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. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19; the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed. The virus is thought to spread

mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

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

COVID-19 Testing

Not everyone needs to be tested. Those who should be tested include:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
• People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.

If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider.

To find a testing site near you, visit https://www.cvph.org/Patients-and-Visitors/Patients/COVID-Testing or https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

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.