LIVE: Genesee/Orleans Weekly COVID-19 briefing

The briefing is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m. today:
  • Genesee County received 4 new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 21 positive cases;
  • One under the age of 65 residing in the central part of Genesee County;
  • Three under the age of 65 residing in the eastern part of Genesee County;
  • In Genesee County, the four positive cases were previously under mandatory quarantine and have tested positive. They are now under mandatory isolation at home;
  • Orleans County: three new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of nine;
  • All reside in the central part of Orleans County, one is over 65 and two are under 65;
  • One of the three is under isolation at the hospital and the other two are under mandatory isolation at home;
  • None of the Orleans positive cases were under precautionary or mandatory quarantine when they became symptomatic.
• Contact tracing has been initiated for all new cases. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms become present).
• If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the County Health Department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed if indicated. Limited information is provided to the public in compliance with HIPAA regulations and out of the respect of those impacted by this virus.
• When, and if, there is a situation where potential contact is made in a public location where contact tracing doesn’t have actual names we will send out a media announcement to help seek contacts

Cumulative Data

New mapping platform – will be updating daily during the week. Link will be available on our web sites. Monitor both and individual county or both along with current and total numbers

• Healthcare providers are advising patients undergoing swabbing that are symptomatic (based on availability and screening for high-risk) for COVID-19 to self-isolate until test results are received and COVID-19 is ruled out. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
• Due to test kit availability, we are not providing community testing at this time. We will be announcing further information on this as local capacity increases.

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• Be on the lookout for "GO Health Minutes." These short video clips will feature different guests within the health departments as well as legislative members, businesses, organizations and some of our neighbors to highlight important information pertaining to COVID-19. We will frequently be releasing new videos so be sure you are subscribed to our GO Health NY YouTube channel and check our websites and our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Social distancing must be practiced in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. This means canceling events such as parties, celebrations, and neighborhood gatherings where people congregate together.
• This also means that children and adults should not play contact sports.
• These are temporary requests that will help stop the spread of the virus so that we can resume normal activities.
• If you must go to the store, always maintain at least 6 feet of space between you and other people and wash hands frequently.
  • Stores are not to be utilized as a social event. It is important people limit their trips to the store, choose a designated shopper and if at all possible leave the children home. Keep a 6 foot distance between other shoppers.
  • Take out / food trucks are not a gathering place. Keep 6’ space between other customers.
• Please remain home if ill, even if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to continue to limit physical contact. Flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others.
• If you work with a vulnerable population, self-monitor prior to going to work, if you become sick while at work, contact your supervisor immediately and leave the premises to decrease the risk of contact with others. When not working, follow social distancing and limit time in public.
• Medical Concerns: If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. Swabbing will be based on those who are in higher risk categories – elderly and immune compromised and those with underlying health issues.
  • Swab sample results are coming back slower than expected – some are over a week or more. With more testing, we expect this will continue. Whenever anyone is swabbed for potential COVID-19, self-isolation is advised until the test result is back
• Older Adults:  Be alert for scams, including government grant scams. What to look for:
  • Do not accept unsolicited phone calls or e-mails from someone claiming to be an official from the Federal Grants Administration, which does not exist, or a nonprofit organization like the National Residential Improvement Association offering grands or funding for repairs.
  • Don’t click on social media messages or posts from people excited to share thousands of dollars, free grants, etc.
  • The scammers may try using utility companies to access your information. Contact the utility using the number you have on your monthly bill not what the potential scammers have given you.
  • Let calls you don’t recognize go to voice mail, most scams won’t leave a message, however, don’t return unsolicited calls.  Write down the number and check online or have someone check for you to make sure it is legitimate. If you are unsure, or if it sounds too good to be true, ignore it and talk with a family member, the Office for the Aging, the Better Business Bureau or your local police.

Asking that folks be respectful and accommodating of health care workers and responders. They are doing their job to protect you and our community. 

• Anxiety, Depression, Fear: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, fear about this outbreak call the Care + Crisis Helpline at 585-283-5200, text 741741 or call the NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 884-863-9314, they have trained listeners available 24/7 to help you through this.