After seeing a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Madison County Health Department (MCDOH) distributed a press release reiterating the importance of the social distancing, wearing a facemask, and practicing good hygiene.
As of Oct. 15, Madison County had 24 active cases; 11 of the cases were associated with the colleges, while the rest were community members.
According to the MCDOH, the positivity rate for the month of October is currently at 0.8 percent, compared to 0.4 percent for the month of September and 0.5 percent for July and August.
“In September, Madison County had 35 positive cases overall, as of today we have already reached 29 new cases for the month of October,” the release said.
On the date of the press release, the MCDOH confirmed that an individual who visited the Yellow Brick Road in Chittenango on Oct. 11 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. tested positive.
On Oct. 14, the MCDOH announced that wastewater sample results collected from the wastewater treatment system serving the Village of Cazenovia recently tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the MCDOH, the presence of COVID-19 in wastewater can be an early indicator that cases of COVID-19 in the community may be increasing. Research has shown that non-infectious RNA (ribonucleic acid) from the virus that causes COVID-19 can be detected in wastewater as many as three to seven days before those infections lead to increases in case counts or hospitalizations. This information is being used by Madison County in conjunction with community case numbers and other COVID-19-related data to further inform decisions relating to the pandemic response.
The MCDOH stated that although an uptick is expected with the weather cooling down, more people back to work, and children back at school, it is important to remain vigilant.
“This is a reminder that we all have a part to play in keeping our community safe,” said Public Health Director Eric Faisst in the Oct. 15 press release. “The best way to combat this is by continuing to be cautious. Do not gather in large groups, wear a face covering when you are unable to maintain social distancing, and please practice good hygiene. We must continue to be smart about the spread of this virus.”
Residents are also encouraged to keep the group of people they interact with small and to stay home if they feel unwell, even if they believe it could just be a cold or seasonal allergies.
With the holidays approaching, community members are also asked to continue to limit their travel, particularly to other states. According to the MCDOH, the county has been seeing cases where individuals return home after coming into contact with someone who had COVID-19 while they were away.
Madison County has partnered with SUNY Upstate to hold COVID-19 diagnostic mobile testing clinics. The next test date is Oct. 22, 2020 in Cazenovia; another is scheduled for Oct. 29, 2020 in Wampsville. Free testing is available by appointment only to anyone interested. To set up an appointment, call 315-464-2582 and select option 0.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020
Location: Cazenovia Library, Lower Back Parking Lot, Riverside Drive (off Mill Street)
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2020
Location: 138 North Court Street, Madison County Complex Parking Lot
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Individuals who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and contact their doctor for guidance on testing. Those symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or difficulty breathing.
In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
For more information, visit madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19.
