Upon review of recent death certificate data, the Steuben County Public Health Department is reporting the deaths of five individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 and had COVID listed as a cause of death on their death certificates.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 182. The demographics of the individuals are as follows:
• Female resident of Absolut Care Three Rivers, age 81
• Female resident of the City of Hornell, age 89
• Male resident of the Town of Bath, age 86
• Male resident of the Fred & Harriett Taylor Health Center, age 75
• Female resident of the Fred & Harriett Taylor Health Center, age 87
“We are very saddened to learn of even more Steuben deaths that were a result of COVID-19,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “A medical professional documented COVID-19 as being a contributing cause to these deaths, which is why they are being reported at this time.”
The Steuben County Public Health Department also reports that they received notification that 12 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 6,595 confirmed cases, 141 of which are currently active.
The individuals are residents of the:
• City of Hornell (3)
• Town of Avoca (2)
• Town of Bath
• Town of Prattsburgh (2)
• Town of Urbana
• Town of Wheeler
• Village of Addison
• Village of Canisteo
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:
• Four individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive
• One individual is associated with T&R Towing
• Two individuals are associated with Prattsburgh Central
The individuals reported visiting the following public locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:
• 4/28 – 4/30 – Dyco Manufacturing in Hornell
• 4/28, 4/30 – 5/2 – Kwik Fill on W. Morris St. in Bath
• 5/1 – Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant in Horseheads
• 5/2 – First Presbyterian Church in Cohocton
Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:
• 0 – 9 years: 1
• 10 – 19 years: 2
• 20 – 29 years: 2
• 40 – 49 years: 2
• 50 – 59 years: 4
• 70 – 79 years: 1
“Right now cases remain higher in students and through schools,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “It is expected that Pfizer will be approved for use in those 12 years and older as early as next week. We highly encourage parents to add the COVID vaccine to their student’s school vaccination schedule to keep them protected and to slow the spread in the community.”
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.
