Residents from towns of Hornellsviille, Bath test positive

BATH — The Steuben County Public Health Department Friday morning confirmed it has received notification that two residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

One resident from the Town of Hornellsville has tested positive for COVID-19, the county said. This is the second confirmed case in the county. During a press conference Friday afternoon, county officials said they were still gathering information from the individual to determine any public locations he/she may have visited.

The individual is currently being isolated and monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff is investigating and identifying close contacts of the confirmed case and any exposure risks. Individuals with exposure risk are currently being quarantined and monitored for symptoms. Steuben County Public Health will release information to the public as soon as further information about potential exposure sites becomes available.

In addition, the county previously announced earlier Friday morning that a Steuben County resident from the Town of Bath tested positive for COVID-19 overnight.

The individual is also currently being isolated and monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff is investigating and identifying close contacts of the confirmed case and any exposure risks.

"We have been preparing for cases of COVID-19 in Steuben County," stated Public Health Director Darlene Smith. "The best action that people can take is to stay home and limit contact with others to slow or stop the spread through the community. Please help us protect our vulnerable populations to limit the impact of COVID-19."

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms and are a close contact of a confirmed case or have recently traveled to an area where there are active cases of COVID-19 occurring, call your healthcare provider for instructions.

"It continues to be the case that it is time for action, not fear," said County Manager Jack Wheeler. "Residents should not panic at this time, and instead should continue social distancing and stay home unless absolutely necessary."

County Public Health continues to encourage all residents to take the following actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

– Stay home and practice social distancing; only leave your house for absolute necessities. Consider delivery options that are available for things that you need.

– Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

– Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

– Do not return to work until you have been fever free for 24 hours.

– Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue, and then throw the used tissue in the trash.

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as faucet handles, door knobs, countertops, etc.

– Monitor and treat any mild symptoms at home with over-the-counter medicine as appropriate. Call your healthcare provider for instructions if you have COVID-19-like symptoms: cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.