COVID-19 Daily Update, April 24, 2020

SITUATIONAL UPDATE

April 24, 2020

New Cases

·         As of 2:00 p.m.

o   Genesee County received 1 new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 142 positive cases

§  The positive case resides in Elba.

§  The positive case is in their 50’s.

§  The newly positive individual was not on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.

§  5 of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.

§  1 of the total active positive cases is hospitalized.

o   Orleans County received 10 new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 75 positive cases

§  One positive case resides in Barre, and one resides in Kendall.

§  Eight of the positive cases were from The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab Facility

§  One individual is in their 30’s, one individual is in their 40’s, two individuals are in their 60’s and one individual is in their 70’s, three individuals are in their 80’s and two individuals are in their nineties or older.

§  1 of the newly positive individuals was on quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.

§  8 of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.

·         Orleans County has been made aware of 2 more deaths from The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab, both of the individuals were over 65.  Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals, our neighbors, during this very sad time.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans County online map of confirmed cases

Non-county Public Regulated Facilities

·         Due to the increased number of positive cases at specific regulated facilities, the G-O Health Departments have added a new chart to show the number of positive cases of COVID-19 for non-county public regulated facilities whose regulatory oversight does not fall within the local health departments.  The numbers are part of the cumulative positive case numbers received since the first positive.  As of today, in Orleans County the number of positive cases of COVID-19 at The Villages of Orleans has surpassed the number of community cases at 52%.  These facilities are regulated by the state or federal government agencies and those who live within those facilities are overseen by those respective agencies.  The local health departments will oversee any employees or community contacts (who reside within our counties) who had close contact with those who tested positive or who have become symptomatic. 

·         This chart will be updated to reflect any public regulated facilities if and when confirmed COVID-19 cases are identified. 

·         Remember even though the numbers may be high at a specific location, the virus is still moving though our counties.  People need to continue frequent handwashing and sanitizing shared surfaces, practicing stay safe at home, social distancing and wearing cloth masks when out in public.  This is not the time for gathering at the grocery stores, take out lines or play dates.  This is the time to be kind and think of the health and well-being of others. 

·         The NYS Health Department will partner with the State’s Attorney General to investigate nursing home violations.  A hotline or online form can be submitted where residents, families, or members of the public can share complaints about nursing homes that have not provided required communications with families about COVID-19 diagnoses or fatalities, nursing home abuse and neglect including failure to follow rules to keep residents safe.  The hotline number is 833-249-8499 or click the link for the online form:  https://ag.ny.gov/nursinghomes

Testing

·         Antibody testing:  Preliminary Phase 1 results of the Antibody Testing Study shows 13.9% of the population have COVID-19 antibodies.

o   3,000 random samples were taken at various locations (19 counties and 40 localities) across the state, including at grocery stores and big-box stores where people were openly going out in public.   The preliminary results are:

§  Long Island made up 14.4% of the total tests and 16.7% had the antibodies

§  New York City made up 43% of the total tests and 21.2% had the antibodies

§  Westchester / Rockland made up 9.8% of the total test and 11.7% in that region had the antibodies

§  Rest of the state accounted for 32.8% of the total tests and 3.6% had the antibodies

o   For FAQs on antibody testing, click here.  It is unlikely this will be available in our counties.

·         Wearing Masks and Social Distancing is paramount to preventing flare-ups and mini-outbreaks.  Everyone needs to be compliant.  Correctly wearing cloth masks is part of a multi-prong approach to stop/slow the spread of COVID-19.  We know wearing a face covering is inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it can limit transmission of respiratory germs.  The mask traps the droplets before they spread into the environment.  Remember wearing a face covering helps to protect others from your potential germs.  ‘My mask protects you, and your mask protects me!’

o   The Health Department encourages stores and businesses to set guidelines that include not allowing patrons to enter if they are not wearing a face covering or wearing it correctly (covering the mouth & nose).  Make sure proper signage noting your policy is visible to patrons.

o   As/When the state starts open up we all have to be diligent for quite some time to prevent the spread of this virus. 

§  Continue frequent handwashing / hand sanitizing if soap and water are not available.

§  Continue frequent sanitizing / cleaning of shared surfaces.

§  Continue Social Distancing – staying 6’ away from others.

§  Continue Wearing face coverings – wearing face coverings correctly when out in public.  The mouth and nose are to be covered and the face covering should be tucked under the chin.  Wearing masks is a way of strengthening social distancing. 

§  Stay HOME if you are sick!  Do not go shopping, Do not go to work, Do not go visiting!

·         There is still no cure or vaccination available for COVID-19.  Be alert to scams or home remedies.  Contact your primary care provider if you have any symptoms and follow his/her instructions.

·         There is still limited swabbing available in Genesee and Orleans Counties.  If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your primary care provider and they will determine if testing is right for you.  If the counties receive an increase in swabbing supplies and the protocol for testing is changed, we will notify the public.

Mental Health

·         Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult. Below are resources that can help you connect to a professional that can help you through these challenging times:

o   Care + Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text  ‘Talk’ to 741741

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