CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus first detected in the Hubei Province in China in December 2019. With thousands of confirmed cases in China, the novel coronavirus has spread internationally to South Korea, Japan, Italy, and others, including the United States. International health organizations continue to learn more about this virus, including development of vaccines.
Washington County’s Departments of Public Health and Public Safety in conjunction with County Administration are continuing to work closely with our state and federal health agencies to monitor the spread of the disease and act decisively to ensure we are as prepared as possible to keep Washington County safe and healthy.
STAY UP TO DATE AND INFORMED
Washington County will be distributing a community update message via email as needed based on case activity, which will include updated COVID-19 information and statistics. If you’re interested in receiving the update message, sign up here.
CASE STATUS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Currently, our Washington County Public Health professionals continue monitoring a number local residents (statistics shown below) who either reported close contact with a subject testing positive for COVID-19 and quarantined, or were tested accordingly for COVID-19.
| COVID-19 CASES | PERSONS UNDER MONITORING |
| CONFIRMED | RECOVERED | DECEASED | ACTIVE | RELEASED |
| 2,853 | 2,794 | 38 | 59 | 10,959 |
Case Status data updated: 07/30/2020, 9:05 AM
*Privacy note: While we understand many in our communities would like to know more specific information about the COVID-19 positive patients and their locations, due to privacy regulations coupled with the county’s privacy policy, Washington County will not routinely release specific identifying information about patients (i.e., age, location) unless it aids in the Public Health investigation and identification of additional PUIs. Please remember, the identified PUIs and COVID-19 patients are under quarantine for 10 days from the date of exposure and are not out in the public. Public Health conducts a public health investigation on every COVID-19 positive patient and makes notification to those identified as having close personal contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.
NOTES ON RECENT CASE ACTIVITY
Since Tuesday's report, fourteen new COVID-19 + cases were added / processed, there were three new recoveries of active cases and three current cases are hospitalized. As our Public Health team has navigated the increase in new cases and case investigations over the last two days, we have identified three of the new cases with ties to other cases / investigations and the eleven remaining cases have no identified origin of exposure at this time. Of the fourteen new cases added, two have been fully vaccinated (both received the J&J), both of which are experiencing minor symptoms. Our Public Health team is strongly encouraging those who are not feeling well to STAY HOME and GET TESTED, limiting the potential of exposing others is critical to keeping the spread of the virus under control!
COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS - UPDATE
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY VACCINATION EVENTS AHEAD
In continuing our community vaccination efforts and access, our Washington County, NY Public Health Department, with support from our Washington County EMS Vaccination Team (led by Paramedics and members of the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, Inc and other county EMS agencies), will be holding additional vaccination events for the remainder of July. All of our community events are open to all age eligible by the vaccine type, appointments are preferred (to ensure availability of the vaccine), however walk-ins will be welcome.
- 07/30 - 4PM-6PM at Washington County Fair
- REGISTER BY PHONE @ (518)746-2400
- 07/31 - 9AM-12PM at Hicks Orchard in Granville
- REGISTER BY PHONE @ (518)746-2400
WHY GET VACCINATED?
Building defenses against COVID-19 in our communities is a team effort, each and every one of us is a key part of that defense and adds another layer of protection against COVID-19. Everyone (living or working in NYS) age 16 and over are eligible for vaccination today! Have questions about the vaccines themselves or the process? The AdCouncil has a great info site here with all the answers to help you decide which vaccine is right for you 👉 http://getvaccineanswers.org
HOMEBOUND? REGISTER FOR VACCINATION TODAY!
Our Public Health & EMS Vaccination Team members are also continuing to conduct Homebound vaccinations this week. To register for homebound vaccination through Washington County, go to our website here washingtoncountyny.gov/vaccineregistry
I WANT TO BE VACCINATED, WHAT CAN I DO?
County Public Health is only one of the many options available for access to vaccination (and many of the others receive larger allocations of vaccine than the counties), we encourage everyone in our communities to ensure you explore every available option if you want to be vaccinated!
For the latest information on the COVID-19 Vaccine and NYS Vaccine Distribution Program, check the state's website here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Our team at Washington County, NY Public Health Department remains committed to ensuring all those in our county who wish to be vaccinated can be vaccinated! The distribution of vaccine is an extensive process and will take a significant amount of time to get to everyone (approximately 14 weeks for those currently eligible), we are required to abide by the stipulations as set forth in the state's distribution program and are limited by supply. We encourage everyone to stay up to date, informed and be patient as we all work through these challenges together.
NYS COVID-19 "VACCINE TRACKER"
Governor Cuomo recently released a statewide system tracking delivery of vaccine by residency of the person(s) vaccinated. To view the date published by the state relative to vaccine distribution and delivery, you can view the Vaccine Tracker here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-tracker .
UPDATED "BREAKTHROUGH" COVID-19 CASE STATISTICS
Our Washington County, NY Public Health Department team continues to track our local COVID-19 vaccination statistics and monitor the "breakthrough" (COVID-19 + cases of those who are fully vaccinated) cases investigated within the county. As of this morning, the #nysvaccinetracker shows 31,947 people in Washington County have received the completed vaccine series, 33,516 have received at least one dose (or 54.6% of the population). To date, of the 31,947 fully vaccinated people in Washington County, investigative efforts have identified 22 breakthrough cases, in which a new positive COVID-19 case has been fully vaccinated. Of the 22 current breakthrough cases, two had been hospitalized related to COVID-19, the remainder experienced no or mild symptoms. Here's the "breakthrough" cases by vaccine:- 15 - Received Pfizer
- 6 - Received J&J (Janssen)
- 1 - Received Moderna
IS YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULT PENDING? QUARANTINE!
If you've been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting your results PLEASE ensure you remain quarantined until your results return! We have seen recent cases with preventable exposures of those who continued their daily routine without quarantining while awaiting results, which returned positive. Need info on how and where to get tested? We've got you covered here: http://bit.ly/COVIDTestFinder
SYMPTOMS
The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to areas of concern, contact your health provider by phone immediately.
COVID-19 TESTING SITES & INFORMATION
Testing sites for COVID-19 can be found by searching the state’s COVID-19 testing site here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
PREVENTION
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
- 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 and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
HOW YOU CAN HELP - VOLUNTEER & DONATION PROGRAM
PUBLIC / COMMUNITY INFORMATION
SPECIALIZED INFORMATION
CYBERSECURITY INFORMATION ON COVID-19
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.
CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.
