– The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that two additional Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19 since Saturday. This brings the total to 327 confirmed cases, six of which are currently active. The individuals are residents of the:
• Town of Wayland
• Village of Canisteo
Steuben County Public Health also became aware when officials went to visit a positive reported last week that they no longer reside in Steuben County as was indicated on their test results. The case, originally listed from the Town of Rathbone, is no longer counted in Steuben’s case count and has been transferred to Chemung County where the individual moved before being tested.
The positive individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and 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 the individuals visited the following locations within the timeframe:
• 8/23/20 – 8/26 20 – Wegmans in Hornell
• 8/23/20 – 8/26/20 – Walmart in Hornell
• 8/23/20 – 8/26/ 20 – Canisteo Shurfine
• 8/26/20 – Letchworth State Park
• 8/28/20 Dinner – Village Café in Arkport
• 8/29/20 – Hornell Gardens
“We have seen individuals who are very ill and those who have mild or no symptoms test positive for COVID-19,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “We can pinpoint exactly where some cases are likely to have gotten COVID-19, and we have had cases where the investigation yields very little answers about initial exposure. COVID-19 is still present in the community, and that is why we are still following prevention strategies to keep the spread low. Be prepared for sustained mask wearing, social distancing, and limitations on gatherings to help protect those who are most at risk.”
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.
