OSWEGO, NY – Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup announced this afternoon, March 25, that a fourth Oswego County resident has tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus.
The patient is between the ages of 40 and 50.
None of the Oswego County cases are in the same community.
Health officials said everyone should be practicing preventive habits, including frequent hand-washing and social distancing, regardless of where they live in Oswego County.
“The investigation is ongoing. We are working closely with the state health department to identify and notify any patient contacts,” said Diane Oldenburg, Senior Public Health Educator.
As of 4:30 p.m. today, the health department reported 190 people have been tested for COVID-19; 4 positive cases; 119 negative results; 67 pending results; 12 people in mandatory isolation or quarantine, and 76 in precautionary quarantine.
“We realize that many of you are concerned because the county has not identified the city, town or village where positive cases are located. While geographically our county is large, our communities are small and tight knit. In many cases, the process of elimination could quickly be applied to single out who the individual might be,” said Legislature Chairman Weatherup. “This decision was made to protect the health, safety and privacy of all involved. There may be a time when it will be beneficial to our protective measures to do so identify the city, town or village.”
Based on consultation with our medical and emergency response teams, we don’t feel we are at that point yet.
“I want to reinforce that the County Health Department is following the proper medical procedures to isolate, monitor and assist infected individuals,” said Legislature Chairman Weatherup. “No matter where you live in Oswego County, all residents should stay at home as much as possible. When out in the community, everyone should be adhering to social distancing practices, including standing six feet away from others.”
Anyone who has traveled to areas where COVID-19 is prevalent, such as New York City, Westchester County, Seattle, China, Iran, Japan, South Korea or Europe, or who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and who has a fever or cough, should call their doctor. If you do not have a doctor and you meet these criteria, call the county Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 315-349-3330. Oswego County plans to post informational videos at 4:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These videos will highlight various COVID-19 topics, will be available on the county’s COVID-19 YouTube playlist, and are also linked to the COVID-19 webpage at health.oswegocounty.com/covid-19.
For more information about coronavirus, visit the webpage or call the Oswego County Health Department COVID-19 hotline at 315-349-3330 or the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364- 3065.
People are encouraged to:
– Stay home as much as possible.
– Avoid non-essential gatherings of all types.
– Keep six feet from other people.
– Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Get a flu shot.
– Stay home if you are sick.
– Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
– Call your healthcare provider from home if you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
– Do not go to urgent care or an emergency department unless you are experiencing life-threatening conditions.