County Health COVID-19 UPDATE: April 2, 2020

·         Social distancing must be practiced in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. This means canceling events such as parties, celebrations, and neighborhood gatherings where people congregate together. This also means that children and adults should not play contact sports. These are temporary requests that will help stop the spread of the virus so that we can resume normal activities. If you must go to the store, always maintain at least 6 feet of space between you and other people.

·         Please remain home if ill, even if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to continue to limit physical contact.  Flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others.  If you work with a vulnerable population, self-monitor prior to going to work, if you become sick while at work, contact your supervisor immediately and leave the premises to decrease the risk of contact with others.  When not working, follow social distancing and limit time in public.

·         Medical Concerns:  If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE.   Swabbing will be based on those who are in higher risk categories – elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues.

o   Swab sample results are coming back slower than expected. With more testing, we expect this will continue.  Whenever anyone is swabbed for potential COVID-19, self-isolation is advised until the test result is received.

·         Older Adults:  The Office for the Aging in both counties continues to operate.  They are still providing meals to their residents and are working with their vendors to provide the potential increase in meals to the residents they serve.

o   For Genesee County:  NYConnects / Office for the Aging call 585-343-1611 Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00.

o   For Orleans County:  Older Adults in Orleans County can contact Arc of Genesee Orleans Nutrition Program at 589-5424 weekdays between 8:30-3pm.  Office for the Aging staff members are coordinating with Meals on Wheels to ensure meal delivery to seniors in need. The staff are keeping their spirits up to stay safe and still deliver smiles with nutrition.  There is a suggested donation for meal delivery, but do not let cost get in the way of asking for this help.    If you have concerns about not having enough food call NY Connects/Office for the Aging at 589-3191.

·         Anxiety, Depression, Fear:  If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, fear about this outbreak call the Care + Crisis Helpline at 585-283-5200, text 741741 or call the NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 884-863-9314, they have trained listeners available 24/7 to help you through this.

·         At this time there are no FDA-approved drugs or treatments for COVID-19.

·         There are also no over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. If you get an email, phone call, offer by mail or other solicitation for these scams, hang up and ignore them.

·         This is a very important warning to reinforce for every County resident.

·         The best medical advice for you comes from your healthcare provider.

·         Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today at his press conference there are now a total of 92,381 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in NYS.

·         13,383 (14%) COVID-19 patients are hospitalized.

·         The Governor has extended NY PAUSE program (non-essential workers down to 0%) until April 15; this will be evaluated every two weeks

·         New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health within 60 days of losing coverage.  https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/

·         The President and CDC have ordered a travel advisory (NY, NJ & CT) – this is not a lock down, these federal actions support state actions to date.  It is OK to be outside in your yard, ride bikes, visit a state park for walks, to take rides in your vehicle, however congregating and taking the family shopping does not comply with social distancing (keeping 6’ from others, limiting time out in public)

·         New York State Department of Health – click here

·         CDC – click here

·         Genesee County Health Department – click here

·         Orleans County Health Department – click here

·         NY State of Health – click here

·         If you believe an employer is violating either existing labor laws or recently issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo, please contact the NYS Attorney General’s office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov

·         Mental Health in both counties are available in various capacities and the Care + Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text 741741 for anxiety and stress

·         New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling

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