Madison County Health Department releases a message to the Town and Village of Hamilton. (Link to Hamilton Mayor Statement)
“We understand that recent events in Hamilton regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have many people in the community concerned,” said Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst. “Please rest assured we are doing everything we can to protect the community as a whole.”
On Sunday, March 23, 2020, the Health Department was notified of a fourth positive test result, that of an individual who passed away recently and was tested for COVID-19. The individual was a resident of Hamilton, was elderly, and had underlying health issues. The Health Department has conducted a thorough interview with individuals that were close to the deceased and has contacted them about possible exposure, the need to self-quarantine, and placed several people into mandatory quarantine. Quarantine is for individuals who are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath). Please keep in mind that COVID-19 is transmitted through close personal contact. It is through contact investigations that the Health Department can identify those that were in close contact, and ensure that they are quarantined in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
“The news of the death of a Hamilton resident impacts us all as a community,” said Faisst. “We are saddened by the person’s passing, by the fact that this virus has touched our community in this way, and we are concerned about the spread of the virus. That, in combination with learning of a positive test result from an out-of-state student at Colgate University, has the community as a whole asking a lot of questions. We can stop this together by working together. The decision each of us makes now will impact us all tomorrow and beyond. Stay Home.”
The Health Department would like to remind residents to practice social distancing and good hygiene. Those are our only defenses against this virus. Do not go out in public unless you have to. Remember, you can get it, and you can transmit it. The best defense is limiting the amount of people you are exposed to, if not for yourself then for others. Avoid visits with friends and family, do not hold meetings of any kind unless virtual. Keep six feet of distance from others in public and cancel unnecessary travel plans.
If you are sick or feeling mildly ill, please stay home and monitor your symptoms. Call your primary healthcare provider if you have any questions or, if you do not have a healthcare provider, please contact the Upstate University Hospital Triage Line at 315-464-3979. Please do not go directly to the Emergency Room or your health care provider without calling ahead. If you develop emergency warning signs (e.g. difficult breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face), get medical attention immediately.
At this time, local health officials are following NYS Department of Health recommendations to focus on only testing the people with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) that fall into one of these categories:
- Has come into close contact (same office, classroom, gatherings) of another person known to be positive; or
- Has traveled to a country that the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice; or
- Is currently under quarantine; or
- Has already tested negative for other types of infections (rapid flu tests, respiratory panel).
*CDC Travel Health Notice: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Only residents who meet one of the above testing criteria should contact their healthcare provider to get tested. This will allow healthcare providers and the Health Department to focus on the residents with the most need.
What can I do to prevent spread of germs?
- Practice social distancing – avoid get-togethers with friends and family, and unnecessary trips to public places
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects in the household common areas (i.e. tables, doorknobs, light switches, remotes).
o For more information about disinfection methods and products: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html
Stay informed.
For more information about the novel Coronavirus, visit Madison County at https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19, call the New York State Coronavirus Hotline 1-888-364-3065, and visit CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
