Non-resident tests positive for COVID-19 in Seneca County

The Seneca County Health Department was notified on Wednesday that an individual from out of the area who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22nd is completing their mandatory isolation at a residence in Seneca County. The individual is currently being isolated and monitored by the Seneca County Health Department.

The Seneca County Health Department continues to monitor for COVID-19. According to Public Health Director, Vickie Swinehart the County has been preparing for the arrival of the virus. “We anticipate seeing cases here in Seneca County as more than 70% of counties across NYS are now reporting cases,” she said. “Now is not a time to panic but to increase our emphasis on social distancing and staying home. We must continue to socially distance ourselves to slow the spread of disease and to protect our most vulnerable populations especially the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. We encourage all residents to practice and use good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.”

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms and are a close contact of a confirmed case or you have recently traveled to an area where there are active cases of COVID-19 occurring call your healthcare provider for further instructions.

The Seneca County Health Department is encouraging all residents to take the following actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• If you feel ill, STAY AT HOME. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider if you are unable to manage symptoms at home or if symptoms worsen.
• Monitor and treat any mild symptoms at home with over the counter medicine as appropriate. Call your healthcare provider for instructions if you have COVID-19 like symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath.
• If someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home and contact your medical provider.
• If you are an older person ages 70 and over, stay home and away from other people. Older Americans are especially vulnerable to this disease.
• If you have an underlying medical condition such as lung and heart disease that increases your risk for complications from COVID-19 please stay home.
• We all must do our part to stop the spread of COVID 19.
  o Work or attend school from home (if possible).
  o AvoidsocialgatheringsandunnecessarytravelespeciallytoplaceswherethereareknowncasesofCOVID-19.