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COVID-19 Briefing: Nine new positives, 63 total, 50 in isolation, 87 in quarantine

By Howard B. Owens

New Cases

  • As of 2 p.m. today:
    • Genesee County received nine new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 63 positive cases
      • Eight of the individuals reside in the central part of the County and one individual resides in the eastern part of the county.
      • One individual is in their 20s, five individuals are in their 30s, one individual is in the 40s, one individual is in their 50s, and one individual is in their 60s.
      • Three of the new positive cases were under precautionary or mandatory quarantine when they became symptomatic.
  • Orleans County: 3 new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 24
    • 2 of the individuals reside in the central part of the County and one individual resides in the western part of the County.
    • One individual is in their 50’s, one individual is in their 30’s, and one individual is in their 90’s.
    • One of the Orleans positive cases were connected to a confirmed positive case and is in mandatory isolation.
  • 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.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans County online map of confirmed cases

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Passover / Holy Week / Easter Holiday

  • We understand this is generally a time of family gatherings, however the NYS on PAUSE guidance is still in effect and all gatherings of individuals of any size for any reasons are canceled or postponed until at least April 22. (Executive Order 202.10) Remember that any nonessential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are also canceled or postponed at this time. Many houses of worship have been live streaming their services which allows them to share their message and touch base with their congregations. As challenging as this is to do, especially over the holidays, it is vital everyone stay home. Consider celebrating with a phone call, or a social app so you can see one another and remember the life you may be saving by staying home could be one of your loved ones. This is temporary.
  • Because COVID-19 is circulating locally, we can’t stress enough how important social distancing is and that EVERYONE needs to take this seriously and stay home! It is your social and civic responsibility to protect yourselves and others.

The Use of Cloth Face Coverings

  • The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing or proper handwashing.
  • The cloth face cover should:
    • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
    • be secured with ties or ear loops
    • include multiple layers of fabric
    • allow for breathing without restriction
    • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
  • The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Mental Health

  • Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult. Below are resources that can help you connect to a professional that can help you through these challenging times:
    • Care + Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text "Talk" to 741741
    • New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling
    • Head Space: A mindfulness app called Headspace is offering some meditations to listen to for free to ease minds in such a stressful time.The app is free to download and includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help with the varying emotions you may be feeling. The app does include in-app purchases. https://www.headspace.com/covid-19

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