The Tompkins County Health Department received notification of new positive COVID-19 cases related to Fourth of July social gatherings. Identified cases are connected to out-of-state travel to states with significant increases of the virus. Some of these cases are connected to local social gatherings where distance and mask-wearing were not observed.
“We have come a long way, but we are not done with COVID-19. I strongly remind all residents to remain vigilant and take all precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People traveling are still bringing the disease into our community, increasing the potential of spread. The Health Department is discouraging all non-essential travel to affected states. Masks are required in public spaces, especially indoors, where distance cannot be maintained. Masks and face-coverings are a simple measure we can all take to prevent exposing others to the virus,” stated Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Public Health Director.
Kruppa continued, “If someone is infected, when people come together for a social gathering and do not observe the recommendations for distancing and mask-wearing, everyone is exposed.”
For more information, see the Travel Advisory and the NYS website, where the list of affected states is updated at least weekly. If you travel to an affected state, you are required to quarantine for 14 days upon return to New York State.
Kruppa continued, “Completing the full 14 days of quarantine is critical to keeping the disease from spreading. Getting tested does not replace the full quarantine because a test is only one moment in time; you could test negative one day and positive a few days later as the disease incubates or you are exposed to a new source of COVID-19. We all have to stay vigilant.”
Individuals presenting symptoms or with concerns about being exposed, should seek a test.
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Everyone can continue to take these steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
- Refrain from traveling to states listed in the New York Travel Advisory.
- Keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others when in public.
- Wear a mask at all times in public spaces, especially when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained.
- Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close and continued contact with other people not in your household.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Physical Distancing does not mean emotional isolation, check on friends, coworkers, neighbors through phone and text.
To file a complaint about a business or social gathering click here.
For local updates and information, check the TCHD website.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth.
