COVID-19

COVID-19 (Sars-CoV-2) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person-to-person, also known as a communicable disease. 

The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). It spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

COVID-19 can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
 

COVID-19 Vaccine

Please visit our "COVID-19 Vaccine" Webpage for more information about COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine availability.

COVID-19 Testing

 Who should get tested for current infection? 

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
• People who are prioritized for community screening for COVID-19.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.
• Testing may also be required for travel, including to Canada.  Review the latest travel guidance for your destination before leaving home.  The most up-to-date information for travel to Canada can be accessed here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html. 

Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others while you wait for your test results. Follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.

How do I get tested for current COVID-19 infection? 

• Symptomatic individuals (those who have one or more symptom of COVID-19) should be under the care of a medical professional.

  • Individuals should contact their primary care provider to seek testing.

  • Individuals who do not have a primary care provider should contact a local Urgi-Care center or hospital.

• Asymptomatic individuals (those without symptoms) who are seeking testing due to an exposure to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or Urgi-Care center for testing.
• Individuals who do not have health insurance and/or a primary care provider can contact CCHD for testing assistance at 518-565-4848.

  To search for a COVID-19 testing site near you, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

 For a list of testing providers in our area, Click here.

 Protect Yourself & Others

• Stay home if you are sick. Separate yourself from others, monitor your symptoms, and contact your healthcare provider.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Everyone (ages 2 and older) should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• Practice physical distancing. Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. Do not gather in groups and stay out of crowded places.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often. Click here for a list of EPA-registered products.
• Take care of your mental health. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Click here to learn more about coping with stress. 

Questions?

• If you have questions specific to COVID-19, please call the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
• For questions specific to our community, call CCHD at 518-565-4840 or email health@clintoncountygov.com.

Please refer to the Info Bar for links to other COVID-19 resources.                                                       Last updated 08/17/2021