(Ithaca, N.Y., April 25) – The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is alerting the community that the New York State Virtual Call Center (NYS VCC) will be discontinuing services at the close of the month. The NYS VCC has been the primary method of follow up phone calls and text messages for positive cases since the ending of local contact tracing efforts at the start of the year.
Locally, TCHD will continue to monitor positive cases and will conduct follow up communication for at-risk populations and congregate care settings, in addition to continued close communication with local school districts and college settings. Staff will work to identify any emerging trends or clusters from new positive cases and provide intervention as necessary.
The general public should not anticipate receiving a follow up phone call or text message if testing positive. The following steps should be taken if you test positive with either a PCR test or a Self-Test:
- You should immediately isolate for 5 days from the positive test result or the onset of symptoms, whichever occurs first. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional 5 days following the end of the isolation period.
- Anyone in your household (who you live with) is at increased risk of infection. Everyone in the household should monitor themselves closely for symptoms, especially if they are unvaccinated, immuno-compromised, or have other underlying health conditions. They may contact their healthcare practitioner about any concerns and additional treatment.
- Please inform close contacts that they may have been exposed. A close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period during the infectious period. Close contacts should monitor themselves closely for symptoms and seek a PCR test if symptoms develop.
- If you test positive using a Self-Test Kit, please complete the Self-Test Reporting Form for Tompkins County residents. The online form will ask for basic contact information and to upload a photo of your test kit result. Once the form is submitted, you will receive an automated email message with additional guidance and documentation that you have submitted a positive self-test result to the Tompkins County Health Department.
- Continue to monitor your symptoms and communicate with your primary care provider if you have questions or concerns. Staying hydrated, resting and taking medication to reduce fever (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help relieve symptoms.
- Those who test positive and are an older adult or at high risk of severe illness may be eligible for treatment options that can be prescribed by a doctor.
- Anyone who does not currently have a primary care physician or who is uninsured and seeking a local provider should call 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667).
- If you are experiencing any of the emergency warning signs of trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, bluish lips or face, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Public Health Director Frank Kruppa stated, “This third year of the COVID-19 pandemic’s theme has largely been self-management. We ask the community to continue their efforts by staying up to date on their vaccinations, by wearing masks when in public, by seeking testing and staying home if sick, and monitoring for symptoms. Continuing to follow these steps will help reduce the spread of the virus and keep our more vulnerable community members safe.”
TCHD is encouraging eligible residents to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine doses are currently available at local pharmacies and primary care offices. Please contact your pharmacy or doctor to discuss availability or visit the TCHD website for more information.
COVID-19 Self-Test Kits and KN95 masks for youth and adults are available for free to the community at local libraries and municipal centers.
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. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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