Public Health News

News Flash

View All
  1. cat and ferret

    Rabies Clinic for Cats and Ferrets on September 1st: Registration Required

    Appointment-Only Rabies Clinic for Cats and Ferrets on Tuesday, September 1, from 6 pm to 7pm at the Shared Services Building in Watkins Glen. Registration due by August 28. Read on...
  2. Image of Coronavirus

    Daily COVID-19 Update for 08/13/2020

    Click here for the daily COVID-19 update. Read on...

To see the demographic breakdown for the positive COVID-19 cases in Schuyler County as of the 20th case click here. The decision to share this data now was made because the number of cases is sufficient to protect the privacy of the individuals. Please note, this data will only be updated every tenth case and some types of demographic information will not be released in order to protect the privacy of community members. Thank you for your understanding.

covid19 Opens in new window 

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation. Following guidance from the CDC and NYSDOH, we are working closely with County Administration, elected officials, and community partners, including Cayuga Health System and other healthcare providers. The health and well-being of our community is our top priority.

Travel Advisory

New York State has issued a travel advisory requiring all travelers from designated states to complete a traveler health form and self-quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to New York State. The travel advisory requires all New Yorkers, as well as those visiting from out of state, to take personal responsibility for complying with the advisory.

Those that arrive on flights will be given the form at the airport and are required to complete it prior to leaving the airport. Individuals who travel to New York via other means such as trains or cars, are asked to fill out the form online. 

Who Should Get Tested for COVID-19?

COVID-19 diagnostic testing is available to all New Yorkers as of July 1, 2020. Testing is encouraged for:

  • Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms including: Fever or chills; Cough; Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Fatigue; Muscle or body aches; Headache; New loss of taste or smell; Sore throat; Congestion or runny nose; Nausea or vomiting; and Diarrhea.
  • People under 21 with symptoms of Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome.
  • Anyone who came in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
  • Anyone who is an essential worker, even if they don’t have symptoms.
  • Anyone being screened prior to surgery or other procedure.

How Can Residents Get Tested for COVID-19?

To find testing sites that offer both diagnostic and antibody testing for COVID-19, you can click here to use New York State’s "Find a Test Site Near You" search tool. Check with your insurance provider and the testing site as some locations may charge a fee for testing. You can also:

  • Call your healthcare provider for instructions.
  • Visit the Cayuga Health System sampling site in Ithaca. You can learn more about the sampling site in Ithaca and register to attend by clicking here.
  • Call Schuyler Hospital at 607-535-8602. Schuyler Hospital is also offering COVID-19 testing for essential businesses. Businesses must pre-register by calling the Hospital at (607) 535-8639 extension 2718.
  • Make an appointment to attend one of the testing sites run by New York State that are free of charge. The closest testing sites providing free COVID-19 diagnostic tests are in Binghamton and Rochester. To make an appointment at one of these sites call 888-364-3065.

If you develop emergency warning signs of COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs may include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency.

Where can I find out more about COVID-19?

People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions

  • Looking for tips for older adults and individuals who are more likely to get seriously sick from COVID-19? Click here.
  • Are you pregnant or breastfeeding and have questions about COVID-19? View our fact sheet by clicking here.
  • Visit the CDC’s page for people who need to take extra precautions by clicking here.

Social Distancing and Staying Healthy

  • Looking for tips on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19? Click here.
  • We’ve all heard that we should wear our masks, wash our hands, social distance, and clean/disinfect surfaces, but have you wondered how these work together to slow the spread of COVID-19? Click here to find out.
  • Wondering what you need to know now that there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our community and the surrounding counties? Click here.
  • Want tips to protect your health when you go out to buy groceries or pick up other essential items? Click here.
  • Have questions about how to make your own mask or cloth face covering and how to wear one? Click here.
  • Feeling stressed or anxious? View our infographic for tips to take care of yourself and numbers you can call for support. Click here.
  • Wondering what activities you should avoid to help stop the spread? Click here.
  • Looking for tips on how to clean and disinfect your home? Click here.
  • Do you have to travel? Check out our fact sheet by clicking here.
  • Visit the CDC’s page on preventing getting sick by clicking here.
  • Visit the CDC’s page on daily life and coping by clicking here.

Reopening Information and Resources for Businesses, Facilities, and Community Organizations

  • Looking for a sign you can post to remind visitors to social distance and wear face covers? Click here.
  • Schuyler County is part of the Southern Tier region for reopening which also includes Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins. Businesses in each region will re-open in phases. For information about reopening, visit the New York State website by clicking here.
    • Eligibility for each reopening phase will be determined by health metrics measured for the whole Southern Tier. To see the regional monitoring dashboard, click here.
    • To use the New York State tool to determine whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, and the public health and safety standards your business needs to follow, click here.
  • For in-depth information and guidance from the CDC for businesses, schools, workplaces, and events, click here.
    • For the CDC Resuming Business Toolkit, click here.
    • For the FAQs for Businesses and Workplaces, click here.

Testing and Managing Symptoms

  • If you need testing, you can:
    • Call your healthcare provider for instructions.
    • Visit the Cayuga Health System sampling site in Ithaca. You can learn more about the sampling site in Ithaca and register to attend by clicking here.
    • Call Schuyler Hospital at 607-535-8602.
  • Have questions about what happens when a Schuyler County resident tests positive for COVID-19? Click here.
  • Did your healthcare provider recommend you manage your symptoms at home? Click here for tips.

More Resources

  • Visit the New York State Department of Health’s website found here
    • Find the New York State County by County Breakdown of Positive Cases by clicking here.
  • Call the New York State Department of Health 24/7 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website found here
  • Call Schuyler Hospital’s COVID-19 Hotline at 607-535-8602. Available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Call Guthrie’s COVID-19 Information Lines at: 
    • 844-357-2840
    • 800-836-1925
  • If you have something you want to report, you can contact the NYS PAUSE Task Force to file a complaint by visiting https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause or by calling 1-833-789-0470.

Working hand in hand with the community 

to prevent, promote and protect.

Last updated 07/28/20 dd