The test results for the individual isolated on Sunday, March 8, 2020 are negative for COVID-19. The individual is now released from isolation and carrying on with daily activities.
As we are seeing across the New York State, Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) expects that numbers related to COVID-19 will continue to change on a regular basis. As of today, we have two persons under investigation (PUI) in Tompkins County. This means that the individuals were evaluated by a health care provider, samples were collected and sent to a lab to be tested for COVID-19, and the individuals were placed in isolation with daily monitoring by community health nurses. Going forward, TCHD will update numbers daily on the Health Department website.
As of 3:00pm on 3/10/2020 -
In Quarantine and being monitored: 42
Test Results Pending: 2
Confirmed Cases: 0
The health and well-being of our community is our top priority. TCHD is working closely with community partners to prevent and respond to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak. While there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York State (the most updated numbers are on the NYS Department of Health website), there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins County.
The best ways to protect yourself and slow the spread of illness are to take everyday actions - stay home if you are sick, cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or elbow, and wash your hands well and often. Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) continues to monitor and respond with guidance from NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public health response is focused on containment of the virus and preparation for community response.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Avoid handshakes and hugs, use an elbow bump instead.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website and posters are available for download on the TCHD website.
As always, if you develop symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or trouble breathing, contact your healthcare provider. Call ahead to explain your symptoms. As this situation evolves, TCHD will continue to send out updates and check the website for updates. Stay informed. Get updated information on COVID-19 at:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
NYS DOH: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Health webpage for the latest travel health notices at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
A hotline is available for New Yorkers to call for information about COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065.
For more information call the Health Department at 607-274-6604 or go to http://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirus.