Demonstrator at March for Justice in Batavia tests positive for Covid-19
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department received notification that a Genesee County resident who attended the “March for Justice” event on Sunday in Batavia has tested positive for COVID-19.
The individual did not know about being positive prior to attending the event but exhibited symptoms associated to COVID-19 at the event. The individual reported to have been wearing a mask the entire time at the event from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Currently three close contacts have been placed under mandatory quarantine in Genesee County and two additional close contacts reside outside of the county.
“Although the warmer weather is here, COVID-19 is still very much in our communities,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “We must continue to take actions to decrease the spread of the virus by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water, and avoiding large crowds such as social events and parties.”
Pettit also mentioned that an increase in cases may slow down the reopening of businesses in our region.
“Our region must maintain a set of metrics in order to continue the phased reopening in our region. If we see a spike in cases or hospitalizations, the reopening process will either be delayed or stopped depending on the metrics.” Click here to view the NYS COVID-19 Regional Metrics Dashboard.
Although the exposure risk is low, anyone who attended the “March for Justice” is encouraged to monitor their symptoms for 14 days from the event until June 21st. If symptoms develop, contact your primary care provider or click here to find a testing site near you.
Governor Cuomo is also urging all people who attended a protest or rally to get a COVID-19 test (please click the link above to find a testing site near you). Symptoms of COVID-19 may include: a fever of 100.4 or greater, fatigue, loss of taste and and/or smell, headache, cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
