By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On April 3, the Madison County Health Department and Madison County Board of Supervisors provided residents with an update on the COVID-19 response during their weekly press briefing.
“In Madison County we continue to see a rise in the number of cases,” reported Public Health Director Eric Faisst. “However, on a positive note, we are also seeing a rise in the number of people who are actually recovering . . .”
At the time of the briefing, Madison County reported the following numbers:
486 patients tested
58 test results pending
351 negative tests
77 positive tests
30 patients recovered
170 individuals in quarantine
2 deaths
“You may be wondering why we see a higher number of cases here in Madison County compared to our neighboring counties, and I believe there is a couple of reasons for that,” said Faisst. “First and foremost, I think our health department, in concert with our health care provider system and local hospitals, has been aggressive in identifying individuals who have been exposed and individuals who have tested positive . . . [We also] continue to test more and more people. As a result, I think our numbers better reflect what is truly happening in our community.”
Faisst also stated that he believes the virus was present in the county before anyone realized it.
“Through our case investigations, we have identified several positive cases in connection to social gatherings and other events that occurred before the bans took place,” he said.
The public health director urged people to stay home, to practice social distancing when outside the home, to assume that they can come into contact with the disease wherever they go, and to continue proper cleaning and hand washing/sanitizing practices.
“I fully understand how challenging this is for us as a society where we are not used to having our social movements restricted, but it is and will continue to be the best defense against this disease,” Faisst said. “I ask that you stay home, help stop the spread [and] stay informed, so we can save lives.”
John Becker, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of refraining from gathering in large groups, noting that the sheriff’s office is now requesting that such gatherings be reported to 315-366-2311.
“We’ve had people who just aren’t listening, and you need to listen,” Becker said. “The next couple of weeks are critical.”
The chairman also clarified that non-essential employees are not to return to work until further notice.
“We have been getting some calls from people who say they are not an essential employee, but that their employer would like to reopen and is asking them to come to work,” Becker said. “I cannot emphasize enough that non-essential businesses should remain closed at this time. We understand that people want to get back to work, but we need to remain diligent and work on stopping the spread. The sooner we stop the spread, the quicker we will all get back to work.”
Lastly, Becker encouraged Madison County residents to donate part of their stimulus checks to struggling individuals and to support local business by ordering takeout/curbside pick-up, shopping online and buying gift cards.
For a list of Madison County small businesses that have taken creative approaches to serving the community during the pandemic, visit buymadisoncountyny.com/think-shop-buy-local-during-covid-19/.
All general, non-medical questions regarding COVID-19 should be directed to the new Madison County COVID-19 Hotline at 315-366-2770.
For more information about the novel Coronavirus, visit Madison County at madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19, call the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065, and visit CDC at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
