.ny.us/wordpress/,https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ andhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html