Your Partner for a Healthy Community
Frank Kruppa – Public Health Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 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: 3rd Positive Case of COVID-19 in Tompkins County
(Ithaca, NY – March 17, 2020) – The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) was notified of a third positive case of COVID-19. The individual has been in isolation since the samples were collected for testing. TCHD public health nurses have begun a contact investigation to determine if there were any additional exposures.
Testing for COVID-19 in Tompkins County has rapidly evolved over the last few days. On Monday, March 16, Cayuga Health System, in partnership with Tompkins County, has opened a drive-through screening facility to help divert patients from the emergency department, primary care offices, and urgent care facilities.
With the increase in screening, the number of pending test results for COVID-19 has significantly increased from yesterday. These numbers are reflected in the table below. TCHD will continue to update these numbers daily on the Health Department’s website.
Tompkins County
As of 03/17/20 at 5:00 pm by TCHD
Pending Test Results for COVID-19 69
Positive Test Results 3
Negative Test Results 35
In Quarantine, Monitored by TCHD 82
Released from Quarantine 35
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.
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.
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 update the website.
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.
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