Hello Caroline Residents,
     I wanted to share just a few thoughts with you about the current situation we find ourselves in.
     There is a huge, continually-updated, almost overwhelming amount of information coming out. I think it would be counterproductive for me to try to add to that stream of information in real time. The shortest, easiest advice I can give about receiving accurate information is to check the Tompkins County Health Department website:     https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health    There you will find accurate, up-to-date information about much of what you  might want to know. Those who do not have internet access can call 211 to ask questions.
     I can help you try to find answers to your questions too. What I am doing myself is also looking on the Tompkins County Health Department website to try to find answers to the questions that I receive. You can reach me at dklein@tompkins-co.org.
     Beyond that, my personal advice is that the most important thing to do is keep our distance from each other. The next most important thing we can do is to keep our immune systems strong, as best we can. I think that means trying to get enough sleep, eat well, get outside to walk if you can, and de-stress as much as  possible.
     We will get through this. Stay well…        Dan Klein, Tompkins County Legislature
Dan Klein
Tompkins County Legislature, District 7
​

​LAST UPDATED: MARCH 22, 2020 1:00PM
What You Need to Know

• New York State on PAUSE: In New York we know that Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone.
• 100% of the workforce must stay home beginning Sunday, March 22 at 8PM, excluding essential services. 
• All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
• New York State has identified two million N95 masks for purchase and will send one million to New York City and 500,000 to Long Island.
• Department of Motor Vehicles offices are temporarily closed for in-office visits. Online transactions, including for license renewals, are still be available. License and permit expirations will be extended.
• Governor Cuomo is visiting four sites that have been identified by the Army Corps of Engineers for temporary hospitals.
• Enacting Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems 
  • Remain indoors
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise
  • Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature
  • Wear a mask in the company of others
  • Stay at least 6 feet from others
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
• All barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing salons, nail salons, hair removal services and related personal care services will be closed to the public effective Saturday, March 21 at 8:00PM.
• Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
• Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
• Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.  

 
Here is the main NYS page for Coronavirus information
 

​TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Your Partner for a Healthy Community
Frank Kruppa – Public Health Director
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
March 20, 2020
 
For media inquiries: Samantha Hillson, 607-274-6600, shillson@tompkins-co.org
For health inquiries: Community Health Services at 607-274-6604  
For general inquiries (non-medical): Call 2-1-1 or 877-211-8667
 
New York State Hotline for COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065
Health Advisory Update: Importance of Community Social Distancing
(Ithaca, NY – March 20, 2020) – The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is reinforcing the importance of social distancing for the community. Social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Community social distancing means:

• People should not gather in groups outside of their homes, with the exception of essential workers.
• Keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others.

·       Minimize in-person contact.
·       Limit all outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities that put you in close contact with people.
·       Social Distancing does not mean emotional isolation, check on friends, coworkers, neighbors through phone and text.
·       Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Those at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, including older adults, those who are immune-compromised, or have a chronic medical condition, especially heart or lung disease, and diabetes, should avoid in-person contact with others.

 
“As the number of positive cases increase, social distancing must continue to be a community effort – one in which everyone plays a part,” said Public Health Director, Frank Kruppa.
If you develop symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or trouble breathing, call your healthcare provider before seeking in-person medical care.
As this situation evolves, check the TCHD website for updates. Frequently Asked Questions are available here:  https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirusfaq
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 go to the Health Department website: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health.
Find us on Facebook @TompkinsPublicHealth and Twitter@TompkinsHealth.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
 
(Ithaca, NY) – Tompkins County is temporarily reducing its onsite workforce in compliance with an executive order issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.  On March 16 Cuomo ordered local governments to pare down workforces as the COVID-19 situation evolves.  This allows non-essential personnel to work from home or take leave.  These measures will reduce, temporarily, the County’s onsite workforce by 60%. 
 
Despite these reductions, the County is committed to maintaining critical services to the community and its residents.
 
“As we face the challenges of COVID-19, Tompkins County is committed to maintaining essential services for the community while, at the same time, maintaining the health and safety of the workforce.”  said Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino.  This reduction in the County’s workforce reporting for onsite work is a precautionary measure to slow the spread of COVID-19.
 
Changes to County related programs and services are as follows, and will be updated as needed:
 
Tompkins County Office for the Aging:

• All business will be conducted by phone. If you have an appointment or need services from the Office for the Aging, please call 607-274-5482. 
• We encourage visitors to call and schedule an appointment by phone and not to walk in unless absolutely necessary.  In the case that visitors do come to the office they will be greeted and asked to make an appointment.
• The Personal Emergency Response program medical monitoring will continue as usual and service inquiries will be addressed and prioritized on the phone.

 
Tompkins County Board of Elections:

• All Village elections originally scheduled for March 18th have been rescheduled to April 28th

 
Tompkins County Legislature:

• Legislature meetings as well as Committee meetings will be closed to in-person attendance by members of the public.  Legislators and staff can elect to participate remotely.  The public can listen in on the Legislature meetings by calling 646-558-8656 ID# 587 980 1385 and submit comments via email at legislature@tompkins-co.org
• All meetings of advisory boards, committees, and commissions will be suspended through the end of March

 
Tompkins County District Attorney:

• Will remain open during normal business hours with limited staffing
• Court system is open for essential matters only

 
Tompkins County Finance Department:

• Will be open 8:30-4:30 yet we strongly encourage utilizing online services

• If you need help with any services, please email: finance@tompkins-co.org or call Treasury 607-274-5543 or Accounting 607-274-5544
• Property Tax Payments may be completed online at www.xpress-pay.com Please email  for detailed instructions: finance@tompkins-co.org
• Residency certificates can be requested on line at https://lfweb.tompkins-co.org/Forms/TCCertOfResidency

 
Tompkins County Health Department:

• The following programs have been suspended:
  • MOMS
  • SafeCare
  • Immunizations
  • Healthy Neighborhoods Program
  • Early Intervention
  • Preschool Special Education Services
  • WIC will take appointments via phone call at 607-274-6630 through March 31st.  WIC will continue to provide benefits remotely.
  • Environmental Health will have limited public contact; electronic and phone communication is encouraged.
• The public is encouraged to call ahead with inquiries about services.

 
Tompkins County Mental Health Services:

• Clinic and PROS Services:

• Essential services will be provided over the phone. Crisis, medications, injections, payee, and intake services will be available by phone Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.  Please call 607-274-6200 for information
• Anyone that comes to the building will be asked a few questions pertaining to travel outside the country, if they have been exposed to someone known to be in quarantine or exposed to COVID-19, or if they have symptoms.  If they answer yes, they will be directed to seek the services of a medical provider and they will not be seen in the building.

• Care Management:

• Care Coordination will be available by telephone and offer the following:

• Increased telephone communication to assess for immediate needs
• Work with member’s providers in order to link/connect member’s to resources
• Provide necessary supports during this time

• Call the Care Management Unit at 607-274-6333

 
Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Will remain open to the public from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 
Department of Probation and Community Justice:

• Probation remains open for normal business and reporting with the exceptions of:
  • Day reporting program is closed
  • Community Service/SWAP has been suspended until further notice

 
Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office

• Administrative Offices, including the Civil and Records Division is closed
• The following functions have been suspended:

• Pistol permit transactions
• Sheriff Identifications
• Background Checks
• Civil payments (can mail certified check or money order to the Sheriff’s Office)
• Request for copies of reports – Please mail request with a copy of your government issued ID to the Sheriff’s Office.  In cover letter please include what records you are requesting, your mailing address, and a contact phone number

• All inmate visitation is suspended
• All group meetings are suspended for non-essential professional visitors

 
Tompkins County Department of Social Services:

• All business will be conducted by phone for the near future. For those with an appointment or needing services from the Department of Social Services, please contact your assigned worker or call 607-274-5345  
• TCDSS will be screening all visitors to the building.  People will be asked a few questions pertaining to travel outside the country, if they have been exposed to someone known to be in quarantine or exposed to COVID-19, or if they have symptoms. If people respond yes, they will be directed to seek advice from a medical provider, and they will not be seen in the building

 
Tompkins Workforce NY:

• Closed to the public. 
• Unemployment Insurance Claims: The State is working to alleviate the significant pressure the influx of unemployment claims has created on the workforce system.  Therefore, the New York State Department of Labor has just released a new schedule for individuals filing new Unemployment Insurance Claim by phone or web.  As a reminder the 7-day waiting period has been waived https://labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm
• The day you file is based on the first letter of your last name and filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of your claim.  Claims are effective on the Monday of the week of filing:

• A-F: Monday
• G-N: Tuesday
• O-Z: Wednesday
• If you missed a filing day, claim on Thursday or Friday

 
Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services

• No walk-ins.  Please call for an appointment, 607-274-5920

 
County Administration asks for the community’s patience during this challenging time.  It is advised that if community members need services provided by a department of the County, call in advance for availability.
 ​Geoff Dunn
Community Preparedness Coordinator
Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response
92 Brown Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-3888 - Office
(607) 266-2633 - Office, Direct
(607) 280-5953 -Cell
http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/doer
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 March 18, 2020
 For media inquiries: Samantha Hillson, 607-274-6600, shillson@tompkins-co.org
For health inquiries: Community Health Services at 607-274-6604  
For general inquiries (non-medical): Call 2-1-1 or 877-211-8667
New York State Hotline for COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065
Health Advisory Update: Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins County
(Ithaca, NY – March 18, 2020) – The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) was notified of additional positive cases of COVID-19 earlier today. The individuals have been in isolation since the samples were collected for testing. TCHD public health nurses are conducting contact investigations to determine if there were any additional exposures. Anyone who is identified as a close contact will be contacted and directed to self-quarantine.
The updated numbers for today are:
 
Pending test results: 93
Positive Test results: 6
Negative Test results: 46
Total Tested:146
Currently In Quarantine and Monitored by TCHD: 86
Released from Quarantine: 35
 
“We want to reinforce the importance of social distancing, stay home or at least 6 feet away from others. We need everyone’s help to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” states Public Health Director, Frank Kruppa.
 
TCHD will continue to update these numbers daily on the Health Department’s website. We will no longer send media releases about additional information regarding numbers or confirmed cases.
 
If you develop symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or trouble breathing, contact your healthcare provider. Call ahead to explain your symptoms.
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
For more information call the Health Department at 607-274-6604 or go to http://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirus.
Find us on Facebook @TompkinsPublicHealth and Twitter@TompkinsHealth.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Executive Order: Licensed Childcare Centers
 (Ithaca, NY – March 17, 2020) – County Administrator Jason Molino signed an Executive Order on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 requiring all licensed childcare facilities in Tompkins County to close Wednesday, March 18 to April 13, 2020. This decision was made in collaboration with the Tompkins County Health Department, Child Development Council, Human Services Coalition, and other community partners.
This action was taken to promote social distancing of individuals and protect those who are at higher risk in our community. Those at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 include older adults, those who are immune-compromised, or have a chronic medical condition, especially heart or lung disease, and diabetes.
Community members should continue to take these steps to slow the spread of disease remain the same: stay home if you are sick, cover your cough and sneeze, and wash your hands well and often.
If you develop symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or trouble breathing, call your healthcare provider before you go to the office.
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
Call 211 Tompkins/Cortland for general questions about COVID-19.
A hotline is available for New Yorkers to call for information about COVID-19: 1-888-364-3065.
For more information go to the Health Department website: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health. Frequently Asked Questions are here:  https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirusfaq
Find us on Facebook @TompkinsPublicHealth and Twitter@TompkinsHealth.
​