As the Coronavirus outbreak evolves, the Tompkins County Health Department is working closely with local medical providers including Cornell Health, Ithaca College Health Center and Cayuga Medical Center, to protect the health and well-being of our community.
This new Coronavirus strain which originated in Wuhan, China, has not previously been found in humans. There is low risk of infection to community residents at this time. If you are planning any travel outside the U.S., visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Health website for the latest travel health notices at: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
If you recently traveled to China and have a fever and cough or shortness of breath, you should:
- Call your medical provider and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others until you are well.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
The Coronavirus is spread from someone who is sick through the air by coughing or sneezing, close personal contact, or touching surfaces where the virus is present. There are no vaccines to protect yourself from this virus. If you do not have symptoms of illness, there is no need to limit normal daily activities. Since we are in the midst of cold and flu season for upstate New York, we remind everyone to take these additional steps to keep yourself healthy:
- Get the flu vaccination if you have not done so already
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
- Stay informed. Get updated information on Coronavirus at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus World Health Organization: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
For more information call 607-274-6604 or go to www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health. Find us on Facebook @TompkinsPublicHealth and Twitter@TompkinsHealth.