Orleans, Genesee each report 1 new Covid-19 case
Information from Orleans and Genesee County Public Health Departments
There is one new confirmed coronavirus case in both Orleans and Genesee counties, the Public Health Department reported today at 4 p.m.
The new case in Orleans is an individual under age 65 from the central part of the county. Orleans now has six confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Genesee’s latest case is under the age of 65 residing in the central part of the county. Genesee now has 13 confirmed cases.
• None of the new positive cases were under precautionary or mandatory quarantine when they became symptomatic and are not believed to be connected, the Health Department said.
• Contact tracing has been initiated for all the new cases. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms becomes present).
If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed if indicated.
“Limited information is provided to the public in compliance with HIPAA regulations and out of the respect of those impacted by this virus,” according to a news release from the Health Department. “When, and if, there is a situation where potential contact is made in a public location where contact tracing doesn’t have actual names we will send out a media announcement to help seek contacts.”
Community Spread
Means you can get it from respiratory droplets from infected people and on any surface as long as the virus is still viable. If you touch a door handle, counter, etc. that has the virus on it, then touch a mucous membrane (nose, mouth, eyes) you can introduce the virus into your body.
Identifying a store or business where people may have been doesn’t help because the virus is everywhere and can give a false sense of security that the virus isn’t somewhere else. Limiting trips to the store and designating only one person for shopping can lower the risk of spreading the virus.
With the rising numbers, it is important to know the social distancing guidance will work but it takes time before we can see the results. The coming weeks are most critical in determining how many lives can be saved in our communities by staying safer at home, social distancing, and having good hand (wash often) and cough (do not cough in your hand, but in a disposable tissue or your elbow) hygiene.
Nature Breaks and Parks
We are getting reports of groups not practicing social distancing. Many parks have roped off areas of their parks to discourage group play (basketball, football, soccer, using shared equipment or frequently touched surfaces such as the playground equipment). This is not a time for playgroups. Parents remind your children they are to keep their distance from non-household members to limit the spread of disease.
State Parks are free with limited services available. They are encouraging New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Contact your local park for specific information on any changes to their operations in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
