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Saratoga County COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update March 19, 2020
Posted on: March 19, 2020 - 8:40pm

UPDATE: COVID-19 Information for Saratoga County  March 19, 2020

Ballston Spa, NY - The Saratoga County Department of Public Health continues to work diligently to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in the county.

There are 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County at this time. In some instances, the confirmed cases are family members living within the same residence.

Residents can enroll in the County’s CodeRED emergency notification system to receive updates from the county’s Emergency Management Team.
To enroll, follow this link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF26DE55718D

PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE AND ADVISORIES

Residents should adhere to guidance issued by the State of New York and the public health advisories issued by the Saratoga County Department of Public Health.

Saratoga County Department of Public Health Director Cathi Duncan reminds parents that children home from school should also refrain from congregating in groups and should follow the social distancing recommendations.

Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Director Dr. Michael Prezioso urges adults to remember that children have questions too. Parents and guardians should offer reassurance and answer questions in terms that young people will understand. Children will be looking to the adults in their lives to see how worried they should be, show them how to face challenges with courage, kindness and determination. 

Residents are also reminded that in order to be tested for COVID-19 an order is required from a medical doctor or healthcare provider. Guidelines related to testing criteria are changing as we learn more about the virus, please consult with your doctor to learn if you meet the criteria required for COVID-19 testing; if you do not have a healthcare provider you may call public health.  If an individual believes they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 they should contact their primary care physician ahead of time to make an appointment.

Residents who have been advised by their doctor to self-isolate and who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 should follow the directions of the doctor which should include: staying home on self-isolation; use a separate bathroom from household members; stay at least 6 feet away from other household members; rest and stay hydrated and refrain from having any visitors into the home.

If an individual has questions regarding COVID-19 they can contact the state Department of Health hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Saratoga County Emergency Management Team is seeking trained medical professionals to volunteer at the emergency operations center’s hotline. Volunteers will answer calls from residents with questions regarding COVID-19. Trained medical personnel include practicing or retired nurses, doctors, EMS or paramedic personnel.

The Emergency Management Team is also accepting donations of N95 masks and other medical supplies such as gloves, protective face masks, and medical gowns. Any individual or business with access to these resources is asked to call the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services.

SYMPTOMS AND AVOIDANCE

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: cough, fever, trouble breathing and pneumonia.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

Practice physical distancing and avoid handshakes.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available then 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.