7 from Orleans-Genesee who visited China completed 2-week quarantine and don’t have coronavirus
Press Release, Public Health Departments in Genesee and Orleans counties
As of this morning, there are currently two people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State. One individual is a New York City resident and had returned from travel in Iran, and the other is a Westchester County resident who did not travel to a COVID-19 region, but had traveled to Florida so is considered a community spread transmission (person-to-person contact not knowing how or where they came in contact with the virus).
In Genesee and Orleans Counties, 9 people have returned home from travel to China, although none were at Wuhan, China. All 9 were placed in voluntary quarantine and 7 of the 9 have been released after their 14-day confinement, none of whom became ill.
Quarantine is for those who have returned healthy from COVID-19 regions where COVID-19 is spreading person-to-person or have had close contact with someone who was there and is ill. They are asked to remain in quarantine for up to 14 days from the day they left the country under restriction.
There is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the likelihood of more cases being identified in the coming days is evident. We will update with local media on a weekly basis.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza) which is currently widespread:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing/anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
