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Contact Info
Tompkins County
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
55 Brown Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6600
FRANK KRUPPA
Public Health Director
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2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Environmental Health Services during COVID-19
Program Information and Operations Guidance
Main EH homepage
Children’s Camps, Food Program, Cleaning & Disinfecting, Mass Gatherings, OWTS, Rabies, Swimming, Water
EH Administration
Update 3/26/20:
Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, certain non-essential services provided by the Tompkins County Health Department will be suspended. In general, permits for new operations are not being issued. Permit renewals for existing facilities and for failed onsite wastewater treatment systems are still being processed.
Children's Camps
Updated 4/28/20
We encourage you to please continue to submit your applications as in previous years if you think you might operate. Changes to permit applications for 2020 camps will be conveyed as we receive guidance. Please contact our office if you have questions; call 607-274-6688 or email.
Food Program:
Updated 4/28/20
- Restaurants and other food services are deemed essential during the COVID-19 emergency. Food can only be provided as take-out and delivery. No food or drink may be consumed on the premises.
- All seating areas in restaurants and hotels are to be closed for the duration of the emergency. Food trucks should avoid setting up next to picnic tables to reduce formation of groups.
- Delivery services should avoid entering a home and maintain social distances.
The NYS Ag and Markets COVID page is updated regularly.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
As part of standard infection control practices, routine cleaning should be rigorous and ongoing. Time should be allocated daily for individuals to routinely clean. Frequently touched surfaces must be prioritized for routine cleaning because these surfaces can be reservoirs for germs and an exposure pathway for transmission of COVID- 19.
Cleaning and Disinfection:
- Cleaning removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects.
- Individuals should use protective equipment (e.g. gloves) as recommended on product labels. Carefully read and follow all label instructions for safe and effective use.
- Open NYS DOH and AgM guidance for important details. Click here for these and other Resources.
High-risk priority areas for cleaning and disinfecting:
- High contact surfaces that are touched by many different people, such as light switches, handrails, cart handles, equipment buttons, shared equipment, point of sale devices, and door knobs & handles.
- Floors and walls.
- Trash containers.
- Restrooms.
- Break rooms and dining areas.
- Lockers and locker rooms.
- First aid station or health office
- Heat and air conditioner vents.
- Horizontal surfaces and light fixtures.
- Frequently used equipment.
- Uniform, protective equipment, and/or linens.
Frequently touched surfaces:
- Shared equipment.
- Counters, tables and chairs.
- Door handles and push plates.
- Handrails.
- Kitchen and bathroom faucets.
- Equipment surfaces.
- Equipment buttons.
- Light switches.
- Remote controls.
- Shared telephones.
- Shared computers, keyboards and mice.
- Shared electronics and phones.
Resources:
- Guidance issued by the NYS Departments of Health and of Ag & Markets
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Fact sheets from Tompkins County Environmental Health
IMPORTANT: If a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 works in your facility or was known to be present in your facility, promptly notify Environmental Health (607-274-6688 anytime) for instructions on how to proceed.
Mass Gatherings
The maximum number allowded at a gathering depends on what phase the region is in. Please click here for the up-to-date information.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS):
Updated 3/26/20
- *Effective immediately, applications for Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Construction Permits for new construction or conversions will not be processed until further notice.
- The Department will continue to process applications and issue permits for replacement OWTS when sewage systems are in failure.
- The Department will also continue to provide inspections for OWTS of any type constructed under existing permits, however, greater than average delays should be expected when scheduling inspections.
Lastly, through the duration of the State of Emergency, in an effort to maximize social distancing, the Department is encouraging the submittal of applications through our online service (https://permits.tompkins-co.org/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx) or by mail (downloads found at https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/owts/index).*
Rabies Control
AVMA Guidelines for essential veterinary services during the COVID-19 emergency
2020 Rabies Clinics for Pets:
Due to the fluid nature of “stay at home” orders, the Tompkins County Spring rabies clinics may be cancelled or postponed. In the event of a postponement or cancellation, we will notify pre-registrations of the change in schedule. Please continue to check this page for updates.”
Swimming Facilities
Updated 3/26/20
During the current COVID-19 emergency, all gyms, fitness centers, and water parks must be closed.
Changes to lifeguard certification and opening of pools with be updated as we receive guidance. Please continue to check this page for updated information for COVID-19 and preparing to open pools for the summer season.
Water
Updated 4/27/2020
As the COVID-19 trend continues to flatten, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (SCLIWC) encourages property and/or business owners to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your building’s water system and devices after a prolonged shutdown.
Steps to take before your business or building reopens
Please download and consult this Prolonged Building Shutdown Reccommendation document for complete details about the areas listed below
- Flush your water system
- Clean all decorative water features, such as fountains.
- Ensure cooling towers are clean and well-maintained
- Ensure safety equipment including fire sprinkler systems, eye wash stations, and safety showers are clean and well-maintained
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Maintain your water system
Consider contacting your local water utility to learn about any recent disruptions in the water supply. - Ensure hot tubs/spas are safe for use
Stagnant, or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria. When water is stagnant, hot water temperatures can decrease to the Legionella growth range (77–108°F, 25–42°C). Stagnant water can also lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectant, such as chlorine. Ensure that your water system is safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.
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Develop a comprehensive water management program (WMP) for your water system and all devices that use water. Guidance to help with this process is available from CDC and others.
Water Management Program Toolkit, Hotel Guidance, Preventing Occupational Exposure to Legionella - Ensure your water heater is properly maintained and the temperature is correctly set
Additional Resources
- CDC Model Aquatic Health Code
- CDC Healthcare Water System Repair and Recovery Following a Boil Water Advisory or Disruption of Water Supply
- ASHRAE Standard 188: Legionellosis Risk Management For Building Water Systemsexternal icon
- ASHRAE Guideline 12: Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systemsexternal icon
- Cooling Technology Institute Legionellosis Guideline 2008 (WTP -148)pdf iconexternal icon
- Cooling Technology Institute Legionellosis Guideline 2019 (GLD 159)external icon