BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 11 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19 and one has been deemed positive. This brings the total to 5,736 confirmed cases and 10 total deemed positive, 110 of which are currently active.
New York State guidelines state that school students and staff must be deemed positive after 48 hours if they are symptomatic and do not either get tested or receive an alternative diagnosis from their healthcare provider. Steuben County has extended the 48 hours to five days to allow for appropriate follow through with healthcare providers.
The individuals are residents of the:
· City of Corning (3)
· Town of Avoca
· Town of Bath
· Town of Howard (2)
· Town of Lindley (3)
· Village of Canisteo
· Village of Painted Post
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 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:
· Six individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive
· Two individuals are associated with the following schools: Corning-Painted Post High School and Corning-Painted Post Middle School
In addition, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:
· 3/9 – 3/11, 3/16 – Walmart in Painted Post
· 3/13 – Wegmans in Corning
Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:
· 0 – 9 years: 2
· 10 – 19 years: 3
· 20 – 29 years: 1
· 30 – 39 years: 3
· 40 – 49 years: 1
· 60 – 69 years: 1
· 70 – 79 years: 1
“Saint Patrick’s Day may lend to celebrations that spread more than just fun,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Please celebrate smartly tonight: limit gathering sizes, continue to social distance, wear your mask, and make sure to have a ride ready if you are drinking.”
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.
