August 5, 2021
BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification of the death of an individual who had previously tested positive for COVID. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 191. The individual was a female resident of the Town of Corning who died at the age of 67. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the lady who has passed,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “We implore anyone who is able to be vaccinated do so as soon as possible while the highly infectious delta variant is circulating.”
The county health department also reports that they received notification that 12 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19 since Monday’s update. This brings the total to 7,026 confirmed cases, 37 of which are currently active.
The individuals are residents of the:
· City of Corning (2)
· Town of Corning (2)
· Town of Howard
· Town of Wayne
· Town of Wheeler
· Village of Bath (2)
· Village of Hammondsport
· Village of Riverside
· Village of South Corning
The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and any exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.
Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks.
The investigations indicate:
· One individual had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive
· Two individuals returned from travel outside New York State
· One individual is associated with William E. Severn Elementary School
The individuals reported visiting the following public locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:
· 7/27 – Gaffer Inn in Corning
· 7/28 – 7/30 – II-VI Photonics in Big Flats
· 7/29 – Atlas Brick Oven Pizzeria in Corning
· 7/29, 7/30 – Five Star Bank in Ovid
· 8/1 – Burger King in Corning
· 8/1 – Advance Auto Parts in Bath
Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:
· 0 – 9 years: 1
· 20 – 29 years: 1
· 30 – 39 years: 5
· 50 – 59 years: 2
· 60 – 69 years: 1
· 70 – 79 years: 1
· 80 – 89 years: 1
“Breakthrough cases have been in the news a lot lately,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “The available COVID-19 vaccines never claimed to be 100% effective at preventing infection, but are very effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death related to COVID. Because the delta variant is more contagious and produces more virus in the body more quickly, it still remains very important to get vaccinated, even if you have previously had COVID.”
All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.
For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.
