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Niagara County still free from the coronavirus, as DOH issues new update

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Tue, Mar 10th 2020 02:55 pm

Update on voluntary quarantine

By the Niagara County Department of Health

There are currently zero confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Niagara County. While the risk of COVID-19 in Niagara County is low, the Niagara County Department of Health continues to remain vigilant in ensuring community members are protected.

The Niagara County Department of Health continues to proactively work with partners to plan and prepare should a suspect case of COVID-19 arise locally and to protect from community spread of the illness.

Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton said, “One of the primary actions for the Department of Health at this time is quarantining individuals who meet the criteria for potential exposure. Today, we have seven individuals who are voluntary quarantined. Quarantine separates well, potentially exposed individuals for a specified time to ensure they do not develop symptoms or spread illness within their community.

“The number of quarantined individuals will continue to fluctuate as individuals complete their quarantine and when new potentially exposed individuals are identified. Quarantine is a precautionary measure to control and minimize illness in our communities.”

What You Can Do

While the Niagara County Department of Health continues to prepare, there are simple preventative actions one can do to help stop the spread of germs (that cause cold, flu and COVID-19, for example):

•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.

•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.

•Avoid close contact with sick people.

•Stay home when you are sick.

•Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

•Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

People At High Risk

•Older adults and persons of all ages who have severe chronic medical conditions (i.e. heart disease, diabetes, lung disease) seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. For these individuals, additional precautions should be taken:

√ Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.

√ Monitor food and other medical supplies needed and create a back-up plan.

√ Stock up on nonperishable food items to have on hand in home to minimize trips to the stores.

√ If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

√ For more information on people at high risk, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html.

If You Get Sick (or exposed to COVID-19)

•If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and/or you were in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the 14 days before you began to feel sick:

√ Stay home and call your doctor. Let them know about your symptoms and of any travel or COVID-19 exposure. If you do not have a doctor or are unable to speak with your doctor, call to speak with the facility before you go to an urgent care center or emergency department.

For general questions regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), call the New York novel coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

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